Training programmes content

🌿 Studio & Programs

Studio HoursStudio hours are Monday to Friday, 9:30–17:00.
Saturdays are self-study days, 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.

Hikidashi-guro
A deep black glaze created by removing pieces from the kiln during firing and cooling them rapidly, resulting in a powerful and expressive surface.

Ko-sometsuke
A refined blue-and-white style featuring delicate hand-painted designs inspired by nature and daily life.

Ash Glaze
One of the most fundamental glazes used in traditional kilns of Seto and Mino,
producing subtle tones ranging from green to yellow.

Wood-Firing & Natural Effects
Natural Ash Effects
When firing with wood, ash naturally settles on the surface and melts into a glaze, creating organic and unpredictable patterns.
This experience is available exclusively in 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 designed with modern techniques.

🔍 Which program should I choose?
If you are unsure which program to select, here is a simple guide:

Kizeto
Best for those interested in warm, natural tones and traditional aesthetics.

Hikidashi-guro
Ideal for participants who want bold, expressive firing results.

Ko-sometsuke
Recommended for those who enjoy detailed decoration and brushwork.

Ash Glaze
Suitable for those interested in subtle color variations and traditional kiln effects.

Natural Ash Effects / Wood-Firing
Perfect for those who want unpredictable, one-of-a-kind results created by fire and ash.
Most participants choose to explore multiple techniques during their stay.

💡 Beginner Friendly
All programs are suitable for beginners to advanced participants.
Even if you have little or no 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.

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
Two transportation options are available: electric bicycle or bus.

Fees and Course OptionsCourse fees vary depending on the length of the program.
Detailed pricing can be found in the preliminary booking form.
  • 2-week course: up to 16 days
  • 3-week course: up to 23 days
  • 4-week course: up to 31 days
Participants may extend their stay in 7-day increments with an additional fee,
up to a maximum stay of 45 days.
Please note that extensions are guaranteed only when reserved in advance.
Extensions during your stay may be possible depending on availability.

ScheduleThe total stay is calculated as
reserved weeks + check-in day + check-out day.
The detailed studio schedule is adjusted according to the experience level and goals of each participant.

Application ProcessPlease reserve your preferred dates through the online application 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 the condominium and the workshop
  • Food and drinks
  • Packing and international shipping of artworks
    (payable locally by cash or card)
  • Entrance fees for 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

Notice: Change in Reservation Method
We have decided to discontinue the lottery system for short-term reservation slots, as it does not sufficiently ensure convenience for our guests.
From now on, reservations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you are interested, please apply early via the preliminary booking form.
​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