Kenmoku Pottery
Discovering Mashiko: A Pottery Paradise
Only 2 hours from Tokyo, you'll find yourself in Mashiko, a charming, peaceful town in Tochigi Prefecture, where creativity flows!
Mention Mashiko to most Japanese people and the first thing that'll come to their mind is Mashiko-yaki which simply translates to Mashiko pottery. This famous town is not just abundant in ceramics, but crafts, nature, delicious food and community.
It is the perfect place for a day trip from Tokyo or an overnight adventure and you can see below for our sample itineraries!
Galleries & Pottery Shops
Ceramics in Mashiko were as a result of the Mingei movement, a philosophy that celebrates the beauty in the everyday and these principles have carried on today where you will find incredible handmade pieces that were intended to be functional and useful, not just to be admired. This movement was founded by Shoji Hamada, one of Japan's most celebrated potters and a designated National Treasure who based himself in Mashiko.
Furthermore, the extensive use of the noborigama or 'climbing kiln' is synonymous with Mashiko where pieces made through these kilns are celebrated for their imperfections and uniqueness as no two pottery pieces produced are the same.
Below are our recommended galleries & pottery shops in Mashiko - click on each card to find out more!
Cafes & Restaurants
Whilst unusual for a town of this size to be so abundant in oshare 'trendy' cafes and restaurants, it is part of the culture in Mashiko to enjoy dining out and catching up with friends at cafes and bakeries. As such, there is a wide variety of delicious food available in Mashiko as well as fresh baked goods and sweets.
Below are some of our favourite cafes & restaurants in Mashiko - click on each card to find out more and view their menu!
Activities & Experiences
Not only is Mashiko famous for its pottery - there are also a range of fun activities and experiences available. Whilst experiences like strawberry picking are seasonal, there are other activities that are available all year round.
Whether you're visiting by yourself, with a loved one, with a group of friends or with your family - there is something for everyone!
Day Trip Sample Itinerary
It is recommended to visit from Thursday to Sunday as most places will be open
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Take the train from Tokyo
From Tokyo Station:
Take the 8:26am Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Utsunomiya Station arriving at 9:18am
Take the 9:33am 益子駅前 bus from Utsunomiyaekinishiguchi from platform 14 for 55 minutes (59 stops) and alight at 田町 at 10:28am
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Or rent a car and drive to Mashiko
Driving would be the most convenient and flexible way to get to Mashiko! You can easily rent a car in Tokyo where most rental car shops open at 8am or from Utsunomiya station if you prefer a shorter drive. Read our guides on renting a car and driving in Tokyo for more information!
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. All places mentioned are included based on our recommendations and are not sponsored or paid placements. Activities listed with booking options through Doko Discover have been curated and vetted to ensure it meets out standards and requirements. Bookings for these activities are subject to our terms and conditions.
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Have coffee at Midnight Breakfast
Start your day at Mashiko at Midnight Breakfast and grab some coffee, toast and cookies!
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Browse the different galleries and shops
From Midnight Breakfast you can make your way down the main pottery street which starts from here. Our recommended galleries and shops can be found below and you'll pass them in order if you're starting from Midnight Breakfast! Click each card to see more about what makes each gallery unique, what is available and some pictures of what you'l be able to find!
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Take a break and have lunch!
Stop for lunch at Cocoro Cafe if you're feeling like some Japanese Wafu cuisine (a fusion of Japanese and Western) or head to Younobi Cafe and Bistro for French inspired dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. If you come by car, Chaya Amamaki is another option for their delicious wood fired pizzas!
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Do an activity!
Mix it up a bit and learn how to make soba at Takakuno Soba or enjoy something a little finer and do a premium sake tasting at Tonoike Sake Brewery.
Soba making is available Wednesday to Friday at 3pm or 5pm and Sake Tasting is available Monday to Thursday at 2pm. If you are looking for availability outside of these times please contact us and we can check for you!
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Take the train back to Tokyo
If you're taking the train, you will need to start heading back to Tokyo by 5pm as this is the last bus service back to Utsunomiya station.
Take the 宇都宮東武 bus towards 宮の橋南 for approximately 1 hour
Take the 6:21pm Tohoku Shinkansen from Utsunomiya Station to Tokyo Station arriving at 7:16pm
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(If you came by car) End your day with dinner at Irori Chaya
There is no better way to end your day trip to Mashiko than having dinner at Irori Chaya. This cozy mountain lodge-style restaurant specialises in wild boar hotpot, a delicious and sustainable dish that isn't overpowering at all and is almost a mix between pork and beef!
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Drive back to Tokyo
End your day by driving back to Tokyo! The drive should take approximately 2 hours so put on a playlist, sit back and relax!
Please note that this article is intended as a guide and for informational purpose only. Places featured have been carefully selected by our team to be featured on this guide. Apart from the experiences which are exclusively available through Doko Discover, we do not receive any affiliate commissions or payments to be featured on this guide or this website.