Imbe Bizen Pottery Village 伊部 備前焼の里

The town of Imbe is the home of traditional Bizen ware, a famous traditional Japanese craft. Many Bizen pottery artists have lived here for centuries, keeping the culture alive. The area around Imbe Station is lined with brick chimneys and buildings that give visitors a sense of an era gone by.

Take the Ako Line from Okayama Station for about 40 minutes to Imbe Station.

Most of the area's kilns and galleries are located near Imbe Station. Much of the clay and the wood that fires the kilns for Bizen ware is sourced locally. The soil used is very fine and contains high iron content, which gives the pottery its distinctive colors. The area around Imbe features ruins of ancient kilns from as far back as the 16th century, as well as shrines with a connection to Bizen ware.

The Bizen Pottery Festival is held on the third weekend of October. You can find authentic works at sold at deep discounts, and speak with the artists.

The Bizen Pottery Museum offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the history of Bizen ware, and view pieces from the past to the present. The museum has a permanent collection of works by successive generations of Living National Treasures, and also holds special exhibitions.