Okawachiyama, tucked into a steep, misty mountain valley above Imari, is one of the most atmospheric pottery towns in Japan. In the Edo period this was the secret village of the Nabeshima kilns, where the ruling lords of the domain sequestered their finest potters to produce Nabeshima ware — porcelain of the highest quality, made exclusively as gifts for the shogun and imperial court, its techniques closely guarded. Cut off by the surrounding mountains to protect these trade secrets, the village retains a wonderfully preserved atmosphere: a narrow lane winds uphill past some thirty working kilns and shops, chimneys rising among the houses, porcelain-tiled bridges and walls, and the potters' cemetery on the slope above. Beautiful and steeped in history, it is the most rewarding porcelain village in the Imari-Arita area.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Okawachiyama, Imari, Saga |
| Hours | Kilns/shops daytime |
| Admission | Free village; buy in shops |
| Time needed | 1.5–2 hours |
| Best time | Year-round; fresh green & autumn |
What to See
- The historic secret village of the Nabeshima kilns.
- Some thirty working kilns and porcelain shops.
- Chimneys, porcelain-tiled bridges and walls.
- A misty mountain-valley setting steeped in history.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with the Imari Porcelain Park nearby.
- Pair with Arita , the porcelain town.
- Read our Saga overview .
Getting There
- By car: the easiest way up to the mountain village.
- By train + bus: JR to Imari, then a bus to Okawachiyama.
Tips
Walk the whole narrow lane uphill, browsing the working kilns and shops as you go, and look out for the porcelain-tiled bridges and the potters' cemetery on the slope. It’s a wonderful place to buy quality Nabeshima-style porcelain directly from the makers, come by car or bus as it’s up a valley, and combine it with Imari and Arita for a full ceramics day.
