Tokoname: Aichi's Pottery Walk and Lucky Cat

Red clay teapots, kiln chimneys and a giant beckoning cat line a hillside walking path in one of Japan's oldest ceramic towns.

Published October 18, 2026 at 9:52 PM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: Tokoname is a pottery town on the Chita Peninsula in Aichi Prefecture, a short train ride from Nagoya and near Chubu Centrair International Airport. It is one of Japan's Six Ancient Kilns, known for red clay teapots and lucky cats. A signposted Pottery Footpath winds past workshops, galleries, old kilns and a huge maneki-neko statue.

One of the Six Ancient Kilns

Tokoname belongs to a group known as the Six Ancient Kilns of Japan, alongside Seto, Echizen, Shigaraki, Tanba and Bizen. These are regions where pottery has been made continuously since the medieval period or earlier, using local clay and long-established firing methods. Tokoname's tradition reaches back about a thousand years, and large storage jars were among its early products, valued for carrying water, grain and other goods across the country. Each of the six kilns developed its own style, so comparing them is a favorite pastime for collectors.

Over time the town shifted toward smaller wares. By the Edo period and especially from the nineteenth century onward, it became known for teapots, and for everyday items such as pots, planters and drain pipes. The same red-brown clay that gives local pottery its warm color is still dug nearby. Visitors who enjoy craft will find that the town treats pottery as living work rather than a museum piece.

Red clay and the shudei teapot

The most celebrated Tokoname product is the unglazed red clay teapot, called shudei in Japanese. Its clay contains iron, which turns a deep reddish brown when fired. Many tea drinkers prize these pots because the unglazed interior is said to soften the tea's bitterness and keep a gentle roundness in the taste. Whether or not one agrees with that claim, the pots are attractive and age beautifully with use. Smaller teapots are the practical choice for one or two people, since they brew a modest amount and are easy to pack.

Craftspeople shape the teapots by hand or on the wheel, then add small built-in filters and fitted lids, details that separate a good pot from an ordinary one. Prices range from modest souvenir sizes to collector pieces, so it is worth handling several before choosing. Shop staff will usually explain how to season and care for a new pot, and most recommend not using soap on unglazed surfaces.

Walking the Pottery Footpath

The best way to see the town is the Pottery Footpath, a signposted route that winds through narrow lanes on a hillside. Two main courses of different lengths have been marked, and most visitors choose one and allow around two hours with stops. Along the way you pass brick chimneys, old wooden workshops, kilns converted into galleries, and walls built from discarded ceramics, giving the streets a distinctive texture.

One memorable stretch is a sloping lane with sections of walls built from clay pipes and bottles. Small shops and cafés appear around corners, and some invite you inside to see pieces displayed in old storehouses. The route involves gentle slopes and some steps, so wear comfortable shoes. Pick up a map at the station or tourist office, because the lanes branch and a printed guide helps avoid wrong turns.

The giant lucky cat

Tokoname is also associated with maneki-neko, the beckoning cat figures that sit in shop windows across Japan. The town produces a large share of them, and a huge cat sculpture watches over a part of the pottery path. Its raised paw and cheerful face make it a popular photo spot, and nearby shops sell maneki-neko in many sizes and colors.

The beckoning cat is traditionally believed to welcome customers and good fortune, and the raised paw may signify different wishes depending on which paw is lifted. Local legend and folk custom attach various meanings to color as well. Visitors often buy a small cat as a souvenir, and some workshops offer painting experiences where you can decorate your own figure. Check beforehand which workshops require reservations.

Getting there and moving around

Tokoname Station is on the Meitetsu Tokoname Line, which also continues to Chubu Centrair International Airport. From Nagoya Station, the ride on an express service takes about half an hour, so the town is easy for a half-day or full-day trip. Because the airport is on the same line, travelers with a long layover sometimes visit the town between flights. Allow a little extra time in the morning rush, when commuter trains fill the line toward Nagoya.

The Pottery Footpath starts a short walk from the station, and signs mark the route. The terrain is hilly in places, and shops, cafés and small museums cluster along the way. If you are traveling with luggage, use station lockers rather than carrying bags along the lanes. Some shops close on a set weekday, so confirm opening days if you have a specific workshop or gallery in mind.

Seasons and timing

Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable temperatures for walking and a clear light that suits photographs. Summer can be hot and humid, and the sloping lanes have limited shade, so carry water and a hat. Winter days are cooler but often bright, and kiln-warm shops feel cozy. Rainy days soften the colors of brick and clay, though lanes may be slippery. A light jacket is useful in the shade of the lanes, which stay cool even on bright days.

Pottery festivals and sales take place at various points of the year, and the town hosts events where local makers sell pieces directly. These bring crowds but also a chance to buy at lively stalls. Check the city or tourist association website for current dates. Weekday visits are quieter, and workshops are more likely to have time for conversation about techniques and materials.

What to eat and pair with the visit

Many cafés along the Pottery Footpath serve drinks and sweets in locally made cups and plates, which lets you handle the ceramics in everyday use. Tea, coffee and simple lunches are typical, and some places offer Nagoya-style dishes such as miso-based flavors. Chita Peninsula seafood is another highlight in the area, including fresh shrimp and fish served at nearby restaurants. Ask before photographing the interiors of small workshops, since some are also private studios.

For a wider day, pair Tokoname with other Aichi sights. Nagoya has its castle and food scene, and Inuyama and Meiji-Mura are other options for heritage-minded travelers. If you are flying in or out of Centrair, the airport itself has shops and viewing decks. Check each destination's official site for current hours before planning an itinerary. A flexible plan is to spend the morning on the footpath and keep the afternoon open for a second town.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Pottery Footpath take?

Most visitors spend about two hours on one of the marked courses, including time to browse shops and take photos. A leisurely day with a café stop and workshop visit can stretch to four hours. The hills are gentle but constant, so take breaks.

Why are Tokoname teapots red?

The local clay contains iron, which turns reddish brown when fired. Many teapots are left unglazed, so the natural color shows. Tea drinkers also like the texture. Care for them by rinsing with hot water and avoiding soap, according to the guidance given in shops.

Can I visit Tokoname on a layover at Centrair Airport?

Yes, it is possible because the Meitetsu line connects the airport and town in a short ride. Leave plenty of margin for return and check-in time, and consider using station lockers for baggage. Check train schedules and your airline's rules before setting out.

Keep Exploring

More guides from Tokyo Paul: Aichi Prefecture Travel Guide, Shigaraki: Pottery Town and Its Tanuki and Yomitan: Okinawa's Pottery Village.