Fukuchi-machi
Fukuchi-machi is a peaceful town located in the northeast of the central part of Fukuoka Prefecture, about an hour's drive from Fukuoka City and Kitakyushu City. It is situated at the foot of Mt. Fukuchi, which is the symbol of the town and has an elevation of 901 meters. The town is blessed with abundant natural resources, and rice and fruits are some of its specialties. The foothills of Mt. Fukuchi are home to many kilns that produce Aganoyaki, a traditional craft designated by the Japanese government for over 400 years. The town is also known as a pottery village.
Aganoyaki
It is said that the first lord of the Buzen Kokura clan, Tadaoki Hosokawa, who received teachings from Sen-no Rikyu, the founder of the tea ceremony, invited potter Sonkai from the Joseon Dynasty to start the production of pottery in 1602. The history of making special utensils for the lord and the high-quality and elegant finish of the thin pottery are its characteristics. In addition, the region is blessed with rich clay and glaze, which makes the colors, gloss, and patterns very diverse. One of the attractions is that you can enjoy the techniques and individuality of the artists, and many everyday items are now being produced.
A day trip tour recommended by Fukuchi-machi
~A special plan to enjoy Agano-yaki~
Experience pottery at the kiln
and Agano-yaki lunch
[Outline]
- Destination: Fukuchi-machi, Tagawa-gun, Fukuoka
- Event date: :
[For Zekkei Lunch] Twice a month in April, and September to November
- 2024 Spring -April：4/12 (Fri.)
- 2024 Autumn -Coming soon....
[For Selectable Lunch] All year round - Start time: 09:30
- Meeting place: In front of Agano-no Sato Fureai Koryukan
- Time required: Approx. 4.5 hours
- Price (with tax):
[For Zekkei Lunch] 15,000 yen per person
[For Selectable Lunch] 13,000 yen per person - Minimum number of participants: 4 people
- Capacity: 8 people
- Meals: 0 times in the morning, 1 time in the afternoon, 0 times in the evening
- Transportation: Come to the designated place on your own and dismiss on site after the event
[Tour itinerary]
*Lunch varies depending on the schedule.
Please check the activity schedule and contents that you want to experience.
09:30-09:50 At Agano-no Sato Fureai Koryukan
We will gather at the "Agano-no Sato Fureai Koryukan", an exhibition and sales shop where works from each kiln are displayed. Here, we will learn about the town and Agano-yaki from the local guide "Fukuchi Guide".
10:00-12:10 Pottery experience at Watari-gama, Agano-yaki Soke
We'll move to "Watari-gama" kiln and tour the kiln with the owner. After enjoying a tea ceremony using Agano-yaki tea utensils, you can experience pottery of your choice, such as teacups and plates. The completed work will be shipped at a later date (shipping fee will be charged separately) and delivered to you.
12:20-12:45 At Agano-no Sato Fureai Koryukan
Based on your experience at the pottery kiln, the local guide "Fukuchi Guide" will tell you again about the characteristics of each kiln. Enjoy shopping at the Agano-yaki Togeikan" and the agricultural product direct sales store "Fureai-Ichi".
13:00-14:00 Lunch in Agano-yaki tableware
Agano-yaki is a nationally designated traditional craft product with the roots of "Chato" that developed as a kiln for the Kokura clan. Please choose a special lunch served in Agano-yaki tableware that was created by inheriting its history while infusing modern essence.
Ends around 14:00
The event will be finished at the lunch venue. Fujinoyu hot spring ticket will be given out, so please stop by.
- Lunch options -
(1) Agano-yaki Zekkei Lunch
In "Fureai Juku" outdoor lawn area
[Only on specific days]
*We will give an update regarding the specific days for this experience.
Lunch will be served in Agano-yaki ware at the "Fureai Juku", which was also selected as the shooting location for the 2022 calendar of the German car manufacturer "Audi". Enjoy the special bento box only for this plan prepared with local ingredients by the local restaurant "TACHIBANA, Sushi and Japanese cuisine" at the outdoor dining set up on the lawn of the "Fureai Juku", which is usually not open to the general public.
Enjoy your time freely on the pleasant lawn area after lunch.
(2) Fukuchi Gozen Set Meal
At TACHIBANA, Sushi and Japanese cuisine
[All year round]
This is a restaurant where you can enjoy the essence of Japanese cuisine, such as kaiseki cuisine and sushi prepared by uncompromising chefs using seasonal ingredients. It can be used for various occasions such as lunch, dinner, and social gatherings.
(3) Agano-yaki Hamburger Steak
At KUZUHARA, Char-grilled/Teppanyaki steak & hamburger steak
[All year round]
The chef will grill steaks and hamburger steaks right in front of you while entertaining you with conversation. The homemade sauce is also exquisite.
The guidance from the kiln master
will be an irreplaceable and luxurious time
Aganoyaki
Pottery activity
A fulfilling plan where you can immerse yourself in the charm of Aganoyaki.
First, a local guide who knows Fukuchi town inside and out, called "Fukuchi Guide", will introduce you to the history and works of Aganoyaki in an enjoyable and easy-to-understand way.
Next, you will visit "Watari-gama", which is called Agano-yaki Soke, and tour the kiln site, including the rare climbing kiln, with guidance from the 12th generation kiln master, Jin Watari. In the workshop, you can challenge yourself to create original works while receiving careful guidance from the kiln master. You can also enjoy a tea party with kiln master's beautiful tea utensils, which is a special time that you cannot experience easily in your daily life.
🎗️Premium Points
- The kiln master will guide you to the kiln site that is usually not open to the public.
- You can enjoy beautiful Aganoyaki tea utensils at a tea party.
- You can create your own work with guidance from the kiln master.
[Outline]
- Timing of event: All year round (We will confirm the schedule of the receiving party after receiving your reservation application and respond to whether or not we can accept your reservation.)
- Start time: 09:30
- Meeting place: In front of Agano-no Sato Fureai Koryukan *After the tour, we will go to the kiln master's workshop.
- Time required: Approx. 3 hours
- Price (with tax): 7000 yen per person (Shipping fee for the work is not included.)
- Price includes: Guide fee, pottery tour, tea ceremony experience, pottery experience using a potter's wheel (one piece of work per person)
- Minimum number of participants: 4 people
- Capacity: 8 people
- Application deadline: 12:00, 10 days prior
- Transportation: Come to the designated place on your own and dismiss on site after the event
- Note:・Your work can be shipped (shipping fee is not included) or picked up at the pottery at a later date. ・During the pottery making, soil may get on your clothes. If you are concerned about it, please bring an apron.
