Togei no Mori - (Ceramic Forest)
(The Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park)

Shigaraki-yaki of the Shigaraki area is one of the oldest kilning areas in the world.  It is one of the Six Old Kilns of Japan (Rokkoyou), and its ceramics are considered national treasures.  
 
The Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park was built as a part of a recreational land development project. The SCCP supports various ceramics related activities, including artistic creation, training, and exhibitions. The Park was completed and opened in June 1990. The SCCP is administered by the Foundation of Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park.  The nearly 10-acre park was set up by the Shiga Prefectural Government.

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Private Nobori-gama In Shigaraki

This nobori-gama was built about 50 years ago built by Okuda Chuzaiemon.  It has eleven chambers, although only six are showing. Firing could take over a week.

 Museum at Shigaraki Cultural Park

The Museum is only one of the several facilities within the Shigaraki Cultural Park run by the Prefectural (State) government.  The program accepts guest and resident artists from all over the world, and promotes ceramic arts internationally.

In Front of the Ittekoi Kiln

This kiln was designed and built at the Park by Kusakabe Masakasu.  It is one of the more efficient kilns, as a typical firing only take 16 -18 hours.