Arita

Japan’s pottery Mecca is full of surprises. Have a look below!

Tozan Jinja – This shrine that is nestled RIGHT against a huge train track has the only Tori gate in Japan made completely out of porcelain. You can take a walk up to the top of the shrine and get a beautiful look out of the whole city.
Arita and Ryumon Dam – These two dams have gorgeous views of the water and mountains that run throughout Arita. Ryumon Dam has a clear and free running spring water tap where you can fill up your spare bottles for some refreshing and delicious water. There are also trails to go for nature walks in the woods.

魔女のフライパン (Witch’s Frying Pan) – A great place located in Nishi Arita with funky decorations and a variety of cheap food and drinks. Specialties include ume pizza, cheese mochi, taco rice, kimchi pork, and many more!
トラジ (Toraji) – If you’re in the mood for Korean food Arita has what you’re looking for. Authentic home-cooked Korean dishes such as bibimbap, japchae, and Korean BBQ can all be found here for reasonable prices.
ギャラリー (Gallery) – enjoy your meal or dessert surrounded by thousands of porcelain cups. With the purchase of a coffee or tea you are able to choose a cup from the walls in which to enjoy your beverage. This is a great way to enjoy the tastes as well as the beauty of Arita’s specialties.

Arita Ceramics Fair – Once a year during Golden Week, Arita becomes a busy and bustling city where more than 600 shops line the stretch between JR Arita Station and Kamiarita Station. Many tourists from all over Japan come to see the porcelain and get some amazing deals. 2016 celebrates the 400th anniversary of the birth of Arita porcelain and will be the biggest event in decades.
Porcelain Tours – Watch out for porcelain tours offered by the city and the Arita CIR. You can learn about the history, try your hand at making your own porcelain creations, and check out the town’s famous sights. Typically there are two or three tours throughout the year in spring and fall.