“The Six Ancient Kilns” refers to six villages renowned for their deeply ingrained pottery-making traditions: Echizen, Seto, Tokoname, Shigaraki, Tamba, and Bizen. These kilns boast a legacy of producing pottery from medieval times. Visit one of these regions, such as Tamba-Sasayama in Hyogo Prefecture. Nestled amid mountains and not too far from Kyoto and Osaka, this quiet town has thrived in pottery-making since the late Heian period (794-1185). Begin your exploration at the Tamba Antique Pottery Museum, and visit the nextdoor Cafe Oito,where drinks and delicacies are served on Tamba pottery. Explore various kilns and try your hand at pottery-making or acquire a unique piece to take home. This experience was curated in collaboration with the Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs and inspired by the Japan Heritage Story #050 “Six Ancient Kilns ～ Ceramics Born and Raised in Japan ～”