Meeting with Bizen Artisans

Bizen pottery ware on display inside of a private studio; Bizen plates of various sizes and tea pots

Meet the masters keeping the craft alive

This tour is best for anyone wanting to discover more about Bizen's 1,000+ year old pottery tradition. In addition you can meet some of the talented potters, learn about their vision and philosophy, and visit their private workshops. Having the chance to see their process up close and hear their stories that they only share with those they trust, is a rare yet treasured opportunity .

Note: If there is a specific artist you are interested in meeting, please let me know. I am happy to reach out and see if a private meeting can be arranged.

Activities in this tour include:

Private Meetings with Ceramic Artists: I will introduce you to artisans I have worked with for years. Because of our personal bond and the trust we have built, they welcome my guests into their creative spaces.

Workshop and Kiln Visits: Go behind the scenes to see where the art is created. We can visit the workshops and the traditional kilns, giving you a deeper understanding of how Bizen-yaki is brought to life.

Full Day: 6-7 hours Half Day: 3-4 hours

Full Day: €250 (solo traveler) OR €200 per person (2+ people) Half Day: €200 (solo traveler) OR €150 per person (2+ people)

1-10 people *larger group tours available upon special requests

A professional Bizen potter, Shibutani-san, standing and checking his pieces

A potter shaping the clay, prepping it to be used

Victoria guiding two guests and sharing information about the Bizen kilns

A Bizen potter sharing and explaining the details of his pieces on display in the shop

FAQ

If your question is not answered by the FAQ below, feel free to send me a message.

General Tour Info

Q: Is this tour private or shared? A: This tour (and all tours) are private. Q: In what languages will this tour be conducted? A: English or French and Interpretation of Japanese language

Weather Related

Q: What happens in case of bad weather? A: In case of bad weather (such as heavy rain or strong winds), tours -especially boat tours-may be canceled. In that event, no fees will be taken.

Purchasing Pieces

Q: If I buy a piece, can it be shipped abroad? A: Yes, most galleries and studios can arrange international shipping for you, especially for larger pieces. I am happy to assist in coordinating this during your visit. Q:How can I pay for items at the studios? A: Payment methods vary by location. Some artists and galleries accept credit cards, while others accept cash only. I recommend having some Japanese Yen on hand, and I will be happy to let you know the payment options for the specific places on our itinerary.

General Tour Info

Q: Is this tour private or shared? A: This tour (and all tours) are private. Q: In what languages will this tour be conducted? A: English or French and Interpretation of Japanese language

Weather Related

Q: What happens in case of bad weather? A: In case of bad weather (such as heavy rain or strong winds), tours -especially boat tours-may be canceled. In that event, no fees will be taken.

Purchasing Pieces

Ready to start your trip?

After completing the form below, I'll contact you to confirm the tour you selected and send a payment link. Merci beaucoup!