Shigaraki, or Shigaraki-cho, is a small town situated in the district of Koka, Japan. It measures about 165 square kilometers in area and has an approximate population of 14,100 people.
During the year 745, just before the imperial capital was moved to Heijo-kyo, Shigaraki temporarily served as capital and housed the Shigaraki Palace, which unfortunately got destroyed by a forest fire within a few months.
In 2004, the town merged with Tsuchiyama, Minakuchi, Konan, and Koka to form the city of Koka. Shigaraki has since been known to be a popular tourist destination for learning about Japanese history and culture, particularly the art of pottery/ceramics making.
Pottery/Ceramics in Shigaraki, Japan
Shigaraki is often called as the pottery town or the ceramics town of Koka, Japan. It serves as the origin of one of Japan’s six oldest kilns believed to have been used by the local community as early as 742.
The largest kind of this kiln, which is known as the nobori-gama, can be found at Soto-en Shigaraki Pottery. Nobori-gama kilns are typically constructed along a natural slope, given its step-like design/system. They are used by initially setting the lowest kiln on fire and allowing the fire to spread from one compartment to the other. The entire set up is usually kept alight for a maximum period of nine days.
Tanuki Statues in Shigaraki, Japan
Everything from production to the actual items produced is referred to as Shigaraki-yaki or Shigaraki ware, the most popular of which is the tanuki statue.
The tanuki is a Japanese raccoon dog often used portrayed in folk tales as jolly and mischievous shape-shifting creatures. They are also described in Japanese folklore to be a bit absentminded and gullible.
Across Japan, various households and shops can be seen with a tanuki statue standing by the entrance. The majority of these statues come from the town of Shigaraki and typically feature eight features, referred to as hassouengi, that bring good luck:
A Sedge Hat
The sedge hat of a tanuki statue serves as the raccoon’s protective gear. Having a tanuki statue with this detail is believed to provide protection from various disasters.
Large Eyes
The large eyes of a tanuki statue represent the raccoon’s observant personality. Having a tanuki statue with this detail serves as a reminder for the owner to be mindful and pay close attention to the members of his household or the customers of his shop.
Bank Book
The bank book carried by a tanuki statue implies that the raccoon does not have a lot of money on hand but can easily engage in buy and sell transactions if needed. Having a tanuki statue with this detail informs the public of the same thought with regards to the household or shop.
Bottle of Sake
The bottle of sake often held up by a tanuki statue puts emphasis on the raccoon’s jolly nature and its generosity. Having a tanuki statue with this detail is believed to bless the household or shop with an abundance of food and drinks.
A Big Tail
The big tail of a tanuki statue keeps the raccoon well-grounded. Having a tanuki statue with this detail is believed to bring the household or shop stability and protection, even in the midst of unfortunate events.
A Big Belly
The big belly of a tanuki statue signifies the raccoon’s health and strength to deal with all that may come its way. Having a tanuki statue with this detail serves as a reminder to remain calm and trust one’s strength to properly deal with a difficult situation.
A Cute Face
The cute, smiling face of the tanuki statue shows the raccoon’s positive approach to the good and bad. Having a tanuki statue with this detail reminds members of the household or shop about the importance of putting on a smile and being amiable.
Testicles
The testicles of a tanuki statue serve as the raccoon’s pride and glory. Having a tanuki statue with this detail represents the wealth of a household or shop. Some tanuki statues feature larger testicles than others, which implies more fortune.
Weather and Climate of Shigaraki, Japan
The weather and climate of Shigaraki are generally mild, i.e. comfortable temperature, but the town does experience a significant amount of rainfall every year. The best time to visit the ceramics town will, of course, depend on one’s preference on humidity, wind, and peak dew season, to name a few.
According to various weather forecast reports, the months that tourists need to take note of when planning their visits based on the highest chance of experiencing a certain climate/season are:
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May to October – nice weather for sightseeing; not too cold, hot, or humid
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July to August – warmest months of the year
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March – October – rainy season
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August – warmest month of the year
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January – coldest month of the year
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June – wettest month of the year
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December – driest month of the year
A Guide to Exploring Shigaraki, Japan and Nearby Areas – Miho Museum, Ninja Village, Etc.
Miho Museum
The Miho Museum is situated on a forested hill, just west of Koka’s central city. Its location makes it a great place to visit while on a side trip from Kyoto.
Japan’s highly renowned architect, I.M. Pei, designed the steel and glass structure, which is named after one of the country’s richest women, Koyama Mihoko. The building itself is considered by many to be a stunning work of art for its smart approach in creatively integrating man-made and natural settings.
A wide variety of cultural works and artifacts from various countries in Asia, Europe, and Africa, most of which are from Koyama Mihoko’s private collection, are housed by the museum.
Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, from Tuesdays to Sundays
Admission Fee: 1,100 yen per person
Access from Kyoto: 50-minute bus ride away from the Ishiyama Station of the JR Tokaido Line
Access from Koka: No direct public mode of transportation available; renting a car is highly recommended.
Address: 300 Shigarakicho Tashiro Momotani, Koka, Shiga, Japan 529-1814
Koka Ninja Village
The Koka Ninja Village, or known as Koka no Sato Ninjutsumura by the Japanese, is a slightly rundown complex situated in a forest and houses various dwellings.
Some interesting things tourists can expect include a nine-stage obstacle course, a shuriken (ninja star/throwing star) throwing range, and a quaint museum. A demonstration on the different hidden compartments and trapdoors of the compound can also be appreciated at one of the village’s houses.
Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, from Tuesdays to Fridays; 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, from Saturdays to Sundays
Admission Fee: 1,030 yen per person
Access: 30-minute walk away from the Koka Station; 10-minute taxi ride away from the Koka Station
Address: 394 Kokacho Oki, Koka, Shiga, Japan 520-3405
Koka Ninja House
The Koka Ninja House, or Ninjutsu Yashiki, is another one of Koka’s ninja-related tourist attractions, alongside the Koka Ninja Village. This mansion dates back nearly three hundred years ago and originally served as the home of ninjas.
Although it may look like an ordinary building on the outside, the inside features various traps and devices meant to keep trespassers from entering. There are also several escape routes included in the design of the house, just in case.
Other than discovering the secret doors and passages of the house, visitors can also enjoy a shuriken throwing range and an informative exhibit about the ninja’s combat techniques, weapons, and tools.
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, daily; Closed from December 27 to January 2
Admission Fee: 650 yen per person; Shuriken throwing range requires an additional fee
Access: 20-minute walk away from the JR Kusatsu Line’s Konan Station
Address: 2331 Konancho Ryuboshi, Koka, Shiga, Japan 520-3311
Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park
The Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park is among the many results of the local community’s efforts in promoting the importance of having recreational spaces. As implied by its name, the park follows a ceramics theme and houses several interesting structures.
The park is also meant to be a place for visitors to enjoy various art activities including exhibitions, trainings, and workshops.
Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM, from Tuesdays to Sundays
Admission Fee: N/A
Access: 5-minute bus ride (Koka City Community Bus away from the Shigaraki Station
Address: 2188－7 Chokushi, Shigaraki-cho, Koka City, Shiga, Japan 529-1804
Minakuchi Castle
The Minakuchi Castle dates back to the year 1634 when it was established to serve as the rest stop of Tokugawa Iemitsu, the shogun at the time, during his trips from and to the city of Kyoto. It follows a similar design as that of the Nijo Castle in Kyoto.
Come the Meiji Restoration, the castle was stripped off of its designation as an official residence and has since become a popular tourist attraction for visitors to enjoy annual festivals, a bit of history, and cultural enlightenment.
Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM, daily
Admission Fee: 100 yen per person (For adults); 50 yen per person (For children)
Access: 5-minute walk away from the Minaguchi Jonan Station
Address: 4-80 Minakuchicho, Honmaru, Koka, Shiga, Japan 528-0023
Map & Access to Shigaraki, Japan
From Tokyo, tourists initially need to take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line to Maibara Station then switch to the JR Tokaido/Kusatsu Line. The next station where tourists should get off at is the Kibukawa Station, which is just 25 more minutes away from the Shigaraki Station through the map route of the Shigaraki Kogen Railway.
The total travel time from Tokyo to Shigaraki is about four hours.
Hotels and Other Accommodation Options in or near Shigaraki, Japan
Given the many interesting tourist attractions housed by the town of Shigaraki, foreign travelers should make it a point to at least spend the night at one of the many accommodation options situated in or nearby the area.
From renting a hotel room that comes with free breakfast to staying at a ryokan that comes complete with a tea ceremony service and full-course dinner meal, any type of tourist will not have a hard time finding the perfect choice to match his budget.
