Workshop
Perfect Day trip from Tokyo!
Mashiko, Tochigi
1.5 hours
Min 1, Max 2 (per experience)
Mashiko Pottery Wheel Experience
What you can expect
A hands on experience in English with local potter, Venice Aka in her working studio
Learn more about pottery in Mashiko and what makes it so unique
Learn and be guided in traditional pottery techniques including spiral wedging and clockwise wheel throwing on a hump
Create your very own pottery piece using locally sourced Mashiko clay and traditional tools as Venice guides you based on your level and experience
Retain a memory of Mashiko as your piece can be glazed in a traditional Tenmoku glaze, fired and shipped (additional fees apply)
Location & how to get there
The easiest way to get here is by car which takes around 90 minutes from Tokyo. Free parking is available at the studio.
Read our guides on Driving in Japan and Renting a Car in Japan for more information
By train: Take the Tohoku Shinkansen from Ueno Station to Utsunomiya Station then take the 益子駅～ベルモール～宇都宮東武 bus from Platform 14 to 道祖土上 and walk for 5 minutes
The pottery studio is a 5 minute walk from the main Jonaizaka Street
Pick up is also available from pottery supply shop Kumiai or the giant Tanuki statue 10 mins before start time (please contact us if you require pick up)
Description
The Mashiko Pottery Wheel Experience is a 1.5 hour hands-on pottery class held in the working studio of Venice Aka - a practicing ceramics artist based in Mashiko!
This is a rare opportunity to learn in the space where Venice creates and sells her own contemporary ceramic works. Using locally sourced Mashiko clay and traditional hand tools Mashiko potters have used for generations, Venice guides you through spiral wedging and clockwise wheel throwing on a hump - techniques drawn from Mashiko's 150-year pottery history.
Each session is tailored - whether you're picking up clay for the first time or looking to refine a specific technique, Venice will adapt the lesson to your skill level and what you'd like to learn. No prior experience is needed!
If you'd like to keep the pieces that you make, the finished pieces will be glazed in a Tenmoku glaze before being fired and shipped to you. An additional charge applies; please refer to the FAQs for more details.
For those who want to spend more time in the studio, Venice also runs artist residency programmes and multi-day workshops - find out more details here.
Other things to note
The experience will be held in English
Drinks and snacks will be provided
An apron will be provided, but please wear clothes that you don't mind getting a little dirty!
No prior experience is required. Participants must be at least 8 years old
How will I receive my finished piece? (shipping details & fees)
Is parking available?
Will my clothes get dirty?
Is any prior experience available?
Can children participate in this experience?
What if I'm looking to book a for a larger group?
About the artist
Venice Aka is a ceramic artist based in Mashiko where she brings a contemporary creativity to the town's traditional ceramic heritage
She is also a certified sommelier and creates different sake vessels to enhance the specific flavour notes of sakes. You can try her sake cups in this sake tasting experience! Her signature piece is a three-legged sake cup with a richly textured, predominantly black base
She also runs artist residency programs, and multi day workshops and experiences. You can find out more about Venice's residencies and multi-day workshops here.
