Things To Do
in Arita
Arita is a historic town located in the Saga Prefecture of Japan. It is known for its rich history of pottery and porcelain production, dating back to the 17th century. Arita is home to traditional kilns where artisans create exquisite ceramics using ancient techniques.
Visitors can explore the town's charming streets lined with pottery shops, museums, and galleries showcasing its artistic heritage.
- "Arigatou" - Thank you
- "Sumimasen" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Konnichiwa" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "Eigo o hanasemasu ka?" - Do you speak English?
- "Oishii" - Delicious
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $8 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Visit the Arita Porcelain Park to learn about the history of ceramics in the area. Take in the beautiful architecture and sculptures while exploring various pottery styles.
Enjoy a hands-on pottery workshop where you can create your own piece of art. This interactive experience will give you a deeper appreciation for Arita's rich ceramic traditions.
Relax at a local ryokan and experience traditional Japanese hospitality. Savor a kaiseki dinner featuring fresh, local ingredients.
Start your day at the scenic Mt. Daisan for breathtaking views of Arita and the surrounding countryside. Take a leisurely hike to enjoy the peaceful natural beauty.
Visit the historic Honbōji Temple, known for its beautiful gardens and serene atmosphere. Spend some time reflecting in the tranquil surroundings.
Head back to town and sample local street food at a nearby market. Enjoy a casual dinner while exploring Arita’s vibrant culture.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage with a long history of porcelain production.
- Beautiful, scenic landscapes surrounded by mountains and rivers.
- Strong community spirit and local craftsmanship.
- Attractive tourist destination with traditional Japanese architecture.
- Variety of local festivals and events throughout the year.
- Limited job opportunities outside of tourism and traditional crafts.
- Aging population and declining youth demographics.
- Relatively high cost of living compared to other rural areas in Japan.
- Public transportation options may be limited.
- Risk of natural disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons.
Best Activities in Arita
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Experience Arita's rich tradition in ceramics by participating in a pottery workshop. Learn the techniques from local artisans and create your own unique piece.
Explore this beautiful park dedicated to Arita's porcelain history. Enjoy walking through the gardens, visiting exhibitions, and discovering the craftsmanship behind Arita's famous pottery.
Trek the trails of Mt. Kōrin for stunning views of the surrounding area. The trails are well-marked and suitable for various skill levels, ideal for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Take a scenic bike ride along the coastal paths of the Ariake Sea. Enjoy fresh air, picturesque landscapes, and the stunning sunset views at the end of the day.
Head to the Arita Town Observatory for panoramic views of the town and the surrounding countryside. It's a perfect spot for photography and enjoying the natural beauty.
Check the local calendar for outdoor festivals celebrating Arita's culture and ceramics. These events often feature food stalls, live music, and various activities for all ages.
Places to Visit in Arita
Visit one of these nice places.
A park with beautiful gardens and a museum showcasing Arita porcelain, offering picturesque views for photography.
A scenic observation deck at Arita Station, providing panoramic views of the surrounding area, including the town and its porcelain factories.
Food in Arita
Arita Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Arita is renowned for its buckwheat soba noodles, often served cold with a dipping sauce. A must-try dish that showcases the region's staple ingredient.
Must-Try!
This is a flavorful rice dish featuring local ingredients, often served in the distinctive Arita-yaki pottery. Look for it in traditional restaurants and local eateries.
A type of tempura featuring seafood and vegetables, often found at street food stalls and local restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
While primarily known for pottery, the Arita Ceramics Market also offers a variety of street food stalls where visitors can savor local delicacies such as yakitori, takoyaki, and steamed buns.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Arita is known for its rich pottery tradition. It's important to show appreciation for local artisans and their craft. When visiting workshops or galleries, admire the art and consider purchasing pieces to support local artists.
Use polite language and gestures. Bowing is a common form of greeting, and saying 'arigatou' (thank you) is appreciated. Maintain a calm demeanor and avoid loud conversations in public spaces.
Japanese culture places a strong emphasis on cleanliness. Always dispose of your trash properly, and if visiting someone’s home, it's customary to remove your shoes. Maintain a clean environment during your stay.
Safety
Tipping in Arita
Ensure a smooth experience
In Arita, Japan, as in much of the country, tipping is generally not a common practice and can even be considered rude. The Japanese culture emphasizes hospitality and service as a given, and service staff typically do not expect tips. Instead, exceptional service is often expressed through gratitude verbally or by leaving a small gift.
Payment practices in Arita are similar to those in the rest of Japan. Most establishments accept cash, and credit cards are increasingly accepted as well, particularly in tourist areas. However, small shops and local restaurants may only accept cash. It is customary to pay at the register rather than at the table in restaurants. Additionally, using an electronic payment system or mobile payment apps is becoming more common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit for cherry blossoms and pleasant weather. Arita also hosts a ceramics festival in April.
Warm temperatures and summertime festivals, including fireworks and traditional events.
Beautiful fall foliage and the Arita Porcelain Fair held in late October, showcasing exquisite pottery.
Cool to cold temperatures, with a chance of snow. The Arita Porcelain Market takes place during this time.
Arita at Night
Hiking in Arita
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Arita Mountain is a popular hiking spot offering scenic views of the surrounding area and beautiful forest trails.
Mifuneyama Rakuen is a spacious park with hiking trails that lead to stunning landscapes, perfect for both beginners and experienced hikers.
Located a bit further from Arita, this national park provides numerous hiking opportunities with diverse ecosystems and breathtaking views.
A local park with casual hiking paths, ideal for families and those looking for a leisurely outdoor experience.
A more challenging hike that rewards hikers with panoramic views from the summit, suitable for those looking for a robust adventure.
Aiports
How to reach Arita by plane.
Located approximately 50 kilometers from Arita, Kumamoto Airport serves domestic and limited international flights.
Around 100 kilometers from Arita, Fukuoka Airport is one of the largest and busiest airports in Japan, offering extensive domestic and international services.
Approximately 60 kilometers from Arita, Nagasaki Airport serves both domestic flights and some international routes.
Located about 140 kilometers from Arita, Oita Airport provides mostly domestic flights, but also has some international operations.
About 120 kilometers from Arita, Kita-Kyushu Airport serves mainly domestic flights with a few international services.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population in Arita, consisting primarily of individuals of Japanese descent.
Includes expatriates and immigrants living in Arita, often from countries like Brazil and the Philippines.
A specific subgroup involved in the local ceramics industry, which is a significant part of Arita's cultural heritage.
A growing demographic segment, reflecting Japan's overall aging population.
Includes school-age children and teenagers, representing the next generation in the community.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is one of the most popular sports in Japan, including Arita, with local teams and school competitions frequently held.
Soccer has a strong following in Japan, with many youth leagues and community teams participating in local tournaments.
Basketball is gaining popularity in Arita, with school teams and local clubs actively promoting the sport.
Volleyball is a popular sport among both genders in Arita, with many schools and community-centered activities.
Arita, like many parts of Japan, has a rich tradition of martial arts, including Kendo and Judo, practiced at various dojos.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Arita.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Arita's cuisine is traditionally seafood-based, many restaurants offer vegetarian tempura and tofu-based dishes. Look for Buddhist temple cuisine options as well.
It's advisable for visitors with gluten sensitivities to communicate their dietary needs clearly. Some restaurants may offer rice-based dishes and gluten-free soy sauce.