A pottery village at the base of Fukuchi Mountain
Akaike-machi combines beautiful natural settings
with a craft that goes back 400 years
Spreading out at the base of Mt. Fukuchi in northeastern Fukuoka Prefecture, lies Akaike-machi renowned for its childrenﾕs songs and pottery. The Agano pottery that made the town famous was first introduced when a master potter was brought from Korea following Hideyoshi Toyotomiﾕs invasion of Korea in the 1590ﾕs. Four hundred years later, 27 different establishments still maintain the rich glaze patterns and characteristic lightness and beauty of the tradition. Long-ago selected as one of Japanﾕs seven great potteries by tea master Enshu Kobori, Agano pottery has never ceased to command popularity or critical praise. The area is blessed with natural beauty that begs to be explored, from the stunning views of Agano Valley and the lovely Hikosan River, to Mt. Fukuchi always popular with hikers. In early spring, the local cherry blossoms are a sight to behold, including the 600-year-old Torao Sakura tree standing with dozens of other trees at the base of the Mountain. The Zen temple Kokoku-ji having is not to be missed, a history stretching back to the days of the general Takauji Ashikaga in the 1300ﾕs. The cave where Ashikaga is said to have hidden is preserved there along with several priceless historical documents. Zen meditation is held every month on the 17th.
Oaza Akaike 970, Akaike-machi, Tagawa-gun
0947-28-2004
** Akaike event information! **
Aganoyaki Pottery Festival
4/22 (Fri.)~ 4/24 (Sun.)
This Pottery Festival is held every spring. Twenty-seven pottery establishments display and sell their creations. Agano pottery has a distinctively light feel, and having a wide variety of glaze patterns, it offers an infinite range of styles. Over 30,000 pottery lovers visit Akaike-machi from all over Japan for this event.
Akaike-machi
Info: Agano Cooperative (0947-28-5864)
Check!
Agano no Sato Fureai Koryukaikan
The Agano no Sato Fureai Koryukaikan, a center of commerce in Akaike-machi, displays and sells the wares of local craftspeople. At the affiliated Fureai Market, local produce is sold.
Agano no Sato Fureai Koryukaikan
Oaza Agano 2811, Akaike-machi, Tagawa-gun
Tel: 0947-28-5864
Access
10 minutes by car from Akaike Station on the Heisei Chikuho Railway
