Okawachiyama, the Village of Secret Kilns

Okawachiyama in Imari, Saga Prefecture, is home to the Nabeshima clan kilns established by the Nabeshima family of the Saga domain during the Edo period. Nabeshima ware, the finest porcelain, was once produced here as gifts for the Tokugawa shogunate and the Imperial Court. The kilns were built in a valley surrounded by mountains on three sides to protect their techniques, earning the area the name “Village of Secret Kilns.” Today, around 30 kilns carry on the tradition, producing and selling works including blue-and-white porcelain, Iro-Nabeshima polychrome ware, and celadon.

The streets of Okawachiyama are lined with pottery workshops and brick chimneys, offering a glimpse into the area's historic ceramics culture. The Imari Nabeshima Ware Hall displays and sells pieces from each kiln, making it a pleasant place to browse for tableware. Visitors can also enjoy light meals and coffee served in Imari ware.

Historic sites such as Nabeshima Hanyo Park, the remains of climbing kilns, and a former checkpoint also remain, allowing visitors to explore the area's history on foot. Seasonal events, including the Wind Chime Festival in early summer and the spring pottery fair, are also popular.