Hasami ware is very popular these days because it is a stylish and casual type of tableware. We will introduce the information that the shopkeeper actually went to the production area and heard!
The town of Hasami in Nagasaki prefecture, the birthplace of Hasami ware, is a beautiful town with tranquil scenery. It is dotted with Hasami ware pottery showrooms, stylish shops, and cafes. The local Hasami Onsen, Takeo Onsen in Saga Prefecture, Ureshino Onsen, and Arita Town in Saga Prefecture, where Arita ware is located, are all within a 30-minute drive, so it's a good idea to visit nearby sightseeing spots. It is recommended!
What is Hasami ware?
The history of Hasami ware dates back to the end of the Azuchi-Momoyama period, about 400 years ago. Today, Hasami ware is the representative of white porcelain, but before pottery stone was discovered, it was also a place where earthenware (pottery) was produced. It is said that Hasami ware can be roughly divided into five periods.
〇 1580-1610s Age of pottery production 〇 1610-1630s Start of porcelain production
〇 Production centered on celadon porcelain from 1630 to 1650
〇 1650s to 1690s The period when overseas exports were popular
〇 1690s to 1860s Kuwaranka Era Start of sales for general households in Japan
Porcelain production begins with the discovery of pottery stone
When Hideyoshi Toyotomi dispatched troops to Korea (Bunroku-Keicho War, 1592-1598), the feudal lords brought back many Korean potters to acquire pottery skills.
Riyukei was invited to this place in 1598 when the lord of the Omura clan, Yoshiaki, returned from the Korean War. In 1599 (Keicho 4), he built a Korean-style continuous-floor climbing kiln in Hatanohara, Murakigo, Hasami-cho, and in 1605 (Keicho 10), he discovered high-quality pottery stone at Mitsumata Yamaguchi (Toshikawa). Started production of porcelain.
Pottery stone, the raw material for porcelain, is a volcanic rock. It is believed to have been formed by a volcanic eruption about 20 million years ago. With the discovery of pottery stone, the production of porcelain greatly developed in the Edo period. Initially, it was mined in the Mimata, Nakao, and Nagao districts of Hasami Town, but after the Meiji period, Amakusa pottery stone (Kumamoto Prefecture) became the main raw material and is still used today.
Japanese pottery goes overseas
Around the 1650s, due to the civil war in China, the overseas expansion of Chinese pottery became stagnant, and instead, Japanese pottery began to be exported to the world. Hizen (the northwestern part of Kyushu) had all the necessary conditions for pottery: pottery stone, fuel (mountains), and water (rivers). The Omura clan established the Sarayama government office in Mitsumata. Many kilns were also built in Hasami Town, producing large dyed pots and celadon plates for overseas markets, many of which were distributed to Southeast Asia.
And to the Kuwaranka era. A rich dining table for the common people in Japan
At the time, porcelain was expensive and difficult for the common people to obtain, but in the Edo period, Hasami ware, called kuwaranka bowls, was called kuwaranka bowls, and was durable, hard to break, and reasonably priced. It will also spread to ordinary households.
A new beginning as ''Hasami ware''
The pottery made in Hasami-cho was distributed for a long time as ``Arita ware'' and ``Imari ware'', which were produced in the same production area. However, amidst various social changes , falsification of the production area began to become a fuss, and only a few decades ago, Hasami ware was released to the world again.
Considering that we had to change the way we used to work and start from scratch, it must have been a lot of work. However, since the entire town is made up of a group of specialists (model shops, fabric shops, potteries, etc.), it is a community of fate in a sense. I think there was also a sense of unity in the team working together to sell Hasami ware. Originally, the land of Bizen has been working hard among the pottery production areas of the country. The area has high quality standards, and the high brand power of Hasami ware is recognized.
When I was talking to a potter in Hasami Town, he knew about orders from other kilns, and he said, "The work there is absolutely unacceptable as a Hasami ware production area, so I have to do my best to protect it. You can't do that."
Nowadays, ``Hasami-yaki'' has become an established image of high-quality tableware with stylish and innovative designs that are not bound by tradition . , I feel that it is because of the airy climate.
How to get to Hasami Town
By Air ✈:
About 1 hour by car from Nagasaki Airport.
For cars:
About 5 minutes by car from Nagasaki Expressway/Nishi Kyushu Expressway Hasami/Arita IC About 10 minutes by car from Ureshino IC
By train/bus:
About 10 minutes by car from JR Arita Station
About 15 minutes by bus from JR Mikawachi Station (Bus stop in front of Mikawachi Station "Ureshino" "Utsumi" line)
20 minutes by bus from JR Kawatana Station (bus stop Kawatana Bus Center "Ureshino" "Utsumi" line)
*There is a slight distance from the nearest station, so we recommend traveling by car to get around the town efficiently.
I tried to summarize the highlights of Hasami Town
Hasami Town is dotted with showrooms of various shops, stylish cafes, restaurants, and general stores. The beauty of nature is also one of its attractions.
Here is a list of recommended places for the owner. 
