The independent tour takes you to Okayama, Arita, Imari and Karatsu; all renowned for their different pottery styles. You will have a full-day private sightseeing tour of Shigaraki famed for its ‘Tanuki’ Pottery. Browse the pottery displays at Shigaraki Sangyo Kaikan and at the Tourism Board Office. Walk to Togeimura ‘Pottery Village’ where you will be able to browse the pottery shops of Shigaraki. In the afternoon, visit Soto-en, home to the largest ‘nobori-gama’ in Japan; a step-like kiln constructed on a slope. Visit Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park where you can view contemporary ceramic designs, arts and crafts

Date	Itinerary
Day 1	London Depart London Heathrow on an indirect direct flight to Osaka.
Day 2	Osaka - Kyoto Upon arrival at an Osaka Airport, transfer by shared shuttle taxi to your hotel in Kyoto. Stay for 4 nights.
Day 3	Kyoto Morning guided sightseeing tour of Kyoto including Kyoto Imperial Palace / Nishi-Hongnaji, Golden and Nijo Castle. Afternoon free.
Day 4	Kyoto - Shigaraki Full-day private guided tour of Shigaraki
Day 5	Kyoto Start using your JR Pass. You are free to explore Kyoto or you may take an optional tour.
Day 6	Kyoto - Okayama Using your JR Pass; travel to Okayama. Stay for 2 nights
Day 7	Okayama You may visit Bizen Pottery museum and enjoy the vast range of galleries, shops and kilns.
Day 8	Okayama - Arita Using your JR Pass; travel by train to Arita and then on to Imari by lcoal train (pay locally). Stay for 3 nights)
Day 9 - 10	Imari / Arita / Karatsu Explore Imari, Arita and Karatsu pottery villages independently.
Day 11	Imari - Hakata, Fukuoka Travel by train to Hakata. Stay overnight.
Day 12	Fukuoka - London Transfer by subway to Fukuoka Airport (pay locally). Depart on an indirect flight to London, arriving the same day.

Tour Prices for 2012

Note: Prices subject to change without notice due to exchange rate fluctuation and/or airline tax changes. Please contact Jaltour for alternative arrangements and tailormade tours.

Departure Dates