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Ceramics, Sushi and Sightseeing!
The Six Ancient Kilns -February 15th - 28th, 2026
FEBRUARY 15TH - Fly to Osaka, Japan on
Febraury 16th - at KIX, Kansai in Osaka, Hotel at Airport, relax
Febraury 16th - at KIX, Kansai in Osaka, Hotel at Airport, relax
Fly from your home airport to KIX, Kansai Airport in Osaka, Japan. Usually, you'll land the following day due to the time change.
Febraury 16th - at KIX, Kansai in Osaka, Hotel at Airport, relax
Febraury 16th - at KIX, Kansai in Osaka, Hotel at Airport, relax
Febraury 16th - at KIX, Kansai in Osaka, Hotel at Airport, relax
Stay at the 5-star Nikko hotel at the KIX airport, just a walk away. Sheri will meet you when you arrive in Osaka.
February 17th - Osaka Tour
Febraury 16th - at KIX, Kansai in Osaka, Hotel at Airport, relax
February 18th - Nagoya/Tajimi
Guided tour of some unique places in Osaka, like this historical knife making studio, the Rikyu Museum, Oriental Ceramics Museum and more! Travel to Nagoya tonight.
February 18th - Nagoya/Tajimi
February 20th - Nagoya/Tokoname
February 18th - Nagoya/Tajimi
Travel by charter bus to Tajimi home to Mino-yaki, or Minoware. Visit the Aoyama studio, the Mino Ceramics Park, and the Museum of Modern Ceramic Art.
February 19th - Nagoya/Seto
February 20th - Nagoya/Tokoname
February 20th - Nagoya/Tokoname
Charter bus tour of Seto. See the Seto-gura Ceramics Museum, a studio visit, and the Manekineko museum, the Blue and White museum,
February 20th - Nagoya/Tokoname
February 20th - Nagoya/Tokoname
February 20th - Nagoya/Tokoname
Another day-trip from Nagoya to Tokoname, home of the Pottery Footpath. See the Inax Museums, Terracotta Museum and the Tokoname Tou no Mori Museum,
February 21st - Kyoto
February 22nd - Kyoto/Shigaraki
February 22nd - Kyoto/Shigaraki
Travel to Kyoto today by bullet train. We'll drop off our luggage at the hotel, then go to the Toji Market. Free time to shop vintage Japanese items, food, spices, clothing, etc.
February 22nd - Kyoto/Shigaraki
February 22nd - Kyoto/Shigaraki
February 22nd - Kyoto/Shigaraki
Day-trip by charter bus to Shigaraki. Meet three different potters, like Takahashi Rakusai, above, and tour their studios. Visit the Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Center.
February 23rd Kyoto
February 22nd - Kyoto/Shigaraki
February 24th - Kyoto/Echizen
Today, we'll take a tour of Kyoto with Seita, taking in gorgeous sites: Kiyomizudera Temple, (above), Kyoto Ceramics Center, the Raku Museum, and the Robert Yellin Ceramics Gallery.
February 24th - Kyoto/Echizen
February 24th - Kyoto/Echizen
February 24th - Kyoto/Echizen
Day trip to the pottery town of Echizen by charter bus, another one of the six ancient kilns. We'll see the Echizen Old Kiln Museum, Uichiro Oya at the Furaigama kiln (above), and the Echizen Pottery Museum.
February 25th - Kyoto/Tamba
February 24th - Kyoto/Echizen
February 25th - Kyoto/Tamba
Day trip to Tamba by charter bus. Visit the Hyogo Ceramics Museum, the Sue No Sato Ceramics Park, Toshihiko-gama (above), and Shoyo-gama studios.
February 26th - Kyoto
February 24th - Kyoto/Echizen
February 25th - Kyoto/Tamba
Today, we'll tour Kyoto again, seeing iconic sites including the Nishiki Market, the Kinkaku-ji or Golden Pavilion and the Ryoan-ji Zen Garden.
February 27th - Kyoto/Bizen
February 27th - Kyoto/Bizen
February 27th - Kyoto/Bizen
We'll go to the sixth of Japan's six ancient kilns today: Bizen! We'll visit various pottery stores and galleries, and see a few studios, including the So Isezaki, (above). Most of the work is unglazed and decorated by the flame in their wood-fired kilns.
February 28th - Tour Ends
February 27th - Kyoto/Bizen
February 27th - Kyoto/Bizen
We'll take the "Hello Kitty" train directly to the airport in Osaka. Travel back home from the KIX airport. You can also opt to stay in Japan longer on your own if you want, now that you're an experienced Japan traveler!
Great Opportunity!
February 27th - Kyoto/Bizen
Great Opportunity!
Japan is amazing, and you'll treasure your photos and all the beautiful things you bought! The food is over the top! It's beautiful and delicious! The people are extraordinarily kind. You'll miss Japan when you're back!
Information
Additional Information
Tour price: $5,700, includes:
- All accommodations in Japan - single rooms same price as doubles! You'll have your own room unless you choose to share it with a spouse or anyone else.
- All transportation in Japan - train tickets, charter busses, etc.
- All planned activities: museum fees, other entrance fees, workshops, etc.
- Daily breakfasts and a few lunches
- Does not include airfare.
We'll have wonderful tour guides on most days. They are extremely kind and knowledgeable.
Upon registration, you'll receive a lot of information about Japan, and what to expect, pack, and tips for an incredible experience. You'll receive a detailed itinerary and informational handouts. The above itinerary is subject to change as it's still in the planning stages.
Contact Sheri Leigh below if you'd like more information.
A $100 non-refundable deposit will be requested at that time. The balance will be due three months prior to the trip, by November 2025, and is non-refundable after that date.
More info
Group size
Maximum group size is 18 and minimum is 6. For people age 20 and up. You don't have to be a potter, you just have to love pottery! Travel with like minded people, make new friends!
Mobility
This trip is not recommended for individuals with mobility issues or with physical fitness limitations. We'll be walking a lot every day, and hopping on and off public and private transportation, sometimes with our luggage. Some days we'll be walking several miles, not all at once, but throughout the day.
Weather
February is cool in Japan, but usually above freezing; lows around 36 and highs around 50. It's a great time to visit as it's not too crowded at iconic tourist sites.
Shoes
Pack comfortable shoes that you can easily take off and put on, as some places we visit will ask you to take off your shoes. We'll be on our feet a lot, so think comfort!
happy to answer questions
Sheri Leigh O'Connor is a professor emerita who has been taking groups to Japan for over a decade and has been to Japan nearly 40 times. She provides a lot of information and loves helping people with any questions that they may have. Please don't hesitate to get in touch with any issues or questions.