We left Okiyama and traveled northwest towards Karatsu on Kyushu Island. If you go to Japan please don’t miss Karatsu. To our amazement you can rent bicycles for free here. We made our way to several potteries and had a wonderful time at the Nakano pottery. Mr. Nakano was about to teach a class and we just happened to be there so we sat around a large table adjacent to the showroom area and had some green tea and talked (sort of!) The students wanted me to throw something on the wheel. A lot of Shimpo wheels there and since I use a Shimpo I had no problem with that…it was just those seventeen sets of eyes. I threw a quinomi on the hump and they were all very surprised that I knew how to do that. Mr. Nakano’s son then showed me how it was really done. Friends in Karatsu.

Karatsu Kiln Markings Website

Karatsu Scenes

Here are some images from strolling around Karatsu from manhole covers to pots to my brother Russ shopping for that special piece in one of many wonderful pot shops.

Karatsu Castle

Get your walking shoes on. There are no elevators here and the steps…they are never ending! Rode our bikes to the base of the castle over a nice bridge. There are pots shops at the base of castle and a nice road to the left of the castle entrance that runs along a river. The castle’s exterior is well maintained and with great character. Don’t expect the interior to be restored to its original…display cases and didactic information were everywhere and any resemblance to its historic use was lost. The grounds were very peaceful with a great view. A nice place to relax and take a break.

Guardian of Famous Ceramics Website