Tajimi Guide: Exploring Japan's Ceramic Capital

Introduction to Tajimi: A Ceramic Haven in Gifu Prefecture

Tajimi, with a population of around 100,000, is situated in the Mino district of Gifu Prefecture, an area renowned for its ceramic production. The city's rich clay deposits have made it a hub for pottery making for over a millennium. Tajimi's strategic location puts it within easy reach of Nagoya, making it an ideal destination for a day trip or weekend getaway.

The town's ceramic legacy is evident from the moment you arrive at Tajimi Station, where a massive ceramic tile greets visitors, setting the tone for the artistic journey ahead. Tajimi's pottery tradition, known as Mino-yaki, encompasses various styles including the famous Oribe-yaki, named after the tea master Furuta Oribe. This deep connection to ceramics has shaped Tajimi's identity, economy, and cultural landscape over centuries.

Beyond ceramics, Tajimi offers visitors a glimpse into Japan's rich history. The town is close to several picturesque stops along the Edo Period Nakasendo highway, which once connected Kyoto and Tokyo. Towns like Ena, Nakatsugawa, and Magome and Tsumago offer additional historical attractions for those looking to explore beyond Tajimi's borders.

Ceramic art work at Tajimi Station, Tajimi, Gifu Prefecture

Discovering Tajimi's Ceramic Heritage

Tajimi's ceramic legacy is on full display along Honmachi Oribe Street, the commercial heart of the city's pottery business since the Meiji Period. A short walk from Tajimi Station, this area is lined with traditional black and white wooden warehouses, antique shops, ceramic galleries, and restaurants. It's the perfect place to immerse yourself in the world of Mino-yaki and discover unique pieces to take home.

For a deeper dive into Tajimi's ceramic history, visit the Ceramic Park Mino, just a 10-minute bus ride from the station. Here, you'll find the Museum of Modern Ceramic Art (MOMCA), which houses an impressive collection of contemporary Japanese and foreign pottery. The park also hosts the International Ceramic Festival Mino every three years, drawing ceramic artists and enthusiasts from around the world.

Another must-visit destination is the Tajimi Mosaic Tile Museum, which opened in 2016. This architectural marvel, designed by Fujimori Terunobu, is inspired by a clay quarry and showcases the history of tile production through over 10,000 exhibits. The museum's facade, embedded with tiles and pine trees, is a work of art in itself.

For those interested in the production process, the Ceramic Workshop Yutori offers hands-on experiences in clay modeling. Nearby, the Mino Ceramic Art Museum (formerly the Gifu Prefectural Ceramic Museum) boasts over 50,000 ceramic exhibits, providing a comprehensive overview of the region's pottery history.

Exploring Tajimi's Top Attractions

While ceramics are undoubtedly Tajimi's main draw, the city offers several other attractions worth exploring. The Tajimi Monastery, founded by German missionary Father Mohr in 1930, is a unique blend of Western and Japanese architecture. The monastery's extensive grounds include a vineyard, and visitors can purchase locally-produced wine from the monastery shop.

For nature lovers, a visit to Kokeizan Eihoji Temple is a must. Founded in 1313, this historic Zen temple features a beautiful garden and offers a serene retreat from the bustling pottery districts. The temple grounds include a large pond filled with giant carp and hidden Buddhist Jizo statues, creating a tranquil atmosphere perfect for contemplation.

Art enthusiasts should make time for the Sakazuki Art Museum in Ichinokura, south of Tajimi. This museum showcases the work of local living National Treasures and houses an impressive collection of sake cups (sakazuki), highlighting the region's expertise in creating these essential items for Japan's sake culture.

For those interested in industrial heritage, the Takata-Onada Oribe Street to the northeast of Tajimi is home to over 40 pottery studios famous for producing sake flasks (tokkuri). This area offers insight into the practical applications of Tajimi's ceramic traditions, with pottery production dating back to the 12th century.

Tajimi Monastery, Tajimi, Gifu Prefecture

Getting to and Around Tajimi

Tajimi Access is straightforward, with the city well-connected to major urban centers. From Nagoya Station, Tajimi is just a 34-minute ride on the JR Chuo Line express train. For those driving, the Chuo Expressway provides easy access, with an exit at Tajimi IC.

Within Tajimi, the Taita Line connects Tajimi Station to various points of interest, including Mino-Ota. This local line is perfect for exploring the broader Mino pottery region. For those coming from Nagoya by bus, express services are available from the 4th floor of the Meitetsu Bus Center near Nagoya Station.

Once in Tajimi, many attractions are within walking distance of the station. However, for sites further afield, local buses are available. Given the spread-out nature of some attractions, considering car hire might be beneficial for exploring at your own pace, especially if you plan to visit multiple pottery towns in the region.

Where to Stay and Eat in Tajimi

Tajimi offers a range of accommodation options to suit various preferences and budgets. For those seeking a traditional experience, several ryokan (Japanese inns) are available in the city. These offer a chance to immerse yourself in Japanese culture, often featuring tatami rooms and communal baths.

For more modern accommodations, the 3-star Hotel Route Inn Tajimi Inter is a popular choice. The hotel's restaurant, Hanachaya, serves a daily breakfast buffet featuring both Japanese and Western-style dishes. Other options include the 2-star Tajimi Hills My Room Hotel, conveniently located right at Tajimi Station, and the Hotel Tajimi Hills Riverside.

When it comes to dining, Tajimi is renowned for its eel dishes, a local specialty. The city boasts 26 eel restaurants, each offering their unique take on this traditional delicacy. One standout is Tajimi Sawasen, established in 1901, which serves aromatic and crispy grilled eels. Their Hitsumabushi style, where eel fillets are cooked over charcoal with a soy-flavored sauce and served on rice, is particularly recommended.

For those interested in sampling local sake, Iwamura Jyozo, a sake brewer with over 200 years of history, offers tours and tastings. Their clear and refreshing sake pairs perfectly with Tajimi's eel dishes. Don't forget to enjoy your sake from a locally crafted Mino ware cup for the full Tajimi experience.

Traditional wooden building, Honmachi Oribe Street, Tajimi, Gifu Prefecture

Modern Koban (police box) designed to fit in with the local architecture, Tajimi, Gifu Prefecture

Day Trips and Nearby Destinations

Tajimi's central location in Gifu Prefecture makes it an excellent base for exploring the region. To the west, Inuyama offers the historic Inuyama Castle and the Meiji Mura theme park, providing insights into Japan's feudal and modernization periods respectively.

To the east, the Nakasendo highway offers a string of well-preserved post towns. Ena and Nakatsugawa are notable stops, while the smaller village of Mitake provides a glimpse into rural Japan's charm. These towns offer a perfect blend of history and natural beauty.

For those interested in traditional crafts beyond pottery, a visit to Gujo Hachiman to the northwest is worthwhile. Known for its castle town atmosphere and traditional water system, it's also famous for its food replica production.

Relaxation seekers might enjoy a trip to the onsen town of Gero to the north, one of Japan's three famous hot spring resorts. These diverse day trip options ensure that visitors to Tajimi can experience the best of what Gifu Prefecture has to offer, from historical sites to natural wonders.