Training programmes content

Studio hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:30-17:00. Closed on Sundays.

Traditional Minoware pottery is taught in four distinct programmes:

  • Kizeto, a warm, golden glaze pottery, historically associated with the Mino region.
  • Hikidashi-guro, a cooled, serene, yet passionate jet-black glaze.
  • Ko-sometsuke, an exquisite Japanese pottery style, celebrated for its intricate blue-and-white designs, often depicting nature and daily life, which evoke a sense of elegance and historical charm.
  • Ash glaze: Within the great kilns of Seto and Mino, ash glaze was used as the most basic of glazes. This ash glaze’s color can range from tinges of green to yellow.
  • In addition, we offer a unique training course that makes use of a restored Anagama mediaeval wood-fired cave kiln.

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: 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.
​The length of the training depends on the course taken. The courses will be determined according to the skills of the applicant.

Training programme details

Kizeto Programme
​Recommended for:
Beginners, intermediates and advanced users
hikidashi-guro programme
​Recommended for
Beginners, intermediates and advanced users
Ko-sometsuke painting
Recommended for
Intermediate and advanced students
ash glaze programme
Recommended for
Beginners, intermediate, and advanced students
anagama special programme
Try your hand firing your pieces in Japanese mediaeval style on a personalised schedule.
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
Accommodation（guest rooms）
​
We offer a fully furnished condominium at no additional cost (utilities included). Alternatively, you may choose to commute from accommodation you book independently (at your own expense). Please note that we do not accept visitors who do not participate in ceramic activities.

Transportation
There are two modes of transportation: electric bicycle and bus. 
Fees and courses
Prices vary according to course; prices are available in the preliminary booking form.
​
  • 2-week course   up to 16days
  • 4-week course   up to 30days
  • 6-week course   up to 44days 
  • VIP  course        up to 44days

Schedule
The schedule is determined according to the skills of the participants.

Application process
Book your dates using the web application form.

Included in the price

  • Facilities and tools
  • Materials (clay, glaze, etc.)
  • Kiln use and firing
  • Teaching
  • Return transport to and from JR Tajimi station (first and last day)

Not included in the price
​
  • Transportation from the condominium to the workshop
  • Food and drink
  • Packing and delivery of artwork (to be paid locally in cash or by card)
  • Entrance fees to art galleries and museums
About payment
Please pay at the time of booking.

Method of payment
Online by credit card

Cancellation Policy
- The advance payment is non-refundable.
- If canceled 14 to 1 day(s) before check-in, 50% of the total amount will be charged.
- No-shows or same-day cancellations will result in a 100% charge of the total amount.
If you choose to depart before the scheduled end of your stay, we do not provide refunds for unused days. However, if illness or unforeseen circumstances arise, please consult with us in advance, and we will review possible accommodations.
If you have any unfinished pottery pieces, we will complete them on your behalf and ship them to your designated address.
Regarding Schedule Changes
In the event of flight delays or unexpected circumstances, we will accommodate schedule changes free of charge. Even if it is past the scheduled date, please contact us to reschedule your booking.
​

Rescheduling
In the event of flight delays or unforeseen circumstances, we will accommodate rescheduling, even if it’s past the check-in date, as long as you notify us.

Disclaimer

Please note that kiln firing involves a risk of burns.
Please also note that there are sharp-edged tools in the workshop, so please use them at your own risk.
2-week trial course

Target programmes: Kizeto and Hikidashi-guro
​​The schedule will be determined based on the participants' skill levels.
  • The course consists of 12 classes and 2 holidays, check in and check-out, a total of 16 days.
  • Please keep in mind that we do not accept visitors who do not make ceramics.
  • Because of the short duration, the programme options are limited.
  • Please consult with us if you wish to take multiple programs concurrently.
Example Schedule
Day
Content
After booking
Discuss course choice over email
1–7
​Start of training, throwing, trimming etc.
Sunday break
Natural drying
8 –9
​Sightseeing in Tajimi while waiting for drying
10–12
​Glazing and firing
Sunday break
​Kiln cooling
​Check-out
​​Final day: Kiln unloading, packing and dispatch of pieces​
4-week experience course Recommended!

Available programmes: Kizeto, Hikidashi-guro, Ko-sometsuke (‘old blue and white’) Porcelain painting, ash glaze, Anagama, and Natural glaze.
  • The course consists of 24 classes and 4 holidays, check in and check-out, a total of 30 day
  • You can also schedule your stay according to your preferred dates.
  • The schedule is determined according to the skills of the participants.
  • Regarding the anagama (cave kiln) option, the course availability varies depending on the season
  • You can mix and match programmes as long as they work with each other.
  • Please consult with us if you wish to take multiple programs concurrently.
Example Schedule
Day
Content
After booking
Discuss course choice over email
1–14
Start of training, throwing, trimming, etc.
Break
 
15–17
While kiln is cooling we go exploring Tajimi
18–22
Painting, glazing and kiln loading
23–25
Firing
26–27
Free time while kiln is cooling
28
Final day: Kiln unloading, packing and dispatch of pieces
​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.
6-week course