Kuwaran Museum, Tourism Exchange Center, Pottery Park
2255-2 Ishigo, Hasami-cho, Higashisonogi-gun, Nagasaki 859-3711
Business hours: 9:00-17:00 Closed: 12/31, 1/1, 1/2
Hasami Town Tourism Association Telephone: 0956-85-2290 
More than 30 different pottery products are gathered, so you can see the products efficiently. The tourist exchange center has professional guide staff, so if you are unsure about where to go, they will kindly give you advice. You can get a map and various materials, and there is also useful information unique to the local area. It is a place that you should definitely keep in mind as it will be helpful when planning your trip!
The second floor is a museum where you can learn about the history of Hasami ware. 
A potter welcomes you. The state of painting moves quite realistically.
I was a little surprised when I first saw it! ? 
In front of Kuwarankan, there is a pottery park.
At the ``World Kiln Plaza'' where kilns from around the world are exhibited, you can learn about the structure and history of kilns while looking at replicas.
This symbol of Hasami Town is the " Bottle Oven Kiln" that originated in England. 
This is Turkey's " Kitahiya Kiln" 
The view from the top of the mountain is the best!
It was just like a beautiful yellow carpet with the rape blossoms in full bloom. 
►Festival held at Yakimono Park Square *Hasami Pottery Festival
Every year from April 29th to May 5th, about 130 potteries and trading companies in the town exhibit. The main venue (Yakimono Park Square) is crowded with many visitors. Events such as potter's wheel demonstrations and overglazing experiences are also held.
Source: Hasami Pottery Festival Association
Inquiries: Phone: 0956-85-2214 (Hasami Yaki Promotion Association)
Modern art and fashionable shops in a nostalgic space Nishinohara
2187-4 Ishigo, Hasami Town, Higashisonogi County, Nagasaki Prefecture 859-3716
It is a popular area lined with stylish cafes, galleries, and general stores on the site of a former pottery factory.
There are also remnants of the former pottery site. 
Take a break by looking at nice things while wandering around aimlessly. You will realize that such an insignificant moment is a luxury. Introducing a little bit of a nice shop.
monne porte
Opening hours: 11:00-18:00 Closed: Wednesdays, New Year holidays
Phone: 0956-76-7163
A stylish stationery and accessory shop made using an old potter's wheel. There is also a space where various workshops are held under the concept of "joy of expression."
HANA Wakusui
Opening hours: 11:00-18:00 Closed: Wednesdays, New Year holidays
Phone: 0956-85-98-8155
A shop for household goods that brings small joys to your daily life.
There is a line up of daily life tools that have been carefully selected from all over the country. 
Minami Soko
Business hours: 11:00-18:00 Closed: Wednesdays, New Year holidays
Phone: 0956-76-7214
We mainly sell original brands such as popular Saikai pottery products essence, common, and HASAMI PORCELAIN. There is a collection of highly functional Hasami ware that is fun to look at.
monne legui mooksmonne legui mooks
Business hours: 12:00-18:00 Closed: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, New Year holidays Phone: 0956-85-8033
A wonderful space where a building with a nostalgic atmosphere has been stylishly renovated. There are also daily lunches such as curry sets, various drinks and cakes. It is a wonderful cafe restaurant that makes you stay long.
Pottery Town Nakaoyama area walk around pottery
Nakaoyama started producing pottery in the middle of the Edo period, and at its peak, the world's largest climbing kiln group with a height of over 160m was built, and the porcelain made here was distributed domestically and internationally. Currently, there are about 20 potteries and trading companies, and the narrow alleyways and townscape that makes you feel like you've slipped back in time still remain. There are galleries and workshops of potteries that sell directly, so how about taking a leisurely stroll to find your favorite? 
Nakaoyama Exchange Center 〒859-3712 157 Nakaogo, Hasami-cho, Higashisonogi-gun, Nagasaki Prefecture
Business hours: 9:00-17:00 Closed: Tuesdays, Obon, year-end and New Year holidays Phone: 0956-85-2273 
A gallery shop with works from about 20 potteries in Nakaoyama.
This is the first place you should keep in mind when planning where to go. From the 2nd floor, you can see the tranquil Nakao-go. 
Opposite the Koryukan is the Denshukan.
You can stay for 3,000 yen per night, and you can make pottery while staying for a long time. The beautiful cherry blossoms welcomed us on this day.
Nakaogami Noborigama Kiln Ruins 〒859-3712 439 Nakaogo, Hasami-cho, Higashisonogi-gun, Nagasaki Prefecture
Phone: 0956-85-7355 (Hasami Town Board of Education/Cultural Property Protection Section)
It is about 160m long and has 33 kiln chambers, making it the second largest climbing kiln in the world. It is currently undergoing restoration work, but tours are possible. The whole thing can be seen from the town below and from the road. You can see its enormity even from the observatory a little away! 
Introducing recommended potters in Nakaoyama!
period kiln
665-1 Nakaogou, Hasami-cho, Higashisonogi-gun, Nagasaki 859-3712
Business hours: 8:00-17:00 Closed: Sundays, year-end and New Year holidays (temporary closures, confirmation required)
Phone: 0956-85-3338 
Slipware, a traditional British tableware, was rediscovered by the founders of the Mingei movement in Japan, and a new wind was blown into it. The slipwear made by Norio Nakagawa, who studied in Mashiko, Tochigi Prefecture, has a stylish and rich personality. Both Japanese and Western styles have a comfortable texture. 
