Stroll through hills dotted with pottery works. Walk while searching for Shigaraki ware outdoor objects
About this spot
A prefectural cultural park themed on pottery arts, sprawling across approximately 40 hectares of Shigaraki's hilly terrain. Since its opening in 1990, it has been known as a base for artist-in-residence programs where ceramic artists from around the world stay and create, becoming a hub for promoting Shigaraki's pottery culture. The main attraction is the strolling area with Shigaraki ware and contemporary ceramic artworks scattered across grassy hills. As you walk the hills discovering what artwork comes next, you experience the feeling of visiting an outdoor museum. The park includes a Pottery Hall (art museum) hosting contemporary ceramics exhibitions and an industry exhibition hall for Shigaraki ware, offering plenty to see. Free admission and expansive views of Shigaraki's town and mountain ridges from the open hills provide perfect refreshment for eyes and spirit after the pottery-making experience.
Tips
About 20 minutes walk from Shigaraki Kogen Railway's Shigaraki Station, or about 5 minutes by car from Shigaraki IC with free parking. The park features rolling hills and sloped grassland, so comfortable sneakers are recommended. Admission is free, but viewing the Pottery Hall's (art museum's) exhibitions requires a separate admission fee. The industry exhibition hall has a Shigaraki ware shop, useful for previewing vessel selections.
Best time to visit
Allow approximately 1 hour. Afternoon's soft light is pleasant for wandering outdoor sculptures.
Access & map
529-1804 Shiga Prefecture, Koka City, Shigaraki Town, Chokushi 2188-7
Model course featuring this spot
Shigaraki: A Journey Through Tanuki and Pottery Art
Shiga
Explore features & model courses
Like this spot? Sign up free to save it to your own booklet as a plan or a want-to-go.