Miyama, a village for Satsuma ware

Miyama is located in a beautiful country side area with a bamboo forest trail, and has an array of Satsuma ware pottery studios, along with cafes and restaurants.

The history of Satsuma began when Yoshihiro Shimazu, the 17th lord of the Satsuma Domain, brought back about 80 potters from Korea during the Korean invasion in the late 16th century. Half of these potters settled in this village and started the pottery production with the support of the Shimazu domain. Satsuma ware has two types: White Satsuma and Black Satsuma. White Satsuma, with elaborately decoration, was produced only for feudal lords during the Edo period, while Black Satsuma was a daily pottery for the common people. The Satsuma domain independently exhibited their wares at the International Exposition of 1867 in Paris, not under the name of Japanese government. White Satsuma wares were highly acclaimed in Europe.

Each pottery studio has its own store where visitors can shop. Chin Jukan Kiln, one of the major studios of Satsuma ware, offers a tour where visitors can learn about the climbing kiln and the production process, as well as a storage room gallery (additional fee).

At the Miyama Toyukan, visitors can try making their own pottery using a wheel or working by hand. Various events are held during "Miyama Craft Week" in early November to appreciate the autumn days in the beautiful mountain village.