Okawachiyama (Village of Secret Kilns)
大川内山
Okawachiyama is a small pottery village in the mountains of Imari. From 1675 to 1871 it was the official kiln of the Nabeshima family of the Saga Domain, making fine porcelain for the court and shoguns. The village was guarded to keep its skills secret. Today visitors stroll among kilns and shops, buy Nabeshima-yaki porcelain and can try making or painting pottery.
Visitor information
- Getting there
About 6 km from Imari Station, around 15 minutes by car.
A direct bus runs from Imari Station to Okawachiyama every 2 hours.
Hours and fees can change. Please check the official website before you go.
Good to know
- Visitors can try the pottery wheel or paint their own ceramics.
- Special events are held in each of the four seasons.
Tips for Muslim visitors
- The local tourism association's walking course around Okawachiyama takes about 2 hours.
- The Imari Nabeshima-yaki hall at the end of the course has a souvenir shop and a tea corner where you can rest after walking.
- Old streets are lined with small shops and food stalls. Ask about pork and alcohol before buying snacks.
- Many old houses are private homes. Do not enter them or take photos of residents without permission.
- Plan your visit around prayer times. Below are today's prayer times for Saga and the verified places to pray nearby.
Prayer times in Saga
Today (5 Nov 2026)
- Fajr05:06
- Sunrise06:40
- Dhuhr12:04
- Asr15:02
- Maghrib17:24
- Isha18:48
Times are calculated for Saga City. Times may differ elsewhere in Saga.
Places to pray near Okawachiyama (Village of Secret Kilns)
We have not verified a place to pray near here yet. Many large stations, airports and department stores in Japan have prayer rooms.
Halal food near Okawachiyama (Village of Secret Kilns)
We have not verified a halal restaurant near here yet. Until then, these guides can help you choose food safely:
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Photo: Akiyoshi's Room, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Sources (Checked 5 Nov 2026): japan.travel, imari-kankou.com