You might have heard of Iga-Ueno city as the land of the ninja. It also happens to be famous for a traditional form of pottery, Iga-yaki.
The Iga basin—where modern-day Lake Biwa was born—has a clay soil, suited to the thriving industries of pottery, rice-farming and sake production. It is where Iga pottery was born, a craft chiefly known for its resistance to fire and its pearly patterns. Earthenware pots, used to cook rice and stews, are well-known and perhaps the most representative item of Iga-yaki ware.
![이가 야키 나베](https://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/45279-185960/738x553.5!/mie-igayaki-ceramics-class-185960.jpg)
It’s possible to discover the traditions of Iga pottery in the village of Marubashira in the mountains behind Iga-Ueno. Some ancient kilns and workshop are still preserved over there – the kilns particularly impressive to visitors. Iga pottery is fired at a temperature of 1300 degrees for one week, between January and March. It’s a pretty high temperature—most wares are typically fired around 1200 degrees—which explains why Iga pottery is known for its resistance to fire and heat!
![가마](https://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/45279-186182/738x525.7529296875!/mie-igayaki-ceramics-class-186182.jpg)
In Marubashira village, you can visit some small boutiques with numerous wares on sales, from dishes including nabe pots to more personal creations. You can take a break at a local—pretty jazzy—cafe, where you can bring your cup back with you for the price of the coffee (350 yen).
![카페](https://a2.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/45279-186184/738x504.37811431363!/mie-igayaki-ceramics-class-186184.jpg)
There is also a hike that starts from the village, that reveals a wonderful viewpoint from up over the kilns. The viewpoint is surrounded by sakura trees, and I could only imagine it in April's cherry blossom season—covered in pink!
Further on it’s possible to try a pottery workshop at the Igayaki Traditional Craft Center (Igayaki Dentou Sangyou Kaikan). A variety of workshops are available, including painting a cup/plate (1,080 yen) and making pottery at the wheel (2,160 yen / 1 kg of clay – or 3,240 yen using the electric wheel). There is no set time limit, just the fixed amount of clay to work with! I can’t really say that my attempts to make a piece to be proud of were successful, but watching the master at work finishing a bowl in under 5 minutes— with impressive ease—was a wonderful sight to behold. And yes, it’s not as easy as it might seem!
![도자기 체험](https://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/45279-186183/738x536.923828125!/mie-igayaki-ceramics-class-186183.jpg)
Next to the workshop is a small shop, with some lanterns decorated by the potters. It’s a good way to discover more about the world of traditional Japanese pottery!
![도자기 체험](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/45279-186185/738x491.8798828125!/mie-igayaki-ceramics-class-186185.jpg)