FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Reservations & Payments
Q. How do I make a reservation?
A. Please complete the Preliminary Booking Form on our website. After reviewing your preferred dates and course options, we will confirm availability and send payment instructions.
A reservation is confirmed when a 10% deposit has been received.
Q. When do I pay the remaining balance?
A. The remaining balance is invoiced 60 days before check-in and should be paid no later than 30 days before arrival.
Q. What payment methods do you accept?
A. We currently accept Credit Card, Wise, and PayPal.
Q. What is your cancellation policy?
A.
• The deposit is non-refundable.
• Cancellations made 14–1 days before check-in incur a 50% charge.
• Same-day cancellations and no-shows incur a 100% charge.
Q. Can I change my reservation dates?
A. Yes. If your travel plans are affected by flight delays or unexpected circumstances, we will do our best to accommodate a change of dates at no additional charge.
Q. Why are some dates not available for immediate booking?
A. To maintain flexibility for existing students and accommodate schedule changes, not all available places are released at the same time. Additional places may become available throughout the year.
Q. How far in advance can I make a reservation?
A. Reservations are accepted up to 18 months in advance.
2. Accommodation & Daily Life
Q. Is accommodation provided?
A. Yes. Participants stay in private apartments. You will never be asked to share accommodation with strangers.
Q. Can friends or family stay with me?
A. Please contact us in advance. Depending on availability and apartment capacity, additional guests may be possible.
Q. Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
A. Meals are based on traditional Japanese home cooking and may include fish-based dashi (broth).
Personal preferences, allergies, vegetarian diets, pescatarian diets, and medical dietary requirements can often be accommodated to a reasonable extent. Please discuss any dietary requirements with us before booking.
Because meals are prepared in a normal family kitchen, we cannot guarantee the complete elimination of allergens or cross-contamination.
Sharing meals around the same table is an important part of the retreat experience, so individual meal arrangements may be limited.
Guests with strict dietary requirements may find it more comfortable to prepare some meals themselves using the apartment kitchen.
Q. What happens during the summer break?
A. From 2027 onward, both the studio and accommodation will be closed during the summer break.
Classes will not be held, and the private apartments will not be available during this period.
If your course dates are close to the summer break, please plan your arrival and departure accordingly.
Q. What happens during the winter break?
A. The studio and apartments are closed during the winter break for maintenance and annual holidays.
3. Courses & Training
Q. Are the courses suitable for beginners?
A. Yes. All programs are suitable for beginners through advanced potters.
Q. What techniques can I learn?
A. Programs include Kizeto, Hikidashi-guro, Ko-sometsuke, Ash Glaze, Natural Ash Effects, Wood-Firing, and Anagama firing (seasonal).
Q. Can I study more than one technique?
A. Yes. Most participants explore multiple techniques during their stay.
Q. How many participants are there?
A. To maintain a high level of instruction, the studio accepts a maximum of six participants at one time.
Q. What is a self-study day?
A. Saturdays are self-study days.
The studio remains open, and participants are free to continue their work independently.
Instructors will check in periodically and provide guidance when needed, but continuous instruction is not provided throughout the day.
This allows participants to work at their own pace and deepen their practice.
Q. When is the Anagama course held?
A. The Anagama course is typically held twice per year.
Spring firing: April–May
Winter firing: November–December
Dates may vary slightly from year to year. Please check the Availability page for current schedules.
Q. What is the difference between the Anagama Course and the Wood-Fired Kiln Upgrade?
A. Both options use wood as the fuel source, but the scale and experience are quite different.
The Anagama Course uses a large traditional cave kiln and includes kiln preparation, loading, wood splitting, firing, and unloading. It is offered only during seasonal firings.
The Wood-Fired Kiln Upgrade uses a smaller modern wood-fired kiln and is designed for participants who would like to experience natural ash effects and wood firing without joining the full Anagama course.
Both options produce unique surfaces created by flame, ash, and long firing times that cannot be achieved in electric or gas kilns.
Q. What should I bring?
A. Comfortable work clothes, personal toiletries, and any favorite pottery tools if desired. All essential materials and equipment are provided.
4. Pottery & Shipping
Q. Can I ship my finished pottery home?
A. Yes. We can assist with packing and international shipping. Shipping fees are not included in the course fee.
Q. What happens if my pottery is not finished before I leave?
A. Any unfinished pieces can be fired after your departure and shipped to your designated address.
5. Transportation & Safety
Q. How do I get to Kusanokashira Kiln?
A. Transportation between JR Tajimi Station and your accommodation is included on your check-in and check-out days. Detailed directions will be provided after booking.
Q. Is pottery dangerous?
A. Pottery involves kilns, hot surfaces, and sharp tools. Participants are expected to follow instructor guidance and use all equipment safely.
Q. Is this a pottery school?
A. Kusanokashira Kiln is best described as a pottery retreat rather than a traditional pottery school.
In addition to technical instruction, participants spend time experiencing daily life in Tajimi, exploring Japanese ceramic culture, visiting local museums and galleries, and sharing meals and conversations with instructors and fellow participants.
The goal is not only to learn pottery techniques, but also to experience the culture and environment in which Mino ware developed.