Arita Town

Arita Town (有田) is a historic pottery town located in Saga Prefecture, Japan. It is known for producing high-quality porcelain, which has been highly prized for centuries both within Japan and around the world. Arita is one of the oldest and most famous pottery centers in Japan, with a history that dates back more than 400 years.

The town has a number of pottery workshops and factories where visitors can watch skilled craftsmen at work and purchase a variety of traditional and contemporary ceramics. The Arita Porcelain Park is a popular attraction where visitors can learn about the history of Arita porcelain, see examples of different styles and techniques.

In addition to porcelain, Arita also has a number of historic sites and cultural attractions, including the Arita Ceramic Museum, the Tozan Shrine, which is dedicated to the founder of Arita porcelain and other important figures in the industry, and the Kyushu Ceramic Museum, which showcases ceramics from all over Kyushu. The town is also surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, including mountains, forests, and hot springs, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Getting there

By Air

The nearest airports are:

Nagasaki Airport: About 1 hour drive to Arita

Saga Airport: About 1 hour 15 minutes drive to Arita

Fukuoka Airport: About 1 hour 20 minutes drive to Arita

By Train

From Fukuoka (Hakata Station):

• Direct train to Arita Station via JR Limited Express Midori or Limited Express Huis Ten Bosch
• Travel time: About 1 hour 30 minutes
• Fare: About 3,000 yen
• Frequency: One train per hour

Note: Express trains do not stop at Kami-Arita Station. To reach Kami-Arita, transfer to a local train at Hizen-Yamaguchi Station.

By Car

Renting a car allows for efficient exploration of Arita and surrounding areas.

By Bus

There are highway buses from Hakata Station Bus Terminal to Sasebo, but be aware that there’s no public transportation to central Arita from the highway.