Retreat Overview

Training programmes content

🌿 STUDIO & PROGRAMS

STUDIO HOURS
Studio hours are Monday to Friday, 9:30–17:00.
Saturday is a self-study day, and the studio is closed on Sundays.
On self-study days, the studio remains open for independent work.
Instructors will check in periodically and offer 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.

TRADITIONAL MINOWARE PROGRAMS
Traditional Minoware pottery is taught through the following core programs:

KIZETO
A warm golden glaze pottery style historically associated with the Mino region.
Best for those interested in warm, natural tones and traditional Japanese aesthetics.

HIKIDASHI-GURO
A deep black glaze created by removing pieces from the kiln during firing and cooling them rapidly.
Best for participants who enjoy bold and expressive firing effects.

KO-SOMETSUKE
A refined blue-and-white style featuring delicate hand-painted designs inspired by nature and daily life.
Recommended for those who enjoy detailed decoration and brushwork.

ASH GLAZE
One of the most fundamental glazes used in traditional kilns of Seto and Mino, producing subtle tones ranging from green to yellow.
Suitable for those interested in traditional kiln effects and natural color variation.

WOOD-FIRING & NATURAL ASH EFFECTS
When firing with wood, ash naturally settles on the surface and melts into a glaze, creating organic and unpredictable patterns.
Perfect for those who want one-of-a-kind results created by fire and ash.
This experience is available exclusively through the Wood-Fired Kiln Upgrade and Anagama Course.

ANAGAMA & WOOD-FIRED KILNS
We offer a special training program using a reconstructed Anagama (traditional medieval wood-fired kiln), as well as wood-firing programs using kilns built with modern techniques.

💡 BEGINNER FRIENDLY
All programs are suitable for beginners through advanced participants.
Even if you have little or no pottery experience, the course will be adjusted to your level so you can learn comfortably.

🎯 WHAT TO EXPECT
During your stay, you will:
• Practice wheel throwing and shaping
• Learn glazing techniques
• Experience kiln firing
• Explore both traditional and experimental methods
Each program is tailored to your pace, goals, and experience level.
Most participants explore multiple techniques during their stay.

The Kokeizan Choushingama - a Muromachi era kiln by MimirLLC on Sketchfab

Video: the kiln - and how we captured it

essay: in stubborn pursuit

Read about the life and dedication of Master Soukei Aoyama, a potter from Onada village, who has spent decades perfecting the ancient art of Shiro tenmoku pottery, driven by a deep passion for his craft and influenced by Zen philosophy.

Essay

essay: the ancient web

The article explores the historical significance of Onada village in Tajimi, Japan, highlighting its unique white clay used to create the rare and valuable Shiro tenmoku tea bowls, and its connections to Zen Buddhism and the Japanese tea ceremony.

Essay

Course length depends on the program selected.

Training is tailored to each participant's experience level and goals.

Training programme details

Kizeto Programme

Recommended for:
Beginners, intermediates and advanced users

Programme Details

hikidashi-guro programme

Recommended for
Beginners, intermediates and advanced users

Programme Details

Ko-sometsuke painting

Recommended for
Intermediate and advanced students

Programme Details

ash glaze programme

Recommended for
Beginners, intermediate, and advanced students

Programme Details

anagama special programme

Try your hand firing your pieces in Japanese mediaeval style on a personalised schedule.

Programme Details

natural glaze

Natural glaze refers to the phenomenon where ash from burning wood in a kiln settles on pottery and melts into a glass-like coating at high temperatures

natural glaze

ACCOMMODATION
Private apartment accommodation is provided at no additional cost (utilities included).
Guests stay in fully furnished private apartments with a kitchen, dining area, living room, and multiple bedrooms.
You will never be asked to share accommodation with strangers.
Alternatively, you may arrange your own accommodation and commute to the studio at your own expense.
Please note that our accommodation and studio facilities are reserved for participants of the pottery retreat.

Click here to view our guest apartments

TRANSPORTATION
Local transportation options include electric bicycles and public buses.
Transportation between JR Tajimi Station and your accommodation is included on your check-in and check-out days.

