Mashiko-yaki

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Dating back to the 1850s when potter Shoji Hamada moved to the area and set up a kiln, Mashiko is still a relatively young pottery town. Thanks to the work of Hamada, the area became well known for its pottery and was designated a Living National Treasure in the 1930s. Unlike other older pottery towns that are known for using one distinctive style, Mashiko showcases over 300 styles!

For those wanting to see both old and new Mashiko-yaki pottery, a stop by the Togei Messe Mashiko (Mashiko Museum of Ceramic Art) is a must. The area also is home to a number of annual spring and autumn festivals where potters from surrounding towns come to showcase their works.

Accessible from Tokyo in about two hours by car, the area can also serve as a pit-stop if you are en route to Nikko. After buying a pot or two in Mashiko, you’ll definitely want to stop in Utsunomiya to pick up some of their famed gyoza (fried pot-stickers).

http://www.mashiko-kankou.org/english/mta1/mashikoyaki/toukiiti/tokiichi.htm

TEXT by Mai