Kamoshikasou
Rating: 7.6 out of 10
Access: 7.5 kilometers away from Sekisuikei; 15.8 kilometers away from Kataoka Onsen; 44.9 kilometers away from Chubu Airport
Address: 1104 Okawara Tsuchiyamacho, Koka, Shiga, Japan 528-0201
Minakuchi Century Hotel
Rating: 7.0 out of 10
Access: 19.8 kilometers away from the Kusatsu Station; 60 kilometers away from Chubu Airport
Address: 17-1 Nasaka Minakuchicho, Koka, Shiga, Japan 528-0035
Hotel New Mifuku
Rating: 7.9 out of 10
Access: 40-minute drive away from Shigaraki; 19.6 kilometers away from the Kusatsu Station; 60.2 kilometers away from Chubu Airport
Address: 3-59 Minakuchi Ayano, Koka, Shiga, Japan 528-0033
Business Green Hotel Hino
Rating: 5.4 out of 10
Access: 17.2 kilometers away from Sekisuikei; 54.7 kilometers away from Chubu Airport
Address: 2-16 Matsuo, Hino, Shiga, Japan 529-1601
Comfort Inn Yokaichi
Rating: 7.8 out of 10
Access: 59.3 kilometers away from Chubu Airport
Address: 495-1 Nakooji, Higashiomi, Shiga, Japan 527-0045
Yokaichi Royal Hotel
Rating: 7.2 out of 10
Access: 19.8 kilometers away from Hikone Castle; 59.9 kilometers away from Chubu Airport
Address: 690 Higashiomi Myohojicho, Yokaichi, Shiga, Japan 527-0046
Hotel Route-Inn Higashiomi Yokaichi Ekimae
Rating: 8.6 out of 10
Access: 18.8 kilometers away from Hikone Castle; 63.1 kilometers away from Chubu Airport
Address: 1-11 Honcho, Yokaichi, Shiga, Japan 527-0012
Business Green Hotel Yokaichi
Rating: 6.9 out of 10
Access: 19.3 kilometers away from Hikone Castle; 62.4 kilometers away from Chubu Airport
Address: 290-1 Yokaichinonomiya, Higashiomi, Shiga, Japan 527-0026
Vessel Inn Shiga Moriyama Ekimae
Rating: 8.3 out of 10
Access: 4.3 kilometers away from the Kusatsu Station; 12.9 kilometers away from the Otsu Station; 15.2 kilometers away from the Hiei Sancho Station; 15.7 kilometers away from the Cable Hiei Station
Address: 1-1-17 Katsube, Moriyama, Shiga, Japan 524-0041
Hotel New Omi
Rating: 8.0 out of 10
Access: 17.1 kilometers away from the Kusatsu Station; 71.2 kilometers away from Chubu Airport
Address: 1481 Takakicho, Omihachiman, Shiga, Japan 523-8585
Green Hotel Yes Ohmi-Hachiman
Rating: 7.8 out of 10
Access: 16.9 kilometers away from the Kusatsu Station, 71.6 kilometers away from Chubu Airport
Address: 21-6 Nakamura, Omihachiman, Shiga, Japan 523-0894
Comfort Inn Omihachiman
Rating: 8.2 out of 10
Access: 16.8 kilometers away from the Kusatsu Station; 71.2 kilometers away from Chubu Airport
Address: 514-1 Takakaicho, Omihachiman, Shiga, Japan 523-0891
Business Daiichi Hotel
Rating: 7.0 out of 10
Access: 16.6 kilometers away from the Kusatsu Station; 71.3 kilometers away from Chubu Airport
Address: 48-9 Shiratorimachi, Omihachiman, Shiga, Japan 523-0032
Hotel Boston Plaza Kusatsu
Rating: 8.5 out of 10
Access: 100 meters away from the Kusatsu Station; 9 kilometers away from the Otsu Station; 12.9 kilometers away from the Shinomiya Station; 13.4 kilometers away from the Cable Hiei Station
Address: 1-27 Nishiojicho, Kusatsu, Shiga, Japan 525-0037
Urban Hotel Kusatsu
Rating: 7.2 out of 10
Access: 300 meters away from the Kusatsu Station; 8.9 kilometers away from the Otsu Station; 12.8 kilometers away from the Shinomiya Station; 13.1 kilometers away from the Hiei Sancho Station; 13.4 kilometers away from the Yamashina Station
Address: 4-31 Ooji, Kusatsu, Shiga, Japan 525-0032
Kusatsu Daiichi Hotel
Rating: 6.8 out of 10
Access: 800 meters away from the Kusatsu Station; 9.8 kilometers away from the Otsu Station; 13.7 kilometers away from the Hiei Sancho Station and the Shinomiya Station; 14.1 kilometers away from the Cable Hiei Station
Address: 5-5 Wakatakecho, Kusatsu, Shiga, Japan 525-0031
Hotel 21
Rating: 7.7 out of 10
Access: 600 meters away from the Kusatsu Station; 9.7 kilometers away from the Otsu Station; 13.5 kilometers away from the Shinomiya Station; 13.6 kilometers away from the Hiei Sancho Station; 14.1 kilometers away from the Cable Hiei Station
Address: 7-10 Wakatakecho, Kusatsu, Shiga, Japan 525-0031
Reiah Hotel Kusatsu
Rating: 7.3 out of 10
Access: 1 kilometer away from the Kusatsu Station; 9.1 kilometers away from the Otsu Station; 13 kilometers away from the Shinomiya Station; 13.6 kilometers away from the Yamashina Station; 13.7 kilometers away from the Hiei Sancho Station
Address: 2-1-40 Higashi Kusatsu, Kusatsu, Shiga, Japan 525-0033