The capital of porcelain｜Home of the lucky cat｜A one-day trip to Tokoname, Japan

Tokoname City is located near the Chubu Centrair International Airport in Nagoya and is famous for its ceramic culture and the hometown of the lucky cat. The production of ceramics in Tokoname began in the late Heian period (around the 10th century), and "Tokoname ware" was developed due to the local iron-rich clay. In the Middle Ages, Tokoname became the first of the six ancient kilns in Japan. In the Edo period, Tokoname ware absorbed the Chinese Yixing purple clay craft and developed a unique red clay ware technique, especially the tea utensils. During the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923, the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo remained standing thanks to the use of Tokoname-yaki bricks and tiles, further enhancing the reputation of Tokoname-yaki. Since the 1950s, Tokoname has become Japan's largest producer of lucky cats, accounting for 80% of the national market share. In 2017, the Tokoname ware production technique and the Maneki Neko Street were designated as "Japan Heritage". ⛱Itinerary tips: Recommended day trips in Tokoname: 1. Ceramics theme (half day) Tokoname ware originated in the late Heian period and has a history of a thousand years. It is famous for its unglazed firing technology and iron-rich clay and is known as "Japanese purple sand". Its heyday was in the early Showa period, when it was famous for producing industrial pottery such as earthenware pipes, shochu bottles, and tiles. Today, the walking path retains historical traces such as chimneys and ancient kiln ruins, and has been certified as a "Japanese Heritage", making it an excellent place to experience ceramic culture and industrial memories. 1. Pottery Promenade Route selection: It is divided into Line A (1.6 kilometers, about 1 hour) and Line B (4 kilometers, about 2.5 hours). Along the way, you can see the remains of the Meiji kiln factory, the pottery pipe wall and the climbing kiln square, which are full of nostalgia. Features include: 1) Dokanzaka (Ceramic Pipe Slope): The walls on both sides are inlaid with ceramic pipes from the Meiji period and shochu bottles from the early Showa period, and the road surface is paved with fired waste, forming a unique retro landscape. This place demonstrates the wisdom of local residents in environmental protection and recycling, and is one of the most representative landmarks of the promenade. 2) Climbing Kiln Square: This is the largest existing climbing kiln in Japan (an important national tangible folk cultural heritage), where you can get a close look at the kiln structure and traditional firing techniques. There are also pottery painting experience studios and gift shops in the square, which are suitable for making souvenirs by yourself. 3) Red brick chimneys and paths inlaid with ceramics: Red brick chimneys from the Meiji to Showa periods are dotted along the promenade, telling the story of the prosperity of the pottery kilns at that time. The ground and walls of the alley are dotted with ceramic fragments, revealing an artistic style in the details. 4) Specialty shops and renovated cafes: Ceramics workshops, retro grocery stores and cafes converted from old buildings are gathered on both sides of the promenade. You can take a break in the pottery-themed cafe, try Japanese desserts, or buy handmade ceramic tableware, ornaments, etc. The internet-famous drink, Tokoyami Milk, is not to be missed. 2. Lucky Cat Theme (half day) The Maneki Neko (招き猫) is widely considered by Japan to be part of its traditional culture, originating in the Edo period (about 400 years ago). In the early Edo period, cat-keeping was popular, and cats were endowed with mysterious attributes such as psychic powers and the protection of grains, gradually evolving into a symbol of "attracting wealth and fortune." Japanese folk tales often focus on the theme of "the kitten repaying a favor", such as the story of the Echigo-ya civet cat sacrificing itself in exchange for gold coins to repay a favor, which has become an important source of the belief in the lucky cat. Lucky Cat Attractions: 1) Giant lucky cat "Chang Miao" Features: This giant lucky cat, which is 6.3 meters wide and 3.8 meters high, is the iconic landmark of Tokoname. It is surrounded by 11 kittens of different shapes, which is very cute. It is not only a holy place for taking photos, but also symbolizes Tokoname's status as the largest producer of lucky cats in Japan. 2) Lucky Cat Avenue: 39 blessing ceramic cats created by 39 ceramic artists are inlaid on the wall, symbolizing different wishes such as love, health, and wealth. 3) The world’s largest lucky cat, “Duofu” As a symbol of Tokoname, the birthplace of the lucky cat, there is a 6.5-meter-tall giant lucky cat "Taifuku" (お多福) in the AEON MALL Tokoname shopping mall in Nagoya. It has a round and cute shape and an exquisite design on the back, making it a popular photo-taking spot. AEON MALL has many fashion flagship stores, more than 30 duty-free shopping stores, leisure and entertainment facilities (racing cars, zip line challenges, hot springs) and a variety of food styles. It is a one-stop experience of "shopping + culture + leisure", especially suitable for the last stop to replenish stocks or to deeply experience the local craftsmanship and food. 🚄Transportation strategy: From downtown Nagoya: Take the Meitetsu Tokoname Line to Tokoname Station. The ride takes about 40 minutes and costs about 700 yen. From Central Japan International Airport: Take the Meitetsu Airport Line to Tokoname Station, which is only 1 stop (5 minutes); or take the free shuttle bus to AEON MALL. Self-driving: Drive along the Ise Bay Road or the Chita Peninsula coastline. The scenery along the way is beautiful, but you need to pay attention to Japanese traffic regulations. Please see the picture for details. 💗Other tips: Symbolic meaning and folk connotation of lucky cat: 1. Gestures and gender connotations Raising the left hand: symbolizes good fortune and making many good friends. It is usually in the shape of a female cat and is suitable for families or places that value popularity. Raising the right hand: symbolizes attracting wealth, and is often in the shape of a male cat, often seen in shops or in occasions of seeking wealth; Raising both hands: It means "double wealth and fortune", but it is quite rare. 2. Color and function: Different colors of lucky cats carry different wishes: White: luck and purity; Gold: fortune and luck; Black: ward off evil and eliminate disasters; Pink: promotes affection; Blue: career success. The golden bell on the chest symbolizes good luck and fate. 3. Posture and details Open eyes/close eyes: Open eyes attract distant wealth, close eyes attract nearby wealth; Hand height: Low hands bring good fortune nearby, high hands bring good luck far away