Arita, Imari & Karatsu

[David R.]

Hello everyone and best wishes for 2012 !

I am planning a trip to Japan at the end of the month, lucky me... I'll spend 2 weeks in Kyushu. So I was wondering if anyone had good addresses in the towns of Arita, Imari and Karatsu as I will certainly go there for obvious reasons (I am a teaware geek ! ).

I will also spend a week in Kyoto, where I will be looking for Kyoto porcelain places among other things (Kaikado, Raku, Uji...)

Thanks in advance.

[Chip]

Sounds great, David!!! Kyushu would definitely be on my personal short list of places to visit.

I hope you are able to take a lot of photos and will share them with us.

I often hear that a lot of the teaware producing locations are not always the best places to buy since they can be geared towards the tourist trade and can sell wares at inflated prices compared to other areas in Japan (and China).

I would think that it would be helpful having someone in the know and who knows the language would help prevent this.

[David R.]

I know what you mean. Last time I spent a couple of days in Hagi and found nearly nothing interesting there, while I literally filled up my suit case with Hagi ware in Tottori. It was quite a nice stay though.

I don't have very high expectations about finding great things to buy there, but I really look forward to visiting some museums and yes, take pictures of course !

[betta]

Would recommend you to visit Kyoto Teramachi, where you will find Kiyomizu ware shops, porcelain shops and traditional food. There're couple of large shopping mall also near this location, worth visiting.

The second one is a souvenir mall. Can't remember the name, but it is introduced in tourist guide handout and local people know it for sure. There're numerous teawares from all over Japan offered at the same price for domestic consumer in this mall.

[MarshalN]

I think here is a case where my "Longjing rule" would apply, as your experience with Hagi attests -- your best bet is probably go to a big city where they sell such things, and avoid the actual towns that produce the wares (aside from taking a look around), because those are places that have much less interesting things to sell. The best pieces aren't going to be sold to you as a traveling tourist in those places. If you're going to Kyushu, perhaps some time in Fukuoka will be worthwhile for purchases.

More on this point:
http://www.marshaln.com/2011/12/the-longjing-rule/

[rdl]

I know what you mean. Last time I spent a couple of days in Hagi and found nearly nothing interesting there, while I literally filled up my suit case with Hagi ware in Tottori. It was quite a nice stay though.

I don't have very high expectations about finding great things to buy there, but I really look forward to visiting some museums and yes, take pictures of course !

i had a very different visit in hagi. although the n.y. times and Robert Yellin go straight down the road to the famous potters and boutiques, the local shops and other potters have incredible pieces. you just have to avoid the shops where the japanese are brought to on on their tourist buses - some have nice handmade work but others sell factory pieces that are for everyday home use in the kitchen.
maybe contacting the Karatsu Pottery Association would help locate shops or kilns.
but mostly i am curious where in tottori you purchased your hagiyaki. did you mean tottori city?
have a great trip!

[David R.]

Thanks. I know that if I only walk the main streets of Imari or Karatsu it is not likely that I'll find anything interesting. One has to know someone who knows or who knows someone... That's why I am asking you I may go to Fukuoka as well, so I'll see.

Anyway, going there will still be a pleasure even without finding the nicest teaware to buy.

The place in Tottori I was referring to is the Magokorodo vault, a place I shall have the chance to visit once again during this trip.

Would recommend you to visit Kyoto Teramachi, where you will find Kiyomizu ware shops, porcelain shops and traditional food. There're couple of large shopping mall also near this location, worth visiting.

I will ! I love walking Teramachi-dori. So many beautiful things...

The second one is a souvenir mall. Can't remember the name, but it is introduced in tourist guide handout and local people know it for sure. There're numerous teawares from all over Japan offered at the same price for domestic consumer in this mall.

Maybe the Handcraft center ?

[rdl]

I may go to Fukuoka as well, so I'll see.

sorry i don't know of any yakimono recommendations for Kyushu, but to visit sites, if you can go to Dazaifu,
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4850.html
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4853.html
there is a lot to see, especially Komyozenji Temple, and a small temple nearby that may not be open but just next to it is a small, unattractive concrete museum filled with an incredible collection of statues (i won't spoil the effect this small one room museum has).
i also wanted to mention that even if you have a name of a kyushu potter, that is enough to find someone to help you get in touch to visit or purchase their work. once you show an interest, an appreciation, i've found you're greeted warmly.

[David R.]

Many thanks for these links and advices.