Kutani Pottery Wheel Class in Kanazawa: Make Ceramics

Work with porcelain clay on the wheel at a kiln that has shaped Kutani ware for generations.

A one-hour pottery class at Kanazawa's historic Kutani kiln teaches you to throw ceramics on the potter's wheel using fine porcelain clay. You'll work with an English-speaking guide who walks you through shaping and the basics of the craft. The finished piece is fired and shipped to you in about five months. The kiln, opened in 1870, is the only one in Kanazawa still making Kutani ware by hand.

The experience

Kutani ware clay is finer and more delicate than ordinary pottery clay, which means it demands more attention on the wheel, but that's also what makes the finished piece distinctive. The guide will show you how to center the clay, shape it and bring it toward a form you choose. The clay's unique texture takes some getting used to, and the instruction is built around that learning curve, not around speed.

After the class, your piece goes into the kiln. The firing and finishing process takes about five months, and the completed ceramic is shipped directly to you. The ware fee and lesson fee are included in the booking. Shipping is separate. The studio is wheelchair accessible, and the class suits all fitness levels.

What’s included

• Kutani ware clay.
• instruction from a live English-speaking guide.
• use of the potter's wheel.
• firing and finishing of your piece.
• shipping of the completed ceramic to your address.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:30, 11:00, 13:00 and 14:30

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (7 and older) · Under 7: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 4

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendly

Operated by Beauty of Japan

Is this one for you?The class is taught entirely in English, so you can follow the guide's instruction and ask questions as you work. If you want to learn the basics of throwing pottery and take home a finished piece made from clay with real history, this one-hour session at a working kiln gives you both.

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Top questions

What is Kutani ware and why does it feel different from regular pottery clay?

Kutani ware is made from porcelain clay, a ceramic stone that is much finer than ordinary pottery clay and has a unique texture that can be harder to work with on the wheel. That fine grain is what gives the finished pieces their distinctive quality and is part of what makes Kanazawa's Kutani tradition recognizable.

How long does it take to get my finished piece back after the class?

The finished piece is fired in the kiln and shipped to you in about five months. You'll receive the completed ceramic at your home address.

Is the instruction in English, and do I need pottery experience?

Yes, the guide speaks English and leads the class in English. No prior pottery experience is needed. The guide walks you through the process from centering the clay to shaping your piece.

What makes this kiln special in Kanazawa?

This is the only Kutani ceramic kiln still operating in Kanazawa. It opened in 1870 and continues to make Kutani ware by hand using the same methods, so you're learning at a working studio with 150 years of history.