Arita Travel Tips

1 of 7 in Saga Prefecture

Arita (有田) is a small town in western Saga Prefecture that became Japan’s first center for porcelain production over 400 years ago. It all began in 1616, when a Korean craftsman discovered kaolin—a key mineral for porcelain—in what is now the Izumiyama Quarry. This discovery led to the birth of Arita-yaki, Japan’s signature porcelain, which later gained popularity in Europe and China under the name Imari-yaki.

Today, Arita is a haven for pottery lovers. Its old town around Kami-Arita Station is home to kilns, museums, pottery shops, archaeological sites, and even a shrine featuring porcelain guardian dogs. The Kyushu Ceramic Museum, near Arita Station, is the top place to learn about local pottery history. On the outskirts, a porcelain-themed park adds a fun twist to the town’s deep ceramic heritage. Arita blends living tradition with charming scenery, making it a unique stop on any Kyushu trip.

Getting around

In Arita, most attractions are easy to reach on foot and are located within one kilometer of Kami-Arita Station, which is served by local trains. However, the Kyushu Ceramic Museum, one of the top highlights, is closer to Arita Station, served by both local and limited express trains. You can get there with a quick three-minute train ride for about 200 yen, or walk between the two stations in around 40 minutes.

The Arita Porcelain Park is further out, about four kilometers southeast of Arita Station. There’s no public transportation to the park, but you can take a taxi from the station, which takes about ten minutes and costs around 1500 yen.