Private Tour
Ceramics and Green Tea Tour of Nagasaki and Saga Prefecture
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Do you love Ceramics and Green Tea and want to learn more about both these visual and cultural arts whilst in Japan? If your answer is yes, then this is the tour for you!
Departures from Fukuoka are possible to explore and discover more about these two intriguing subjects.
You will learn about the different types of pottery from this region of Japan as well as how and why Green Tea has become one of the most sort after health drinks in the world.
There will be amazing countryside to see as we travel to each location. This is the real Japan that you will never be able to experience from urban locations. Out of the 8 to 10 hours together, at least 2 to 3 hours will be spent in the vehicle as traveling time. However my on-board commentary or the use of free wifi, will make it feel as though time as flown by.
Look forward to showing you the best of Nagasaki and Saga Prefectures as we explore this unique region of Kyushu.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Of the tours total time of approx. 9 to 11 hours, about 3 hours will be traveling time from one attraction to another. You will have plenty of beautiful scenery to enjoy as well as onboard commentary and free wifi to access.
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
What‘s Included
Private transportation
WiFi on board
We carry extra snack on board our vehicles and at certain picnic like spots to enhance the atmosphere.
Air-conditioned vehicle
Sparkling and still water is provided throughout the day.
A sit down lunch or something on the go will be provided. Options include Japanese and Western.
Parking Fees
Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
There is a hidden pottery village located in the mountainous area of Imari Town in Saga Prefecture. It is such a gem of a location that not many people know about it, except of course those who are ceramic lovers. For these people the location is 7th heaven as it is so peaceful and tranquil, at times it feels as though one has stepped back in time. Okawachiyama which translates as "Big River in the Mountains" doesn't feel like a place designed for the 21st Century. Time runs a lot slower in these parts of the countryside and its a place where you can forget about life for a half a day and feel the time slip of the region.
Approx. 400 years ago, in 1616, a group of Korean potters, led by Yi Sam Pyeong, discovered porcelain stone at this location in Arita Town and became the first in Japan to successfully fire porcelain. The porcelain production, which began around the beginning of the 17th century and grew exponentially, consisted of Koimari wares which fans of early Imari wares just had to have, that also enchanted the royals and aristocrats of Europe. It all began here, at the porcelain stone deposit discovered at Izumiyama. For that reason, Izumiyama can certainly be considered a treasure trove. Nowadays the quarry is not in operation and has been partitioned off with a fence but tours are still held here. This is a spot which shouldn't be missed by pottery enthusiasts, as you are sure to capture a sense of being in the cradle of Arita-yaki.
Options
Executive Tour Option
Private 2 person Tea Ceremony : Experience a bespoke Green Tea Ceremony in the middle of the natural Green Tea fields of Ureshino with a Green Tea Sommelier.
Executive Tour: Travel in luxury and comfort and be treated to the highest level of service on our special day together.
Duration: 9 hours: A fully customized tour that can be lengthened or shortened as desired.
Full inclusive food and drinks: A Japanese Omakase (gourmet) lunch as well as a variety of beverages will be available throughout the day.
Toyota Estima: Enjoy space and complete attention to detail as we travel all around Nagasaki and Saga Prefectures.
Ceramic Treasure Hunt: A pickers paradise to find that one or many pieces of Japanese pottery at the Kouraku Kiln in Arita Town is included.
Pickup included
Large Group Day Tour
Pottery Hunt: A Ceramic Treasure Hunt is an option on the day that will be paid by the customer.
Duration: 9 hours: A customizable tour that can be lengthened or shortened as desired.
Lunch and refreshments: A Western or Japanese styled lunch is provided.
Toyota Hiace: A spacious people mover that seats 9 adults comfortably.
Pickup included
Small Group Day Tour
Pottery Hunt : A ceramic treasure hunt experience is an option. The cost will be paid by the customer.
Duration: 9 hours: A customizable tour that can be lengthened or shortened as desired.
Lunch and Refreshments: A Western or Japanese styled lunch is provided.
Toyota Prius: A sedan that seats 3 adults comfortably or 2 adults and 2 children.
Vehicle Specs: Oversized/ limited mobility groups will be encouraged to upgrade to the more spacious and larger Toyota Estima Mini Van.
Pickup included
Super large tour group
Duration: 8 hours: A flexible tour that can be customized. Client may choose their start and finish time.
Lunch and Refreshmnets: A sit down or on the go lunch with beverages are provided on the day. Many Japanese and Western options are available.
Toyota Micro Bus: A spacious vehicle that seats 15 adults and up to 5 children.
Special Feature: A professional driver and a native English speaking guide are standard.
Pickup included
Medium Group Day Tour
Pottery Hunt: A Ceramic treasure hunt experience is optional. Costs to be paid by the customer.
Duration: 9 hours: A tour that can be lengthened or shortened on the request from the customer.
Lunch and Refreshemnets: A Western or Japanese styled lunch is provided
Toyota Estima: A luxury mini van that seats 6 average sized adults or 5 adults and 2 children.
Vehicle Specs: Oversized/ limited mobility groups will be encouraged to upgrade to the more spacious and larger Toyota Hiace Van.
Pickup included
Extra Large Tour Group
Pottery Treasure Tour: A treasure picking experience is optional on the day.
Duration: 9 hours: An 9 to 11 hour tour is possible and can be customized where possible.
Lunch and Refreshments: A Western or Japanese styled sit down lunch or something on the go is possible on the day.
Toyota Hiace Commuter Van: A professional driver and native English guide is standard.
Vehicle Specs: Although there are 12 seats, the vehicle does not have much room for luggage and purchases, 10 or 11 passengers is better.
Pickup included
Reviews
4 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fun ceramics and green tea tour
Sonya F,
Oct 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Fun tour around ceramic locations near Fukuoka with a stop at a couple of specialty green tea locations.
Outstanding day in and around Nagasaki
tmkulick2018,
Aug 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Shannon became a treasured friend during our travels to Japan. We spent 2 days with Shannon. He made sure that the 10 of us traveling together were well taken care of with drinks, snacks, and wonderful stories. It was quite hot and humid during our trip so that his thoughtfulness was much appreciated. Shannon is quite knowledgeable about the history of Japan...... both political, historical and cultural changes. Shannon returned emails promptly so that communication regarding the group's needs or questions were never left unanswered. We would highly recommend this tour and only hope that you should be so fortunate to do it with Shannon. Connie K.
A wonderful day with a local guide who took care of everything!
T3128DWkarenl,
Jul 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My husband and I had a lovely day with Shannon. He was great from even before we met, and worked with us beforehand to accommodate our schedule and location, which worked out really well for all of us! He even gave advice for things to do in Nagasaki City the day before. He's knowledgeable about ceramics and green tea and took us to some really great places, but also shared about his experience living in Japan in between, which I also really appreciated. Shannon really took care of us the whole day and was mindful of anything we might need--food and drink, snacks, bathroom breaks. This tour really was a highlight of our trip to Japan, and it was especially nice that Shannon is fluent in both Japanese and English.
Amazing tour!
Renee C,
Apr 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Shannon was an excellent tour guide. Patient. And very knowledgeable about the area. It helped that he could answer our questions and explain everything in English. We would 10/10 recommend.
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Operated by Shannon Lefebvre