[Oita/Hita] Traditional techniques handed down for 300 years! The home of folk pottery known as the best in the world!

"Ontayaki Village" Do you know Ontayaki? There are many kinds of pottery all over Japan, but Ontayaki made in this area in the mountains of Hita City, Oita Prefecture is a traditional pottery called "the best folk pottery in the world"! We will introduce you to this wonderful Ontayaki and the highlights of the region! ~Ontayaki~Since the kiln was opened about 300 years ago, pottery has been made using traditional techniques handed down from father to son. It was called "the best folk pottery in the world" by Yanagi Soetsu, known as the father of the Mingei movement, and its name spread nationwide. Currently, Ontayaki is made entirely by hand at nine kilns without the use of machines, and has a unique personality with a rustic and warm texture. ~Ontayaki Village (Sarayama District)~Each of the "nine kilns" sells Ontayaki made there! Not only are there beautiful pieces, but also pieces that are not available on the market due to scratches that occurred during the making process are sold at discounted prices! On a nice day, you may be able to see various pieces drying in the sun outside! "Usu": Using the power of the river water, the clay that will become the clay is crushed over a period of about two weeks! The sound of this mortar crushing the clay is a sound that symbolizes the village of Onta and has been selected as one of the 100 best soundscapes in Japan that we want to preserve! "Noborigama": The large climbing kiln in the center of the village is a kiln that is used by everyone! When the fire is lit, it is kept burning overnight for several days, and when it is done, it is sealed with red clay and bricks and cooled for 2 to 3 days before being taken out! "Yama no Soba Chaya": The only restaurant in the village! The restaurant is located above the river, so you can enjoy delicious soba and udon noodles served in Onta ware while listening to the sound of the river! 🕐: 11:00-17:00 💤: 2nd and 4th Fridays Hita City Ontayaki Pottery Museum - Learn about Ontayaki's history, manufacturing process, and other topics! 🕐: 9:00-17:00 💤: Wednesdays (next day if Wednesday is a public holiday) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *The Ontayaki Folk Pottery Festival used to be held on the second Saturday and Sunday of October every year, but due to the effects of COVID-19 and heavy rains, it has been canceled. (Check the website for future schedules) Plates and cups with stylish patterns are sure to improve the quality of your daily life! Come experience the historic traditions and scenery and go find your favorite Ontayaki! ------------------------Ontayaki Village 📍: Sarayama, Gen'ei-cho, Hita City, Oita Prefecture🚗: Approximately 20 minutes by car from Hita IC on the Oita Expressway🅿️: Available🚃: Approximately 40 minutes by bus from Hita Station on the JR Kyudai Main Line (be careful, there are very few buses!)------------------------ #Oita #Hita #OitaTrip #OitaTourism #OntayakiVillage #Ontayaki #TravelWithMe