A Hands-on Experience: Ceramics Class in Naramachi
Discover the best beginner-friendly pottery class in Nara, Japan, at Manyo Pottery Studio. Join a hands-on, 90-minute session to create your own pottery and learn from skilled local artisans. Enjoy a personal, immersive experience with a unique cultural souvenir to take home. Book your pottery class in Nara today!
Discovering the Best Pottery Class in Nara
While visiting Japan, I was eager to find unique hands-on experiences. As someone interested in ceramics, I explored several options for beginner-friendly pottery classes in Japan. During my research, I discovered the Nara Experience website, which led me to the Pottery Class in Naramachi, hosted by Manyo Pottery Studio in Nara Prefecture. The class seemed like the perfect fit, so I booked a session. Little did I know, it would become one of the highlights of my trip.
What to Expect from a Pottery Class in Nara
Upon arrival, I was warmly greeted by the instructor, who guided me to my wheel. The class was small, with only two other attendees—both Japanese—making for an intimate and immersive experience. The 90-minute pottery session began with the instructor demonstrating how to center the clay and shape it into different forms. He effortlessly transformed a small cup into a bowl, then into a large teacup, leaving us all amazed. His skill made the process look deceptively simple. After his demonstration and an explanation of basic hand placements and movements, we got to work.
Manyo Pottery Studio
Creating Your Own Pottery in Japan
The class is structured to allow participants to create as many pieces as possible within the allotted time. Each person receives 2 -3 kg of clay, providing ample opportunity to experiment. The instructor was always available to assist, ensuring we made the most of our experience.
One concern I had before attending was the language barrier. Since most of the class was conducted in Japanese, I worried that communication might be difficult. However, the instructor was incredibly accommodating. Despite his limited English, he made sure I understood the instructions and frequently checked in with me. We even managed some small talk—he shared that he had visited Australia and seen the Great Barrier Reef, which was a fun connection as I live in Australia. The beginner-friendly nature of the class also helped, as no prior experience was required.
Engaging with a Skilled Japanese Potter
The instructor was not only skilled but also highly engaging. He made an effort to communicate in English, while I tried my best to speak Japanese where I could. We also used translation apps when necessary. The Nara Experience website describes him as warm and welcoming, and this couldn’t be more accurate. At one point, he asked if I liked sushi, and when I said yes, he playfully molded a small sushi plate out of clay, rice and sashimi too—it was a fun and lighthearted moment.
Selecting and Shipping Your Handmade Pottery
At the end of the class, each participant selects one piece to be fired, glazed, and shipped. For international visitors, this means shipping the pottery overseas, which can be costly. We filled out a form with our details, shipping addresses, and glaze preferences—there were five color options to choose from. If you wish to have additional pieces fired, there is an extra fee of 800 JPY per piece.
Before leaving, I asked the instructor if he had any pieces for sale. He seemed pleasantly surprised and flattered by my request. He and his wife showed me some of his displayed works, and I chose a beautiful black bowl, which he priced at 1,000 yen. As I was about to leave, his wife noticed my boyfriend waiting outside and generously gifted me a small teacup. Their kindness and hospitality truly touched me.
Receiving My Pottery in Australia
A few weeks later, while back in Australia, I received an email from the studio confirming that my pottery was ready to be shipped. To my surprise, when my package arrived, it included not just the small bowl I had chosen but also an additional teacup I had made during the class. It was an unexpected and delightful bonus that made the experience even more special.
Additional Information: How to Book and Attend
Price: 3,850 JPY per person
Class Duration: 90 minutes
Class Schedule: Classes are available on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with sessions at 9:30 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:30 PM.
Location: The studio is located at 21 Jurinin-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, about a 20-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station or a 25-minute walk from JR Nara Station.
Shipping Costs (approximate): 2,750 JPY for Asia, 3,700 JPY for America, and 4,300 JPY for Europe.
English Website: nara-experience.com
Why You Should Try This Pottery Experience in Japan
Overall, I highly recommend this pottery class in Nara! It’s a one-of-a-kind cultural experience in Japan that offers both a hands-on learning opportunity and a meaningful handmade souvenir to take home. Learning from an expert who genuinely enjoys their craft was inspiring, and the warmth and hospitality of the studio made the experience unforgettable. Whether you’re a beginner or someone with prior ceramics experience, this class is a fantastic addition to any trip to Nara, Japan.
Book Your Pottery Class in Nara
If you're looking for an authentic Japanese pottery experience, I highly recommend checking out the Manyo Pottery Studio class on the Nara Experience website.
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