Port
Nagasaki, Japan
Activity Level
Moderate Activity
Excursion Type
All
Wheelchair Accessible
No
Starting At (prices in USD)
$370
Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
Duration
Approximately 7½ Hours
Meals Included
Meals not included
Today’s tour is a poignant exploration in Japan, where the town of Arita showcases centuries-old porcelain craftsmanship, while the nearby Peace Memorial Park provides a solemn reminder of the resilience and hope that follows tragic history, creating a unique and thought-provoking juxtaposition of culture and remembrance.
Start today’s tour with a picturesque drive inland to the small mountain town of Arita – the birthplace of porcelain manufacturing.
Here you’ll find 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 a local kiln. You’ll 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 techniques such as throwing, painting, glazing and firing the material. The creativity and effort involved make each piece a true masterpiece.
Next, explore the charming streets of this quaint mountain town that 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’ll have chance to purchase one-of-a-kind treasures during your visit.
Your tour continues as you enjoy 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. The 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 end of your tour, enjoy a leisurely drive back to port.
Please note:
Guests will need to 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.