|
| |
|
MASHIKO |
| |
|
|
| |
| Some 30km south of Nikko, the village of MASHIKO , with its major
pottery museum, numerous pottery shops and over three hundred working
kilns spread out around the surrounding paddy fields, makes a rewarding
half-day trip en route to Nikko. Although Mashiko-yaki , the distinctive
country-style earthenware pottery , has been made in this area since the
Nara period (710-784), the village only achieved nationwide fame in the
1930s, when the potter and "living national treasure" Hamada Shoji built
a kiln here and promoted the pottery throughout Japan. Hamada's former
residence has since been restored and relocated - along with his
traditional-style kiln - to the impressive Togei Messe complex (daily
except Wed 9am-4pm). The building contains a pottery studio where you
can take lessons for around ¥1200 for two hours (bookings essential on
tel 0285/72-7555) and a museum featuring works by Hamada and Bernard
Leach, the renowned English potter who lived for a short time in this
village. To reach the complex, you can walk from Mashiko Station along
the main street, Jonaizaka, which takes roughly twenty minutes - or
longer if you browse the many pottery shops along the way. Alternatively,
hop on a bus from Utsunomiya or Mashiko stations ; an announcement in
English will let you know when to get off for the complex, which is a
ten-minute walk to the east of the bus stop. |
| |
|
