A climbing kiln loved by many famous artists, other prominent figures in various fields, as well as by many cultural figures

Japan has created a wonderful "pottery" culture that can be said to be the best in the world.

Earthenware dating back to approximately 12,000 years ago, which is said to be the oldest in the world, has been discovered in Japan.

When the "Rokuro" (potter's wheel) techniques and kilns were introduced from Korea, the pottery culture began to spread further.

And today, pottery culture with unique techniques, patterns, and materials has taken root throughout Japan.

The historic climbing kiln in the quiet mountainous area of Kamakura is a firm inheritor of this culture.

The "Hoshioka gama" climbing kiln, built by a famous Japanese potter and renowned gourmet and artist, has been renamed "Kichu yo" and is being preserved in Kamakura.

This is the very kiln where Isamu Noguchi spent his honeymoon with the actress Shirley Yamaguchi, and where he built his studio and fired his ceramic works.

The "Hoshioka gama" was rebuilt by potter Kawamura Kitaro as the "Kichu yo".

Since then, for generations , Kawamura family has continued to confront nature and to seek the expression of the soil, building their own unique world.

And this historical climbing kiln is still in use for pottery making by Mr. Kifumi Kawamura, a potter based in Kamakura, retaining its original appearance.

While Mr. Kawamura is energetically creating works of art, he also continues to run his historic pottery salon, which has been in existence for more than 50 years, since his grandfather Matajiro Kawamura's time.

An experience of encountering an as-yet-undiscovered self

First, you will be able to listen to a very interesting talk about the heart of ceramics and its history from Mr. Kawamura.

And then you will have an opportunity visit the "Kichu yo" Kiln, which is usually closed to the public.

"Kichu yo" is a type of kiln called a "climbing kiln".

A "climbing kiln" is a form of kiln in which the kiln is divided into several compartments in order to produce ceramics in large quantities.

And the residual heat from combustion in the first compartment is used in each compartment, taking advantage of the slope topography.

After a tour and explanation of the "Kichu yo" kiln, you will have an opportunity to try with your own hands at pottery making under the guidance of Yoshifumi Kawamura.

Each participant will create a bowl, plate, flower vase, etc., with careful and enjoyable one-on-one instruction and assistance from Mr.Kawamura.

As with the "Kichu yo" Kiln, pottery making is conducted in a studio that is usually closed to the public.

Surrounded by beautiful greenery, the studio is a space overflowing with hospitality.

It will make you feel refreshed.

Making a pottery that is uniquely yours, shaped by your own hands while facing your inner self

Now that you are feeling ready to create your artwork, it is time to begin the experience.

You will place a string of clay around the bottom of the pottery, and you will fill in the joints with your fingers to form the side of the vessel.

This technique is called "Tebineri" (hand forming), and hand forming the pottery without the use of electric wheels is another feature of this experience.

Repeating the process of carefully layering string layers of clay, the pottery becomes taller and taller.

Tebineri is a relatively easy technique for beginners to create shapes.

With careful guidance, touch and knead with your hands as you wish.

You can feel the joy of the works of art being born from your own hands.

A time to face the clay, and face yourself, immerse yourself in the process.

The finished work will be a reflection of your heart.

A rich moment, savoring "Matcha" (powdered green tea) and handmade Japanese sweets in beautiful potteries

After the pottery making experience, you will be invited to a tea room for entertaining special guests, where you will enjoy a cup of "Matcha" ( powdered green tea) with homemade Japanese sweets .

Enjoy delicious matcha green tea and homemade sweets served in potteries created by Mr.Kawamura, while engaging in lively conversation with him.

It is a fulfilling time that stimulates your intellectual curiosity .

Enrich your daily life with one-of-a-kind pottery that capture your inner self

After the potteries are formed, they will be glazed and fired by Mr.Kawamura, and will be completed a few months later.

Please look forward to the moment when you meet again the pottery you created, wondering what kind finish it will become, and thinking about the moment when you will use your one and only pottery in the world.

( If you wish to have the finished work shipped, a separate shipping fee will be charged. )

Also please take home as a souvenir the precious and valuable "Gui nomi" (sake cup) fired by Mr. Kawamura.

"We welcome beginners, as we will take plenty of time to help you create the pieces you want to make."

"You can enjoy not only pottery making, but also enjoy viewing the firing and unloading of your hand made pottery in and out of the kiln, if you request." says Mr.Kawamura .

Why don't you spend some time at a hidden kiln in Kamakura, forgetting your daily life and facing your inner self, while thinking about the long history of this precious kiln?

Enjoy the whole experience in stress-free English

Limited to the Waka An plan, all experiences, including explanations of pottery making experience, but everything else, such as interesting stories about Japanese ceramics and the history of the Kichuyo kiln, will be fully supported in English by a" Kamakura Local ", with native-like English ability, and is a lover of Japanese culture, and has been involved in international business for over 35 years with the motto "to be a bridge between Japan and overseas".

Of course, you will also receive support for all the interpretation throughout the entire experience,

allowing you to fully enjoy the experience without language barriers.

Enjoy the stress-free experience without the language barrier, that only Waka An can offer.