Arita & Peace Memorial Park
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port
Nagasaki, Japan
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activityLevel
Moderate Activity
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excursionType
All
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wheelchairAccessible
No
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startingAtPrice
$370
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minimumAge
Information Not Currently Available
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duration
Approximately 7½ Hours
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mealsIncluded
Meals not included
Enjoy a picturesque drive inland to the small mountain town of Arita, the birthplace of porcelain manufacturing.
A visit to a local ceramics kiln is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the art of porcelain making. Your foray into Japanese ceramics begins with a tour of either the Genemon or Shingama kiln. You will notice how carefully each piece is formed and painted by hand, and learn how the ceramic designs blend modern sensibility with traditional technique. Observe traditional artisans at work as they demonstrate such techniques as throwing, painting, glazing and firing the material. The creativity and effort involved make each piece a true masterpiece.
The charming streets of this quaint mountain town are lined with old houses dating back to the 1930s. The houses are decorated with Tonbai fences made of used bricks and old-fashioned pottery. As you stroll through town you'll see small galleries that display and sell a choice selection of local ceramics. You will have chance to purchase one-of-a-kind treasures during your visit.
Your tour continues with a Japanese lunch at a restaurant in Arita.
Back on the coach, drive to Peace Memorial Park, located only a few minutes’ walk from the epicenter of the atomic bomb blast of August 9, 1945. This Nagasaki Peace Park is a symbol of Japan's hope for an end to all war. A Nagasaki native created the statue that is the focal point of the park -- a 30-foot-tall symbol of the quest for peace.
At the completion of your tour, enjoy a leisurely drive back to port.
Please note: Participants must negotiate stairs and/or uneven surfaces and is therefore not advisable for guests using a wheelchair or for those with mobility limitations. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Bring local currency, as many vendors do not accept credit cards or US dollars. Observation of artisans at work in Arita will not take place on Sundays and holidays. Tour operates subject to meeting a minimum number of participants.