chisato kuroki
international ceramic studio®
barcelona spain

Japanese Tableware Workshop in Takayama, featuring a visit to the Hida Furukawa Festival 16 - 26 April 2026.
Join us for our Japanese Tableware Course! Start a creative adventure as you master hand-building and wheel techniques to design exquisite tableware. Uncover distinctive decoration methods and explore traditional Japanese glazes crafted from wood ash. Let’s elevate your dining experience with elegance and artistry while celebrating the traditional HIDA FURUKAWA Festival!

ORIBE


KUROORIBE
KIZETO
Shedule
- Abril 16th Meeting at Takayama Train Station; transfer to the hotel in the evening.
- 17-19 Modeling tableware using hand-building and wheel techniques, including trimming, decorations, and drying work.
-19 EVENING Visiting HIDA FURUKAWA NIGHT FESTIVAL.
- 20 DAY OFF Visiting HIDA FURUKAWA DAY TIME FESTIVAL
- 21 Decoration and glazing with ORIBE, KUROORIBE, KIZETO, and KARATSU glazes.
- 22 Loading and firing the kiln.
- 23 Explanation about glazes. Q&A time and Master Class
- 24 DAY OFF please plan your own activities.
- 25 Unloading the kiln and visit to a hot spring, followed by a farewell party at the hotel.
- 26 Departure; transfer from the hotel to Takayama Station at 7 AM.
*Please note that workshop details may be subject to change.*
You can view testimonials from past workshops in Takayama, Japan, here.

HAKEME
Japanese tablewear workshop in Takayama 2024

HIDA FURUKAWA NIGHT FESTIVAL
Teacher


KOICHI INOUE
1952 - Born in Omuta City, Fukuoka
1976 - Graduated from the Department of Crafts at Osaka University of Arts.
Joined Kyoto Kawaiki Pottery, where he was involved in the production of ceramic walls, monuments, and more.
1988 - Moved to Takayama City to teach in the Ceramics Department at Hida International Crafts School.
Opened TAIKAI CERAMIC STUDIO in Kokufu-cho, Takayama.
1992 - Participated in the reconstruction of Shurijo Castle in Okinawa, contributing to the production of the roof decoration of the main shrine.
Awards
- Toki Contemporary Ceramic Sculpture Exhibition
- Mino International Ceramic Art Exhibition
- YUPO Design Award, among others.
Exhibitions
Every year since2001 at Jiyugaoka Gallery Runan, Sannomiya Sanchika Hall, Kichijoji Gallery Nagatani, and more.

Organized by CHISATO KUROKI
A Japanese artist living and working in Barcelona, Spain. She is a finalist and award winner at the Biennale and have taken part in numerous competitions, serving as an invited artist at international ceramic festivals, art fairs, and artist residencies across Spain, England, France, China, and Japan.


Hida Frukawa Festival 19th & 20th of April
The Furukawa Festival is the annual festival of Keta Wakamiya Shrine, which dates back to over 300 years, with its allure of dynamism and stillness. A dynamic taiko drum performance on the evening of the 19th is performed by men in nothing more than loincloths who haul a giant drum mounted on a tower through the streets. The deep sounds of the drumbeats echo through the Furukawa district of Hida. The “still” procession of yatai floats consists of nine ornately decorated floats created by Hida craftsmen that are drawn quietly through the streets. At the yatai float festival on the night of the 20th, the floats are decorated with paper lanterns that give them a different appearance than from the day.
It was registered as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in December 2016.
Accomodation
Takayama
Takayama (高山) is a city in the mountainous Hida region of Gifu Prefecture. To differentiate it from other places named Takayama, the city is also commonly referred to as Hida-Takayama. Takayama retains a traditional touch like few other Japanese cities, especially in its beautifully preserved old town. It ranks as a prime candidates among travelers wishing to add a rural element into their itineraries.
Takayama gained importance as a source of high-quality timber and highly skilled carpenters during the feudal ages. For these important resources, the city was put under direct control of the shogun and enjoyed quite a bit of prosperity considering its remote mountain location. The Takayama Festival, held in spring and autumn, is considered one of Japan's best festivals.