Available programmes: Kizeto, Hikidashi-guro, Ko-sometsuke (‘old blue and white’) porcelain painting, Ash glaze, Anagama.​
  • ​The course consists of 36 classes and 6 holidays, check in and check-out, a total of 44 days.
  • The schedule is tailored to the skills of the person doing the experience.
  • Please note that we do not accept visitors who do not make pottery.
  • This course allows participants to spend their leisure time freely, including sightseeing in Japan.
  • This course is recommended for those who want to try their hand at anagama.
  • Regarding the anagama (cave kiln) option, the course availability varies depending on the season.
  • Recommended for those who want to take the time to paint Ko-sometsuke.
  • Multiple programme options are available for compatible combinations.
  • Please consult with us if you wish to take multiple programs concurrently.
Example schedule (Traditional Japanese pottery dyeing)
Day
Content
After booking
Discuss course choice over email
1-21
Start of training, throwing, trimming, etc.
Break
Touring local museums
21-34
Painting
Break
Sightseeing in Kyoto
35-36
Kiln loading
37-39
Firing
40-41
Waiting for the kiln to cool down (free time, play on the wheel, go sightseeing, etc.).
42
​Final day: Kiln unloading, packing and dispatch of pieces
​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.
Example schedule (Mediaeval-style Anagama wood-fired kiln)
Day
Content
After booking
Discuss course choice over email
1-24
Throwing on the potter's wheel and bisque firing (electric kiln), painting, glazing etc.
24-27
Loading the anagama kiln
28-32
Firing
33-38
Waiting for the kiln to cool down (free time, play on the wheel, go sightseeing, etc.).
39-42
​​Kiln unloading, packing and dispatch of pieces
Sundays are generally off, so there may be minor variations in the schedule. If you wish to take time off for personal reasons, please contact us at least one day in advance.
After the anagama firing, the staff will take two days off. During this time, please enjoy your free time.
The anagama firings are scheduled for mid-May and mid-December, so if you wish to participate in the anagama program, please adjust the timing of your visit accordingly.

The Anagama course reservation process

The Anagama course reservation process is divided into two phases: an early reservation slot and a short-term reservation slot.
Early Reservation Slot (First-Come, First-Served, No Date Restrictions)
  • Reservations are accepted at any time, with no date restrictions.
  • A maximum of two slots are available.
  • Reservations are confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis upon payment of a 10% deposit.
    This option is ideal for those who wish to secure their preferred dates early.
Short-Term Reservation Slot (Preliminary Reservation, Confirmation, and Lottery)
  • The remaining two slots will be confirmed three months before the check-in date.
  • To apply, register on the preliminary reservation list by the deadline, which is one week before the decision date.
  • If there are more than two applicants, the following process will apply:
    1. A final confirmation email will be sent to all preliminary applicants. Those who do not respond by the deadline will be automatically removed from the list.
    2. A lottery will be held among those who confirm their participation.
    3. The winners will be asked to complete the 10% deposit payment within the specified period to finalize their reservation. If a winner fails to make the payment, the slot will be offered to the next candidate on the list.
Important Notes
  • The 10% deposit is non-refundable.
  • Cancellation Policy:
    • Cancellations made 14 to 1 days before check-in will incur a 50% charge.
    • No-shows or same-day cancellations will incur a 100% charge.
  • Changes to the Schedule:
    • Changes to accommodation dates are possible depending on availability.
    • However, the Anagama firing dates are fixed and cannot be changed. Please ensure your stay aligns with the firing schedule.
Process from Preliminary Reservation to Final Booking
  1. Submit the preliminary reservation form.
  2. Receive and respond to the final confirmation email.
  3. Participate in the lottery if there are multiple applicants.
  4. Receive notification of the results and pay the deposit if selected.
  5. Your reservation is confirmed upon payment of the deposit.
Please note that Anagama firing is conducted on a pre-scheduled timetable. While accommodation dates can be adjusted based on availability, the firing schedule cannot be changed. Make sure to plan your stay accordingly.
​VIP course: 6 weeks
Anagama Special Course 
Target Programmes: Kizeto, Hikidashi-guro, Ko-sometsuke (blue-and-white porcelain painting), Ash glaze, Natural glaze

In this course, the anagama will be fired specifically for the participant. The anagama kiln will be reserved exclusively for the firing period. However, please note that schedules may overlap with other course participants during wheel training or after the anagama firing.

This course includes 36 classes and 6 rest days, with check-in and check-out for a total of 44 days. Due to extreme heat and the risk of typhoons, the VIP course is not available in August or September.

Transportation: Pick-up and drop-off from the condominium are provided.
The schedule will be adjusted according to the participant's skill level.

Please book at least three months in advance to allow time for firewood preparation and schedule coordination. Programmes can be freely combined as long as they are compatible. If you wish to take multiple programmes concurrently, please consult with us.

This course is designed to allow participants to freely enjoy their leisure time, including sightseeing in Japan. It is ideal for those who cannot participate in the regular anagama programme but still wish to experience firing a mediaeval Japanese kiln. The schedule is flexible and can be adjusted to the participant's preferences, allowing ample time for sightseeing and other activities.
Example schedule  (Mediaeval-style Anagama wood-fired kiln)
Day
Content
1
Medical interview, programme decision, start of experience
2
Sightseeing in the neighbourhood and visits to art galleries and museums
3-24
Moulding and bisque firing (in an electric kiln), painting and glazing
24-27
Firing in anagama kiln
28-31
Anagama firing
32-38
Waiting for the kiln to cool down (free time, play with the potter's wheel, go sightseeing, enjoy your holiday)
39-42
Final day: unloading the kiln, packing and shipping the works