🗺️ Shinraku Ceramic Village Tanuki Village信楽陶苑 たぬき村

The Shigaraki area in Shiga Prefecture is the hometown of Shigaraki ware, one of Japan's six ancient kilns, and is also one of the oldest centers of pottery production. In this small mountain village surrounded by nature, many climbing kilns and traditional pit kilns built on the slopes are still preserved, along with numerous shops selling Shigaraki pottery. Everywhere you go, you can see various Shigaraki tanuki (raccoon dog) figurines. The origin of the Shigaraki tanuki figurine is said to be a raccoon dog made by local potters during the Meiji era. Because the Japanese word for tanuki, "たぬき," sounds similar to "他抜き" (tanuki), which means to surpass others and stand out, it has become a beloved mascot for wishing for prosperous business in Japan. In 1951, when Emperor Showa visited Shigaraki, the streets were filled with Shigaraki tanuki pottery holding Japanese flags to welcome the emperor. This scene was widely reported by newspapers at the time, and the Shigaraki tanuki became a symbol of the Shigaraki region, gaining national fame. Located in the Shigaraki area, "Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park Tanuki Village" is a complex facility that integrates experiences, shopping, and dining. The entrance is adorned with the largest Shigaraki tanuki figurine in Japan, and there is a plaza featuring over 10,000 tanuki figurines. The tanuki pottery, each with different expressions, is incredibly cute and makes it hard to stop taking photos. In Tanuki Village, visitors can not only tour the Shigaraki climbing kilns and traditional pit kilns and admire the tanuki figurines found everywhere, but they can also experience making Shigaraki pottery themselves. The experience options range from simple painting to more complex pottery-making experiences, allowing participants to choose based on their preferences or budget, and try creating their own unique Shigaraki tanuki. After the experience, visitors can enjoy meals made with local ingredients at the village's restaurant (reservation required), and can also purchase tanuki figurines and other Shigaraki pottery as souvenirs in the shops.

The raccoon decoration at the entrance is one of the largest in Japan. It offers a rich variety of experiential activities, including the opportunity to try your hand at Shigaraki pottery. There are package deals available that include both the experience and dining options.