Kazuma Touen
670 Nakaogou, Hasami-cho, Higashisonogi-gun, Nagasaki 859-3712
Business hours: 10:00-12:00/13:00-17:00 Closed: GW, Obon, New Year holidays (temporary closures. Confirmation required)
Phone: 0956-85-5305 
The ``flying planes'' and ``shinogi'', which are delicately applied to the pure white base, are made one by one by the master and his disciple who has inherited the techniques. It's a beauty that will make you fall in love.
►Mt. Nakao festival held during the cherry blossom season
※Nakaoyama Sakura Ceramic Festival
Held on the first Saturday and Sunday of April every year. Held in the Nakaoyama area, potteries are open to the public and direct sales are conducted. A limited number of bento boxes that can be enjoyed in original bowls are also popular.
Phone: 0956-85-2273 (Nakaoyama Exchange Center)
Hasami Town is rich in nature. The beautiful scenery will soothe your soul!
Sakura Tsutsumi Road
〒859-3716 Tanokashira, Hasami-cho, Higashisonogi-gun, Nagasaki Prefecture
About 300 cherry trees are planted along the promenade along the Kawatana River that runs through the town.
The row of cherry blossom trees stretches for about 5 kilometers and the tranquil scenery spreads out. 
The cherry blossoms were in full bloom when I visited! Enchanted by the cherry blossom colored world.
Oniki Terraced Rice Fields
Onikigo, Hasami-cho, Higashisonogi-gun, Nagasaki 859-3713
Oniki Tanada, which spreads out at the foot of Mt. Kuukouzan, has been selected as one of the top 100 terraced rice fields in Japan. From the observatory on the hillside, you can enjoy the beauty of the terraced rice fields that change with the seasons.
*Oniki Tanada Festival This event is held on September 23rd every year. Unique scarecrows made by local people are set up in the rice terraces, and processed agricultural products are also sold.
Phone: 0956-85-2290 [Hasami Town Tourism Association]
Other pottery showrooms and shops
ÔYANE
2204-4 Orishikisego, Hasami-cho, Higashisonogi-gun, Nagasaki 859-3701
Business hours: 9:00-18:00 Closed: Year-end and New Year holidays Phone: 0956-85-3151
As the shop name suggests, this stylish gallery has a large white roof as its symbol. The shop run by Saikai Toki sells their own products as well as Hasami ware made by artists.
WAZAN OUTLET SHOP
2200-1 Orishikisego, Hasami-cho, Higashisonogi-gun, Nagasaki 859-3701
Business hours: Weekdays 10:00-17:00 Closed: Year-end and New Year holidays
Phone: 0956-85-2471 
A Wayama outlet shop that makes tableware that makes everyday dining fun. You can purchase items that you can use for a long time at a discounted price.
► Click here for information about our shop in Wayama
aiyu
380 Sarayamago, Hasami-cho, Higashisonogi-gun, Nagasaki 859-3727
Business hours: Weekdays 10:00-17:00 Saturdays 12:00-17:00 Closed: Sundays and holidays Phone: 0956-85-2600
Aiyu products with simple and timeless designs have a lineup that is easy to use for all ages.
Hakusan Pottery Head Office Showroom
〒859-3702 1334 Yumutago, Hasami-cho, Higashisonogi-gun, Nagasaki Prefecture
Business hours: 9:00-16:00 Closed: Every Thursday, the second Sunday of every month, GW and other summer holidays, year-end and New Year holidays, and other irregular holidays
Phone: 0956-85-3251
When you think of Hasami ware, many people probably think of Bloom from Hakusan Pottery. Aiming for a timeless design that is easy to use and fits into your life, we create simple yet unique and attractive tableware that will look great on the Japanese dining table. The brand has won numerous awards, including the Good Design Award.
NISHIYAMA Gallery
1087 Orishikisego, Hasami Town, Higashisonogi County, Nagasaki Prefecture 859-3701
Business hours: 10:00-17:00 Closed: Sundays, year-end and New Year holidays Phone: 0956-85-3024
This is a gallery shop of NISHIYAMA, which is constantly searching for new styles based on Japanese style and making innovative products. It is possible to purchase almost the entire lineup, not to mention the representative work Daisy.
Shoho Kiln
761-8 Orishikisego, Hasami-cho, Higashisonogi-gun, Nagasaki 859-3701
Business hours: 8:00-19:00 Closed: Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays
Phone: 0956-85-4724 (contact required)
Mr. Kamamoto, who is particular about hand-painted works such as Itchin technique. Not only can you buy it, but the workshop is right next door, so you can see how the craftsmen put their time and effort into making things. 
Although it was only a part, we introduced the spots in Hasami Town.
In addition to this, it is a town full of attractions such as wonderful pottery shops and historical sites.
Please visit us if you have the chance!
Hasami ware Wayama Click here
Click here for Hasami ware fruits series
