Access: The representative production area for Bizen Pottery is the Imbe district of Bizen City, located in southeastern Okayama Prefecture, where there is a concentration of Bizen Pottery artists' studios and pottery stores.
To get to the Imbe area, take the Ako Line from JR Okayama Station for about 40 minutes and get off at JR Imbe Station.

First, I would like to introduce the inside of the Bizen Pottery Museum, where I had the opportunity to experience pottery making.
The Bizen Pottery Traditional Industry Hall, which includes the JR Imbe Station Building, has a tourist information center on the first floor, exhibits and sells the works of artists and potters who are members of the Bizen Pottery cooperative on the second floor.

This is a general lab. It can accommodate a large group of people, but since it was just my friend and I, we experienced it in a bit smaller room.

Even though it is a small room, it can probably accommodate eight students for the experience.
First, dumpling clay is crushed to form the base.

It was difficult because it was my first time. The teacher did the first hard step and I made it from the time the center comes out. (The center is the middle of the pottery, where I put my two thumbs).

At first, it was hard to make it the way I wanted, but I felt like I got a little better at it as we went through it more times, lol.

Next, I followed the teacher's instructions to create the shape. It was so interesting that I lost track of time and got absorbed in it!

In Bizen City, I also visited other stores. This is a store called Tokichi. It is a very stylish store.

Various types of Bizen ware, from tableware for daily use to rare pieces and slightly unique sundries and ornaments, are available at reasonable prices. For example, this cup costs 3,300 yen (including tax).

And since I went all the way to Bizen City, I would like to recommend one more place to you.

It is Hinase Port. It is a place where you can talk with friends while looking at the sea surrounded by nature and enjoy the peaceful time. It takes 17 minutes from JR Imbe station to Hinase station, and from there it is a 10-minute walk

Another 5-minute walk will take you to Villa Stella. Here, you can enjoy BBQ, hot springs, and a cruising experience, which has recently become popular.
I ordered only the 2,000 yen lunch course because I was planning to experience pottery making in the afternoon.
I felt like I was on a trip and was able to look around at the scenery as I slowly took my turn and enjoyed my course of food. Also, seeing all of you enjoying the jet skis was kind of fun for me too! It was like if I had the chance, I would like to try it.

If you all have a chance to visit Hinase Town, please try the various activities.

Reference: Villa Stella

Reporter: Nguyen Thi Ngoc Anh

More information (Japanese)