Seto - city in Aichi prefecture, Japan

Seto (瀬戸) in Northern Aichi prefecture is synonymous with ceramics in Japan. This city is home to several ceramic artists and companies.

Understand

Seto has a long history of ceramics. In Japan, the term Setomono (瀬戸物. lit. Seto's things) means ceramics.

During the Edo period, Tamikichi Kato (加藤民吉), brought new methods of ceramic production to Seto and founded his own style. Eventually the clan of Owari became his patrons which allowed his style to flourish. As such, he is considered to be the father of Seto ceramics.

Get in

By train

Seto is home to two train lines, the primary being the Meitetsu-Seto Line. This train is easily recognizable by its bright red paint job. It runs regularly between Owari-Seto and Sakae.

If coming from Nagoya station there are two ways to reach Seto. The first way you start out on the JR Chuo Line to Ozone. At Ozone you change from JR to the Meitetsu and you take the Meitetsu to Seto. The second way is to again take the JR Chuo Line, but instead of disembarking at Ozone continue riding to Kozoji station. At Kozoji change to the Aichi Loop Line and get off at Shin-Seto.

Please note that most of the sites and ceramics shops are located near Owari-Seto station and not Shin-Seto.

Get around

Seto is small enough that you can walk to most of the attractions from either Owari-Seto station or from Shin-Seto station. However there are a variety of buses that will usually run to or near further destinations.

See

Seto was part of the location of the Expo 2005 held in Seto and Nagakute. The attractions are mostly gone, but the grounds are still there and have been converted into a park.

Museums

• Aichi Prefectural Ceramic Museum (愛知県陶磁美術館), 234 Minamiyamaguchi-cho, 35.1857674°, 137.0955863°, +81 561-84-7474. Tu-Su 09:30AM-16:30. This museum is home to a large collection ancient works of the Jomon era and ancient ceramic kilns. It can be reached by taking a Meitetsu bus from Owari-Seto Station to Touji Shiryoukan.
• Seto Ceramics and Glass Art Center (瀬戸市新世紀工芸館), 81-2 Minami-Nakanokiri-cho, 35.224725°, 137.1021736°, +81 561-97-1001. Th-Tu 10:00-18:00. This small art center has a delightful display of glass and ceramic art made by local artists. It also sports a nice cafe. 2015-12-07
• Setogura Museum (瀬戸蔵ミュージアム), 35.2253568°, 137.1004295°, +81 561-97-1190. Great museum with several ceramic exhibits and a reproduction of old Seto. Adults ¥500, high school and college students ¥300, children free

Shrines

• Kamagami Shrine (窯神神社), 35.2289246°, 137.0960817°, +81 561-82-7111. This shrine dedicated to the founder of Seto ceramics, Tamakichi Kato, and yields a nice view of the city. There is also a monument dedicated to those from Seto who died during the Second World War. 2015-12-07

Do

• Kurufuku Manekineko Festival. Usually held Sep 29. This is a festival for the "manekineko" or the beckoning cat which can be seen in almost every shop, restaurant and other retail area. Hundreds of these statues are put on display and other exhibits can be seen as well. 2015-12-07
• Setomono Festival. The second Sa and Su of Sep. Ceramicists of the city and other regions turn out to sell their wares at a discount price. There are thousands of pieces that can be bought for almost any purpose. Great place and time to get authentic Japanese souvenirs. 2015-12-07
• Iwayado Park (岩屋堂公園). This park is a nice getaway from the hustle and bustle of traveling and museum hopping. There is a nice river flowing through the park which makes for a nice dip in the summertime or great atmosphere for autumn colors or cherry blossom viewing. 2015-12-07
• Kasen Studio (霞仙). This studio offers pottery making experience classes for both pottery making on the wheel and pottery painting. Classes are conducted in small groups, and studio owner can speak decent English. 2015-12-07

Buy

Ceramics can be found an many of the shops that line the main street of Owari-Seto. Ceramics and glass works can be also purchased in the Seto Ceramics and Glass Center.

• Ginza Shopping Street. Named after the famed district in Tokyo this small and quaint street offers a look into pre-shopping mall Japan. It's got several restaurants and old fashioned shops. If you're interested in getting Japanese style items or green tea soft serve ice cream, this is the place to go. 2015-12-07

Eat

• Kinchan. This is a great little izakaya (Japanese style bar). Arrive around 17:00, as it gets crowded quickly. Try the yakitori and the chicken hearts. 2015-12-07
• Sapporo Ramen (札幌ラーメン). This is a small and cozy ramen shop. Miso ramen is the only type you can get, but it makes a hearty meal especially in the winter. ¥750 2015-12-07
• Party Seto. Numerous restaurants. If you're not sure where to go or are just tired from touring you should try this place. 2015-12-07
• Daifukuya (大福屋), +81 561-84-3894. Th-Tu. This small shop serves up nice yakisoba. ¥500 and up 2015-12-07
• Apita. This large grocery store has prepared meals, and there's a food court with several restaurants inside, too. 2015-12-07

Drink

Sleep

Go next

• Nagakute
• Toyota
• Nagoya
• Nisshin
• Tajimi
• Toki
• Kasugai
• Owariasahi
• Mizunami