HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Tamba, One of Japan’s Six Ancient Kiln Districts
Explore Tamba Tachikui, home to one of Japan’s oldest climbing kilns
Hyogo Tourism Bureau
Tamba is one of the six ancient pottery-making centers known as Japan’s “Six Kilns,” along with Seto, Tokoname, Shigaraki, Bizen, and Echizen. Tachikui Pottery Village, located at the hub of Tambayaki pottery production, has a brick-built “climbing kiln” (Heiseigama) built on the slope of a mountain. The tunnel-shaped kiln is a traditional technology known as a jagama kiln that is unique to Tachikui.
Tachikui Pottery Village also includes the Densan Kaikan and Denshu Kaikan exhibition halls, which display old Tambayaki masterpieces, and Art Gallery Tamba, which features modern new works. Kiln Alley sells works by local potters, and at the Ceramics Classroom, everyone from small children to adults can try their hand at clay work and painting. The Shishigin restaurant offers Japanese cuisine made with local Tamba ingredients and served in Tambayaki dishes. Tamba-region souvenirs are also on sale.
The Tambayaki Tachikui Climbing Kiln is a spectacular sight, with nine firing chambers extending 47 meters up the slope of the mountain. Built in 1895, it is the oldest existing climbing kiln for Tambayaki, and is designated a Tangible Folk Cultural Property of Hyogo Prefecture. As you tour the climbing kiln and picture the firing of Tambayaki pottery there, you’ll get a firsthand feel for Tamba’s history, climate, and culture.
How to get there
From Shin-Osaka Station, take the JR Tokaido-Sanyo Main Line to Amagasaki Station (about 15 minutes). At Amagasaki transfer to the JR Fukuchiyama Line and get off at Aino Station (about 45 minutes). From Aino, take the Shinki Bus bound for Shimizu or Hyogo Ceramic Art Museum. Get off at the Sue-no-Sato Mae bus stop (about 10 minutes), which is right in front of Tachikui Pottery Village.
3 Kamitachikui, Konda-cho, Tambasasayama-shi, Hyogo-ken
