Nov 12, 2012
Ceramics Shopping at the Cera Mall
The “
Cera Mall” is a wholesale pottery shopping park in Tokoname City, on the Chita Peninsula.
The area is famous for pottery, and you will find every local variety represented at the Cera Mall; which is the largest outlet in both scale and variety on the Chita Peninsula for ceramics. You will also find a few small cafes, a nice park for kids, and lots of free parking available for you to use while you shop till you drop for “tokoname yaki.”
What is “tokoname yaki?” Tokoname Pottery, or tokoname-yaki ware has been produced in the city of Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture for over 1,000 years. Originally, items such as vases were fired without glaze. Later, Tokoname ware became famous for the production of earthenware pipes, and is now widely known for pottery using red clay. Tokoname ware was designated an official Japanese traditional craft in 1976.
CERA MALL – Tokoname Pottery Wholesale Park
99 Kamisunahara, Kanayama-Aza Tokoname City, Aichi
TEL: 0569-43-7125
The ceramics on sale range from top-of-the-range handcrafted masterpieces, through to 3 for 100 yen type pricing for slightly defected or older items. The items available include cups, sauces, and plates right through to big items such as umbrella stands, large pots for outside gardening and even decorations for Christmas and New Years (obviously depending on the season).
I am not a great shopper at any time of the year, but this is one of the places I really enjoy wandering around. I especially enjoy the bargains available on a lot of rice bowls, plates (small and large) and it is a common place to go to pick up an omiyage to take back to New Zealand for my family. I have also introduced newly wed couples to Cera Mall on many occasions, as it really is a great place to fit out your kitchen if you don’t have one yet….. cheaply, but nicely!
If you have a little time on your hands, this is a perfect place to visit before or after the beach in Utsumi, or some of the fish markets in the south of Chita Peninsula. Look out for the Tokoname Pottery Path also, if you are a real ceramics fan!
Happy shopping!
Nov 12, 2012
The Tokoname Pottery Path
Tokoname Pottery
The Tokoname Pottery Path, or “Yakimono Sanpomichi” offers views of old traditional houses, workshops, buildings, implements of production, and pottery that typify the character of Tokoname’s unique atmosphere. This atmosphere stems from Tokoname’s storied history. It was already well-known as a pottery town at the end of the 12th century. Tokoname is one six traditional pottery towns in Japan; others include Bizen, Shigaraki, Tamba, Seto and Echizen. They are collectively known as “The Six Ancient Kilns of Japan.”
The path begins about 5 minutes walk on the east side of Meitetsu Tokoname Station. From there you can enjoy the promenade beginning at the Ceramic Hall. The total walking course is about 1.5 km -0.93miles, and takes roughly 60 minutes. The meandering path winds through a labyrinth of roads through unique Tokoname. You can visit many of the workshops and studios, and see a wide variety of pottery; from the centuries old, to the brand new. From cheap, to exorbitant. The earthen pipes and shochu pots are especially famous. Many historic and new means of pottery production, such as kilns and brick chimneys, line the path as well.
Tokoname Pottery Path Map
Volunteer guides are available to gide you through the popular Pottery Path in both Japanese and English, though reservations are required. To reserve please call – 0569-34-8888.
While you are there, why not check out the Cera Mall; a Tokoname Pottery Wholesale Park. It is a comprehensive pottery-ceramics shopping zone, which is the largest in scale and variety on Chita Peninsula for ceramics.
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- Tokoname Pottery Path Map
