“Kamado-san” is the hot topic at Haseen! Experience Iga-Yaki at a long-established pottery! Detailed introduction to cultural properties such as "Noborigama" and "Taishokan"♪

Kamado-san, an earthenware pot that is popular because it does not require heating, is an excellent item with its simple color scheme and cute, rounded shape. The Iga-Yaki pottery Nagatanien produces these popular masterpieces, and the kiln was opened in 1832!
There are exhibition rooms that handle Iga-Yaki-kan buildings, both of which are registered tangible cultural properties of the country.

Of course, there are also many products you can purchase.

The ``16-Renbo Former Nobori-gama'' was registered as a national registered tangible cultural property in 2011, and the scenery is spectacular with the green of the mountains and the blue of the sky!
This 16-room kiln, which took over 15 days to cook, was in operation from its founding until the 1960s.
Among the existing climbing kilns in Japan, there is no other climbing kiln of this size.

This is the kiln currently in use. Here at Haseen, people who make products using traditional methods (craftsmen) and people who create pottery with new ideas (artists) work side by side every day.

The building, which was used as an office during the Taisho era, is also recognized as a registered tangible cultural property.

It says "Taishokan".
There are many stately buildings and buildings with an orderly and elegant appearance, so no matter where you take a photo, it will look great.

The interior of Taishokan is beautiful everywhere you look, from the carefully maintained wood grain of the furniture to the shadows created by the window latticework.
It's filled with a sense of tranquility that calms your mind and calms your breathing. Enchanted by Taisho romance.

Taishokan is not only a place to tour, but also an actual cafe space where you can take a break. The vending machine pours freshly ground coffee into an Iga-Yaki cup.
It's an incredible story, but you can take it home with you after using it!

Some people are fascinated by the tranquility of the interior and bring a book to relax, while others visit many times and even collect cups for their families.

Coffee comes with an Iga-Yaki cup for 350 yen.

All of the Japanese-style buildings on the premises had a stately atmosphere, and many customers looked at them before entering.
This first exhibition room is filled with Iga-Yaki that can be used in daily life, including ``Kamado-san''.

An Iga-Yaki mug that will make your beer taste delicious.
How about a different color for your family, a gift for a friend, or a pair with your lover?
Of course, you can also use it as a souvenir for yourself!

This is the second exhibition room.
There are many one-of-a-kind pieces lined up. The transparent green color is beautiful.

The third exhibition room has a product exhibition room on the first floor and a museum on the second floor.

Various types of clay pots are on display.
Each one is unique in color and shape, making them beautiful and worth seeing as works of art, but all of them can actually be used in cooking.

As you watch them, you will realize that earthen pots are not only useful during the winter season.

From big things to small things. A clay pot for one person is also great!

Even if the ingredients are the same as usual, when you simmer them in a cute pot like this, it feels like a bit of a feast. As I kept thinking about this, I started to want better ingredients to go with the hot pot.

You can reach the museum by climbing up the old wooden stairs.

Many historical works are preserved in glass cases.

As you read the introductions, you will notice that some of them are quite old. The works displayed here cannot be purchased.

Diagonally across from the third exhibition room is the "Experience Workshop."
When you enter, your eyes will be drawn to the beautiful interior, which is lined with natural-colored timber.

There are two types of pottery making experiences that can be reserved for groups of five or more: ``Painting'' and ``Twiddling with the soil.''
Why not try making your own Iga-Yaki with the guidance of an artist?

Prices start from 2,000 yen for painting and 2,500 yen for tinkering with the soil. Reservations required.

There are many rest areas on the premises where you can sit and relax.
Since it is an area rich in nature with lush trees, the scenery seems to take on a different look depending on the season.

As you walk along the gentle slope of the main street, looking at the Japanese-style architecture on both sides that is a registered tangible cultural property of the country, turn left at the Taishokan building and go up the stairs next to the climbing kiln, where you will find a promenade that leads to the observation deck. there is.

The altitude of the observatory is not very high, but it is quiet and the air is clear. Let's take a break while looking at Iga no Sato, which is also a production area of high-quality potter's clay.

Earthenware pots made from the local clay that breathes will keep the rice fluffy without making it sticky.

“Haseen” is an Iga-Yaki pottery with a long history of over 185 years.

Not only can you feel the majesty of the climbing kiln and architecture, which have been recognized as nationally registered tangible cultural properties, but you can also encounter useful earthenware pots that suit modern lifestyles, as well as a variety of Iga-Yaki that are attractive for their functional beauty and colorful colors. .
It was a place where everyone could enjoy, whether you wanted to eat, cook, or like pottery as a piece of art. When you buy your favorite Iga-Yaki and take it home, you can start a relationship with Iga-Yaki you can see, touch, and taste.

I was feeling hungry on the way home, probably because I was looking around trying to imagine what kind of dishes would go well with it.


basic information
Exhibition room business hours 9:00-17:00
Closed: Obon/New Year holidays
Prices for pottery making experience: Painting: 2,000 yen ~ Working with soil: 2,500 yen ~
access
By car: From Osaka/Nagoya, take the Mibuno Interchange on the Meihan National Highway and drive towards Ayama/Shigaraki for about 10 minutes.
From Kyoto/Shiga, it is approximately 25 minutes from the Shigaraki Interchange on the Shin-Meishin Expressway in the direction of Shigaraki/Iga.
Approximately 15 minutes from Konan Interchange towards Ayama/Iga
Train: Take the JR Kansai Main Line and get off at Iga-Ueno Station, then take a taxi for about 10 minutes.