Mashiko is a renowned pottery town, and the cultural and historic town, is sure to captivate you!
When you walk down Jyo-nai-saka street (highlighted in green above), you would find yourself admiring various kinds of ceramic art works as well as craft works and enjoying them. You might be able to find one that you want to keep on hand and use. There are other way to enjoy this historic and cultual town. Please check each sightseeing sites listed below.
Here is a list of attractions in Mashiko town. You don't have to be "pottery lover" to enjoy the town; historic spots, an unique museum (not only on artworks, but also on items inspiring potters) and a friendly Sake brewery are waiting for you.
(Please be advised that it would be better to make rental car reservation when visiting Mashiko town. Public transportation from the nearest major train station, Utsunomiya station, is not convenient, resulting much less flexibility in your tour.)
SHOJI HAMADA Memorial Mashiko Sankokan (Reference) Museum
Not only artworks produced by renowned potter, Shoji Hamada, daily utensils collected by him from many countries across the world are exhibited. You can understand how the famous potter was inspired by them and produced his goods.
Mashiko Museum of Ceramic Art
This museum holds an exhibition periodically. They show artworks produced promient potters closely associated with Mashiko, Shoji Hamada and Tatsuzo Shimaoka, as well as those who had close relationship with them. (Please be advised to check exhibition theme in advance.)
Jyo-nai-saka Street
There are about 50 pottery shops along the street. They offer a wide selection, not only affordable and easy-to-use ceramics but also distinctive ones produced by artists in Mashiko town. The trait of Mashiko pottery has changed: they are not necessarily earthen product, they are now colorful and charming. Please check it out.
Climbing Kiln (@ Reference Museum)
This kiln was used by Shoji Hamada to produce his works. Multi-chambers structure is good to maintain baking temperature high and uniform. At the same time a lot of ceramic can be baked at once by this kiln. You would be impressed by its size.
Raccoon Statue (@ Co-Selling center)
You will smile when you look at this big raccoon statue. It is an iconic symbol of Mashiko town. Please take a seflie in front of this comical statue. It should become a nice momory of your trip to Mashiko.
Higeta Indigo Dyeing Workshop
This workshop has been designated as Japan Heritage as it preserves a traditional way of dyeing. There are 72 pots, containing natural dyeing pigment. If you are lucky, you would see an artisan dyeing white thread. You can also purchase some dyed small articles for a souvenir, too.
Saimyoji Temple
Saimyoji Temple is the 20th temple of Bando Pilgrimage. A pilgrim visited 33 temples scattered in Kanto region to make a wish to Boddhisattva. They have been organized in Kamakura era, 11th centry. It has three importatnt national cultual properties, the double deck gate, an enshrining cabinet in manin hall and the three-story pagoda.
Laughing King Enma (@ Saimyoji Temple)
The king Enma usually has a grim face, however the Enma here at Saimyoji Temple smiles splendidly. You would never come across "laughing King Enma" anywhere in Japan. Do you want to understand why this King Enma laughes?
Entsuji Temple
Entsuji Temple was founded about 600 years ago, in Muromachi era. It preserves characteristics from the Muromachi era. There is beautiful Japanese garden just behind the main hall. It is illuminated beautifully in the autumn foliage season.
Mashiko Michi-no-Eki
It is a rest stop with local specialities. You may want to stop by for a cozy lunch.
Tonoike Sake Brewery
They produce locally brewed boutique Sake (rice wine). It is possible to taste their high quality Sake without spending much. If you are interested in Sake making process, then a tour is available.
Observation Platform (@ back of Saimyoji Temple)
When climbing slope from the behind of the Saimyo ji Temple main hall, you will arrive at observatory. It is a place with panoramic view of entire Mashiko town. If weather cooperates then contrast between blue sky and the town is beautiful.
Suggested Tour in Mashiko Town
Mashiko is a small town so it is possible to visit most sites by foot. However, public transportation system is not convenient. It is recommended to make rental car reservation and to drive down there from major JR station, for exmaple Utsunomiya station.
Please contact any guide here to start developing your itinerary.
Full day recommended tour (6 hours)
Gathering point:
JR Utsunomiya staiton （➡ Car → Walk ）
Where we visit:
JR Utsunomiya station ➡ Saimyoji Temple ➡ Mashiko Reference Museum ➡ Mashiko Co-Selling center → Jyo-nai-saka strolling (visiting multiple pottery stores) → Higeta indigo Dyeing workshop ➡ Entsuji Temple ➡ JR Utsunomiya station
Guiding fee:
35,000 JPY per group (max. 6 people)
Admission fee for Mashiko Reference Museum: 1,000 JPY
Following miscellaneous expenses are on your own: transportation, admission and lunch
If you love to experience local butique Sake fully, then the extended program is also avaiulable
With the cooperation of Tonoike Sake Brewery, the special program (about 90 minutes) is also available with an expense of 10,000 JPY per person. This program includes:
- Tour of Sake Brewery Museum
- Sake Tasting (five different grades of Sake are offered, including top quality Sake, known as "Daiginjyo")
- Enjoy local specialities (something to go well with Sake, icecream made from sweet Sake etc)
- Experience of breaking open ceremonial Sake barrel.
(You will enjoy both Sake tasting and enjoying local specialities in a traditional Japanese special room, a.k.a. Zashiki)
Note: Reservation is required because seats are limited. Due to unforseeable circumstance, program might not be available. In case of reservation, please consult a guide you would hire.