Tokoname is a well-known Japanese craft town famous for maneki-neko lucky cats, and it’s also one of the birthplaces of Tokoname ware. You can spot all kinds of lucky cat displays and ceramic pieces throughout the streets, making it really fun to walk around and take photos.
Strolling along the Maneki-neko Street, you’ll also find the huge lucky cat “Toko-nyan,” which is definitely eye-catching. I visited early on a weekday morning this time, and there were almost no tourists, so I could leisurely enjoy the quiet atmosphere of the town.
Many shops weren’t open yet, but with fewer crowds, it was even easier to take in the streetscape and the beauty of the ceramics. It’s a great spot for travelers who enjoy photography and walking.
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Yakimono Sanpo-michi
A popular walking area with retro townscapes where you can experience the history and culture of Tokoname ware.
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Tokoname City in Aichi Prefecture has long been known as an area where the ceramics industry has flourished. Yakimono Sanpo-michi is a popular walking area where visitors can experience the history and culture of Tokoname ware, which has long been counted among Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns.
Centered around a ceramics district that thrived most in the early Showa period, the area offers scenery distinctive to a pottery town, including brick chimneys, a climbing kiln, workshops with black walls, and retaining walls made with clay pipes and shochu bottles. As you walk along the narrow, maze-like sloping streets, you can get a feel for the lives of the craftspeople who still work here today and the culture of craftsmanship cultivated over many years.
The walking paths include Course A, about 1.6 km, and Course B, about 4 km, so you can choose based on your schedule and interests. Along the way are pottery studios, galleries, shops, cafés, and more, making it easy to shop or take a break during your walk. Among the area’s most iconic photo spots are Dokanzaka, a slope paved with clay pipes and shochu bottles, and Tokonyan, the giant beckoning cat, both of which draw many visitors. The mix of retro townscapes and fresh creative sensibilities also makes the area a good fit for photography and art lovers.
Highlights
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A popular walking area where you can experience the history and culture of Tokoname ware.
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Centered around a ceramics district that flourished most in the early Showa period.
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Proudly Japan’s top producer of maneki-neko beckoning cat figures.
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Pottery studios, galleries, shops, cafés, and more are scattered along the route.
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Dokanzaka is famous as an iconic photo spot.
Photos
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An area where many artists and craftspeople still live today
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Many historic facilities are scattered throughout the area
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You may find local foods and items you can only encounter here
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Photogenic scenery, including old buildings with character, is part of the appeal
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Dokanzaka, paved with clay pipes and shochu bottles, is worth seeing
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Hands-on activities such as pottery making and painting are also available
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?
A
Yes.
Free Wi-Fi is available inside the Tokoname Tourist Information Center. There is also a rest area, so please use it to check tourist information, search routes, and more.
Q
Are there coin lockers?
A
There are no coin lockers at the Tokoname Tourist Information Center, but a baggage storage service is available.
If you would like to explore Yakimono Sanpo-michi without carrying your luggage, please feel free to use it.
*Availability is limited.
Q
Are there restrooms?
A
Yes.
Restrooms are available inside the Ceramics Hall, where the Tokoname Tourist Information Center is located. You can use them before or after exploring Yakimono Sanpo-michi.
Q
Is there a smoking area?
A
Smoking is not permitted inside the Tokoname Tourist Information Center or the Ceramics Hall.
Please also refrain from smoking on the streets or littering cigarette butts while walking around the area.
Q
Are there tourist spots nearby?
A
Yes.
Near Yakimono Sanpo-michi, you’ll find places such as the INAX MUSEUMS, where you can learn about Tokoname’s pottery culture, and Rinku Beach, where you can enjoy seaside views.
Within the Yakimono Sanpo-michi area, you can also visit Dokanzaka, the climbing kiln, the giant beckoning cat Tokonyan, Manekineko Street lined with 39 beckoning cats, galleries, cafés, Tokoname ware shops, and more, all on foot.
Q
Is parking available?
A
Yes.
You can use the parking lot at the Tokoname Tourist Information Center. Standard passenger cars are 500 yen per day.
If you are coming by large bus, please contact us in advance.
Q
What can I do at the Tourist Information Center?
A
The center offers tourist pamphlets, guidance on sightseeing routes, baggage storage, a free rest area, Wi-Fi, and sales of Tokoname ware and local souvenirs.
Please stop by before exploring Yakimono Sanpo-michi.
Q
Can I enjoy the area on rainy days?
A
Yes.
Around Yakimono Sanpo-michi, there are also indoor spots such as Tokoname ware shops, galleries, and cafés.
However, since there are slopes and stone-paved areas, please wear comfortable walking shoes.
Reviews
2
Some reviews are AI-translated.
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Tokoname is a craft town where you can encounter maneki-neko lucky cats. As a former cat owner, it had been on my must-visit list for a while. This time, I stopped by in the afternoon before taking a late flight home.
After arriving, I recommend first picking up a map at the tourist information center. My first stop was the giant lucky cat. As I continued exploring, I found the area even quieter than I expected. There were none of the crowded tourist scenes you get in big cities—just old chimneys, historic kilns, and workshops along the way. The pace felt incredibly relaxing.
If you’re looking for somewhere peaceful and distinctive to wander around before heading home, Tokoname is absolutely a perfect choice. -
Details
- Name in Japanese
- やきもの散歩道
- Postal Code
- 479-0836
- Address
- 3-8 Sakaemachi, Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture (Tokoname Tourist Information Center)
- Phone
- 0569-34-8888
- Closed on
- Year-end and New Year holidays
- Hours
- Open for walking at any time
- Admission
- Free *Parking: 500 yen per day
- Access
- About 5 minutes on foot from Tokoname Station on the Meitetsu Line
- Official website
- Official website (Japanese)
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