Discover Tokoname: Japan’s Ancient Pottery Town and the Home of the Lucky Cat

The soul of Tokoname is best experienced on foot. The city’s famous Pottery Path (Course A) is a 1.6-kilometer loop that winds through hillsides once dominated by roaring kilns. Today, the path is a living mosaic. You walk on roads paved with “shards” of discarded pottery and move past walls reinforced with thousands of earthen pipes and vintage ceramic jugs.

Dokanzaka: The Clay Pipe Slope

The most photographed spot on the path is Dokanzaka (Clay Pipe Slope). Here, the walls are lined with rows of large clay pipes from the Meiji era and shochu jars from the early 20th century. It’s a textures-heavy environment where the deep, earthy reds of the clay contrast against the vibrant green moss that has claimed the old bricks. It feels less like a tourist attraction and more like a secret garden built by generations of artisans.

The Toei Kiln: A Monument to Fire

At the heart of the path stands the Toei Kiln, a massive climbing kiln built in 1887. With its six chimneys piercing the skyline, it is the largest of its kind remaining in Japan. Designated as a Nationally Important Tangible Folk Cultural Property, the kiln allows visitors to imagine the sheer scale of production that once happened here, when the city was the primary supplier of ceramic water pipes and teapots for the entire nation.

The Home of the Maneki-neko

While its history is made of clay, Tokoname’s fame is tied to a whisker. The city is Japan’s leading producer of the Maneki-neko (the “Beckoning Cat” or Lucky Cat). As you exit Tokoname Station, you are greeted by Maneki-neko Street, a sloping road adorned with 39 unique ceramic cat statues, each created by a different artist to represent a different blessing—from health and love to success in business.

Meeting Tokonyan

The true superstar of the town is Tokonyan, a giant “Guardian Cat” head that measures 6.3 meters wide and 3.8 meters high. Peering over a concrete wall along the Pottery Path, Tokonyan appears to be watching over the city, its huge white paw raised in a permanent gesture of welcome. It has become a global landmark, a symbol of how Tokoname blends its ancient “Ancient Kiln” status with a sense of “Kawaii” (cute) culture that defines modern Japan.

Humanizing the Experience: The Artist’s Touch

What makes Tokoname truly special in 2026 is the accessibility of its artisans. This isn’t a “look but don’t touch” destination. The city is filled with small, independent galleries and workshops where you can sit at a potter’s wheel and try your hand at the craft.

There is a profound sense of omotenashi (hospitality) in the local cafes. Imagine sitting in a converted kiln warehouse, sipping tea from a handmade Tokoname teapot—famed for how its iron-rich clay mellows the bitterness of green tea—while a cool breeze flows through the high ceilings. It’s a slow-travel dream that contrasts perfectly with the neon intensity of nearby Nagoya.

Why Visit in 2026?

As international travel focuses more on “authentic” and “sustainable” experiences, Tokoname stands out. It is a town that has successfully repurposed its industrial waste into art, preserved its heritage without turning into a theme park, and remained incredibly accessible (just 10 minutes from Chubu Centrair International Airport).

Whether you are a ceramic enthusiast, a cat lover, or simply a traveler looking for a quiet corner of Japan where time seems to slow down, Tokoname offers a journey that is literally paved with history.

Traveler’s Checklist for Tokoname

Put On Shoes That Are Easy To Walk In: There are some up and down hills and rough pathways covered in clay pieces at The Pottery Path.

Souvenir To Bring Home: The red-clay teapots are world-famous and beautifully made. Be on the lookout for the teapots and their functional designs.

Try The Local Ice Cream: Tokoname Milk Ice Cream comes in a pouch that makes it easy to carry. It’s a great snack for The Pottery Path and a fun local treat.

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