Kyoto: MIHO Museum & Shigaraki Pottery Private Day Trip

5.0
(2 reviews)
Kyoto, Japan

8 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

How about exploring Japanese art, architecture, and traditional pottery on a private day trip from Kyoto?

Your National Licensed Guide will meet you at your hotel and take you by private vehicle to the stunning MIHO Museum, designed by I. M. Pei.

Continue to Shigaraki, one of Japan's Six Ancient Kilns. Visit the Ceramic Cultural Park and explore historic pottery workshops, including Meizan Kiln's Ogama Gallery, Tanikan Kiln—featured in the Japanese TV drama *Scarlet*—and traditional climbing kilns such as the Marumata Kiln Ruins.

Discover how Shigaraki's pottery traditions have evolved over generations, from historic firing techniques to contemporary ceramic art.

Perfect for art lovers, pottery enthusiasts, and those interested in Japanese craftsmanship and cultural heritage.

As this is a private tour, the itinerary can be customized to suit your interests.

What's Included

National licensed guide
Private vehicle
Admission fee
Hotel pick up
apx. 15-25 USD per person
Personal expenses

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

The guide will be waiting for you at your hotel lobby with your name sign.
Please inform about your pick up details in advance.

Itinerary

Duration: 8 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Kyoto

    Your guide will meet you at your hotel in Kyoto. From there, let's head to the MIHO Museum by private vehicle.

    1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Miho Museum

    This museum was designed by architect Ioeh Ming Pei and houses approximately 3,000 pieces of Japanese antiquity and ancient art from around the world along the Silk Road. The museum's theme is "a fusion of nature, buildings, and works of art," and one of its features is that approximately 80% of the museum building is buried underground.

    1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
  • 3
    Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park

    The Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Centre, located in Shigaraki, Japan, is a facility dedicated to the study, preservation, and promotion of Shigaraki ceramics. Shigaraki is one of Japan's Six Ancient Kilns, known for its traditional pottery with a history that dates back over 1,200 years.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 4
    Shigaraki Pottery Village

    Visit Shigaraki Pottery Village, a historic pottery workshop established in 1888. Explore traditional climbing kilns, admire beautiful Shigaraki ceramics and charming tanuki statues, and enjoy shopping for unique locally crafted pottery. Closed during the New Year holidays.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • Shigaraki Kamamoto Sansakuro Walking Street (Pass by)

    The Shigaraki Sansaku Walking Street, often referred to simply as "Sansaku," is a charming and picturesque area in Shigaraki, Japan. It is known for its traditional atmosphere and rich connection to the region's pottery heritage. Here’s what makes it special.

    Admission ticket free
  • 5

    Explore Ogama, a gallery operated by the historic Meizan Kiln. See a preserved traditional climbing kiln and discover how Shigaraki's pottery heritage lives on through contemporary ceramics and beautifully crafted tableware. *Closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

    20 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 6

    Visit a historic pottery workshop featuring a former oil-fired kiln transformed into a gallery. Discover Shigaraki's changing firing techniques and see a filming location from the popular Japanese TV drama Scarlet.

    20 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 7

    See the remains of an impressive 11-chamber climbing kiln built in 1933. Once used to produce hibachi braziers, flowerpots, and vases, this historic site offers a fascinating glimpse into Shigaraki's thriving pottery industry.

    10 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 8

    Explore Kamabasaka, a historic pottery lane lined with traditional kilns and workshops. Experience the atmosphere of Shigaraki's pottery-making district, where generations of artisans have preserved their craft.

    10 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Meet Shigaraki's famous ceramic tanuki, traditional Japanese symbols of good fortune. Browse a wide selection of handmade pottery and charming raccoon dog figurines, and find a unique souvenir to remember your visit.

    Admission ticket free
  • 9
    Kyoto

    We will drop you off at your hotel in Kyoto or another location of your choice, where the tour will conclude.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • We can accommodate dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc. If you have dietary requirements. Please indicate it to the special requirements at the time of booking.
  • The itinerary might be changed due to weather condition or other reasons.
Supplied by MY Travel Consulting

Tags

Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
Architecture Tours
Cultural Tours
Shopping Tours
Walking Tours
Car Tours
New Product

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

5.0 Based on 2 2 reviews
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