COURSE OPTIONS
Course fees vary depending on the length of your stay.
Detailed pricing can be found in the Preliminary Booking Form.
• 2-Week Course (up to 16 days)
└ Can be shortened to an intensive 10–12 day course
• 3-Week Course (up to 24 days)
• 4-Week Course (up to 31 days)
• 5-Week Course (up to 38 days)

UPGRADE OPTIONS
• Seasonal Anagama Course
• Wood-Fired Kiln Upgrade
• Glaze Formulation
• Clay Formulation

The most suitable course length depends on your experience level, goals, preferred firing methods, and any upgrade options you wish to include.
Participants interested in wood-firing or the Anagama course may be advised to stay longer depending on the season and firing schedule.

SCHEDULE
The total length of stay is calculated as:
Course duration

Check-in day
Check-out day

For courses of three weeks or longer, an additional day is included for kiln unloading, packing artwork, and other related activities.
The detailed training schedule is tailored to each participant's experience level and goals.

APPLICATION PROCESS
Please reserve your preferred dates using the online Preliminary Booking Form.

INCLUDED IN THE COURSE FEE
• Use of studio facilities and tools
• Materials (clay, glaze, etc.)
• Kiln use and firing
• Instruction and guidance
• Transportation to and from JR Tajimi Station (on the first and last day)

NOT INCLUDED IN THE COURSE FEE
• Transportation between your accommodation and the studio
• Food and drinks
• Packing and international shipping of artwork
(payable locally by cash or card)
• Admission fees for museums and galleries

Questions about payment, accommodation, meals, or cancellations?

View FAQ

2-WEEK COURSE　‘‘Introduction Course”

Available programs:
・Kizeto
・Hikidashi-guro

Two schedule options are available:
・Standard Format: Up to 16 days including check-in and check-out
・Short Intensive Format: 10–12 days including check-in and check-out (Monday check-in only)
・Focuses on wheel throwing, trimming, glazing, and the fundamentals of traditional Mino pottery
・Due to the shorter duration, some programs and firing options are not available
・Recommended for participants who would like an introduction to traditional Mino pottery within a limited period of time
・Suitable for beginners through advanced participants

Example Schedule

Introduction Course

Day	Content
Day 1	・Arrival and check-in ・Apartment orientation ・Local orientation
Days 2–5	・Wheel throwing ・trimming, ・basic training, ・optional local sightseeing
Days 6–9	・Continue making work ・decoration ・ finishing
Day 10	・Glazing
Days 11–13	・Firing ・Optional local sightseeing ・Wheel throwing practice
Day 14	・Kiln cooling ・Packing preparation ・Pottery supply shopping
Day 15	・Kiln unloading, ・Packing ・Shipping arrangements
Day 16	・Check-out

Schedules may vary slightly depending on drying times, firing schedules, weather conditions, and individual learning goals.

If you would like to take additional time off during your stay, please let us know at least one day in advance.

Short Intensive Course

Day	Content
Day 1 (Monday)	・Arrival and check-in ・Apartment orientation ・Local orientation ・Training begins if time permits
Days 2–5	・Wheel throwing ・Trimming ・Basic training
Day 6 (Saturday)	・Self-study day
Day 7 (Sunday)	・Day off
Days 8–9	・Glazing ・Firing ・Hikidashi-guro firing (if selected)
Day 10-12	・Kiln unloading ・Check-out
Important Note	Due to the shortened schedule, packing and international shipping arrangements will be completed by our staff after your departure. International shipping is included in this course.

3-WEEK COURSE‘‘Recommended Course”

Standard Course
Recommended
Our recommended course for most participants.

