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    If you're visiting Tokoname City in Aichi Prefecture, I highly recommend taking a walk along Yakimono Sanpo-michi, where you can experience the history and culture of the famous Japanese ceramics known as Tokoname ware firsthand.

    The whole walking area retains a strong retro atmosphere. As you stroll through the alleys, you'll see many old houses, ceramic works, and unique little shops. The overall atmosphere is very relaxing. There aren't too many visitors, so it's comfortable for taking photos, and you don't need to set aside much time. Even a casual walk around the area feels rewarding.

    If I had to describe it, it's a bit like Taiwan's Treasure Hill and Yingge combined. You can admire old street architecture and ceramic art as you walk, making it perfect for people who enjoy photography or are interested in ceramics.

    There are quite a few small ceramics shops along the way, all selling distinctive pieces. If you like Tokoname ware, you can take your time choosing some favorite items to bring home.

    Unfortunately, I visited on a Monday, so many of the shops were closed, and even the nearby Shinmeisha Shrine wasn't open.

    Also, the signs along the walking route aren't very clear, so first-time visitors may have a little trouble finding their way.

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    Tokoname—a well-known pottery town in Japan. Walking through the alleys of the old town, you'll see pottery, kiln bricks, and cute beckoning cats everywhere, adding plenty of good fortune and charm to the streets.

    Stroll leisurely along the Yakimono Sanpo-michi, where red-brick chimneys, clay pipe walls, and old houses come together to create a nostalgic atmosphere.

    There's no need to rush. Just take your time exploring and enjoy Tokoname's unique small-town charm〜

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    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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    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.

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