Available programs:
・Kizeto
・Hikidashi-guro
・Ko-sometsuke
・Ash Glaze
・Oribe
・Shino
・Up to 24 days including check-in and check-out
・Programs requiring additional time, such as Ko-sometsuke, Ash Glaze, Oribe, and Shino, are available
・Multiple techniques can be combined during the course
・Provides enough time to complete a wide range of pottery projects from forming to firing
・Offers a balanced combination of pottery training, cultural experiences, and free time for exploration
・Suitable for beginners through advanced participants

Example Schedule

Day	Content
Day 1	・Arrival and check-in ・Apartment orientation ・Local orientation
Days 2–18	・Wheel throwing ・Trimming ・Decoration ・Pottery production
Saturdays	・Self-study day
Sundays	・Day off
Weekly	・Bisque firing (Schedule may vary depending on individual progress and drying conditions.)
Days 19–21	・Firing ・Wheel throwing practice ・Optional local sightseeing
Day 22	・Kiln cooling ・Pottery supply shopping ・Local sightseeing
Day 23	・Kiln unloading ・Packing ・Shipping arrangements
Day 24	・Check-out

4-WEEK COURSE‘‘Extended Course”

Available programs:
・Kizeto
・Hikidashi-guro
・Ko-sometsuke
・Ash Glaze
・Oribe
・Shino
・Up to 31 days including check-in and check-out
・Multiple techniques can be combined during the course
・Provides additional time for larger projects, series work, and more advanced firing schedules
・The Wood-Fired Kiln Upgrade and seasonal Anagama Course are available from this course length
・Offers a relaxed pace with time for sightseeing, museums, pottery supply shopping, and cultural experiences
・Recommended for participants who would like extra time to develop their skills and complete more ambitious projects
・Suitable for beginners through advanced participants

Example Schedule

Day	Content
Day 1	・Arrival and check-in ・Apartment orientation ・Local orientation
Days 2–25	・Wheel throwing ・Trimming ・Decoration ・Pottery production
Saturdays	・Self-study day
Sundays	・Day off
Weekly	・Bisque firing (Schedule may vary depending on individual progress and drying conditions.)
Days 26–28	・Firing ・Wheel throwing practice ・Optional local sightseeing
Day 29	・Kiln cooling ・Pottery supply shopping ・Local sightseeing
Day 30	・Kiln unloading ・Packing ・Shipping arrangements
Day 31	・Check-out

5-WEEK COURSE　‘‘Premium Course”

Available programs:
・Kizeto
・Hikidashi-guro
・Ko-sometsuke
・Ash Glaze
・Oribe
・Shino
・Up to 38 days including check-in and check-out
・Eligible for the Wood-Fired Kiln Upgrade and seasonal Anagama Courses
・Provides ample time for larger works, series production, and more ambitious projects
・Multiple techniques can be combined during the course
・Clay blending and glaze formulation can be incorporated into the training program
・Allows participants to explore both traditional techniques and their own creative direction
・Offers the most flexibility for firing schedules and long-term projects
・Recommended for participants seeking a deeper and more comprehensive pottery retreat experience
・Suitable for beginners through advanced participants

Example schedule

Day	Content
Day 1	・Arrival and check-in ・Apartment orientation ・Local orientation
Days 2–32	・Wheel throwing ・Trimming ・Decoration ・Pottery production
Saturdays	・Self-study day
Sundays	・Day off
Weekly	・Bisque firing (Schedule may vary depending on individual progress and drying conditions.)
Days 33–35	・Firing ・Wheel throwing practice ・Optional local sightseeing
Day 36	・Kiln cooling ・Pottery supply shopping ・Local sightseeing
Day 37	・Kiln unloading ・Packing ・Shipping arrangements
Day 38	・Check-out

In essence, you have Sundays off, which can result in minor variations in your schedule. If you wish to take time off for your own reasons, please contact us at least one day in advance.

Anagama Retreat

Spring Anagama Retreat
32 Days

Winter Anagama Retreat
33 Days

About the Anagama Retreat
The Anagama Retreat is the most traditional wood-firing program offered at Kusanokashira Kiln.

Participants take part in the entire Anagama firing process, including pottery making, glazing, kiln loading, firing, and kiln unloading.

Anagama kilns are among the oldest traditional Japanese pottery kilns and are fired continuously for several days using wood as fuel.

During the firing period, participants work in shifts. Participation times can be adjusted according to each person's preferences and physical stamina, so it is not necessary to attend every firing shift.

At least one experienced staff member is always present during the firing, allowing even beginners to participate with confidence.

The ash produced during firing melts onto the surface of the pottery and becomes a natural ash glaze, creating effects that cannot be achieved in electric or gas kilns. No two pieces will ever fire in exactly the same way.
Anagama firings are held only twice each year, and because the schedule is fixed, the number of participants is limited.

This retreat is recommended for those who would like to experience the complete process of traditional Japanese wood firing, from making pottery to unloading the finished work.

Suitable for beginners through advanced participants.

Example schedule

Day	Content
Day 1	・Arrival and check-in ・Apartment orientation ・Local orientation
Days 2–12	・Wheel throwing ・Trimming ・Decoration ・Pottery production
Days13 (Saturday)	・Self-study day
Days14 (Sunday)	・Day off
Days 15–18	・Glazing ・Kiln loading ・Preparation for Anagama firing
Days 19–22	・Anagama firing ・Wood firing training ・Kiln management
Days 23–24	・Day off ・Rest and local sightseeing
Day 25	・Kiln unloading ・Grinding and finishing
Day 26 (Saturday)	・Self-study day
Day 27 (Sunday)	・Day off
Days 28–29	・Refiring in electric kiln (if required) ・Pottery supply shopping ・Local sightseeing
Day 30	・Grinding ・Packing preparation
Day 31	・Packing ・Shipping arrangements
Day 32or33	・Check-out

Important Notes
・Seasonal Anagama firings are held on fixed dates in spring and winter. Please check the current availability before booking.
・Anagama course dates are fixed and cannot be freely rescheduled.
・Following the Anagama firing, the studio staff will take a two-day break. During this time, participants are welcome to enjoy sightseeing, shopping, or other independent activities.
・Schedules may vary slightly depending on weather conditions, firing progress, and kiln cooling times.

Wood-Fired Kiln Course

Wood-Fired Kiln Course — Shino PotteryThis relatively small wood-fired kiln is particularly well suited to Shino pottery.
Held once a year between March and April, this four-week course covers the complete process from preparing Shino glazes to firing.

Preparing Shino glazes
Making test pieces and carrying out test firings
Evaluating the results and adjusting the glazes
Glazing your pieces
Firing in the wood-fired kiln
Firing pieces that could not fit into the wood-fired kiln, and refiring pieces with unsatisfactory results, in an electric kiln

The kiln’s small size limits the number of pieces that can be fired at one time. With an emphasis on glaze preparation and test firings, this course offers an opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of Shino pottery.

Day	Content
Day 1	• Arrival and check-in • Apartment orientation • Local orientation
Days 2–14	• Wheel throwing • Trimming and decoration • Shino glaze preparation • Making test pieces and test firing • Evaluating test results and adjusting glazes
Saturday	・Self-study day
Sunday	・Day off
Days 15–17	・Glazing ・Kiln loading ・Preparation for wood firing
Days 18–20	・Wood firing ・Wood firing training ・Kiln management
Day 21	・Kiln cooling ・Wheel throwing practice ・Optional local sightseeing
Day 22	• Kiln unloading • Reviewing firing results • Grinding and finishing
Days 23–24	• Additional glazing • Preparing pieces for electric kiln firing or refiring • Pottery supply shopping • Local sightseeing
Days 25–27	・Electric kiln firing ・Wheel throwing practice ・Optional local sightseeing
Day 28	・Kiln cooling ・Packing preparation
Day 29	・Kiln unloading ・Grinding ・Final review
Day 30	・Packing ・Shipping arrangements
Day 31	・Check-out

Options

Glaze Formulation Upgrade

Glaze Formulation Upgrade

This optional upgrade introduces the fundamentals of traditional glaze formulation through preparing Shino, Oribe, and opaque glazes. Participants practise each stage, from weighing and mixing raw materials to test firing and evaluating the results.

Understanding the role of glaze raw materials and basic recipes
Preparing Shino, Oribe, and opaque glazes using specified recipes and quantities
Glazing test pieces and carrying out test firings
Comparing and evaluating the firing results
Learning how to adjust glaze recipes

By recording recipes and firing results, participants develop a foundation for creating their own original glazes in the future.

These additional lessons are incorporated into your regular course.
This upgrade is generally available for courses of four weeks or longer.

Participants with extensive experience in forming pottery may also take it during a three-week course, provided they can make their test pieces within the first week.