A Day in Tokoname: Pottery Paths, Cats, and Quiet Charm

24 April 2025 Thursday

Tokoname Travel Guide: Pottery, Food & Where to Stay Near Chubu Airport

Tokoname is a small but charming town in Aichi Prefecture, famous for its pottery history and traditional crafts. It’s part of Japan’s “Ceramic City” along with Seto and has been producing Kyusu teapots and other pottery pieces for centuries. Beyond the ceramics, Tokoname offers quiet streets, quaint shops, and little local touches that make it perfect for travelers looking for an authentic Japanese experience just outside Nagoya.

The charming pottery town is just 33 minutes from Nagoya by train, and even closer to the Chubu International Airport, making it perfect for a day trip or an overnight stay near Chubu Airport.

Landing in Nagoya: Smooth Entry and Travel Prep

The first day of our trip to Japan, we landed at Chubu Centrair International Airport in Nagoya, Aichi. Entry was smooth—we’d filled out the immigration and customs forms online, so everything moved quickly.

I’d considered buying a local SIM, but after checking prices and realizing many eSIMs don’t come with a phone number, I decided to stick with my roaming package. It was cheaper and just as reliable for our needs. But if you would like to have a hassle-free experience, you could try the e-sim here.

We picked up MANACA IC cards for public transport, which turned out to be a good move. I even registered mine online—a lucky decision, since I lost it on Day 2. But because it was registered, I managed to recover all the balance on a replacement card. Small victories.

Important tip for travelers: there’s an administration fee of 500 yen to replace a lost card, plus a 500-yen deposit for the new one. Also, replacements can usually only be processed in the region where the card was issued. That means if you lose your card while traveling outside the issuing area, you might not be able to replace it. Check the guidelines and keep your card safe.

Heading to Tokoname: A Small Town Adventure

Instead of heading straight into Nagoya city, we decided to take a short 10-minute train ride to Tokoname, a small town known for its pottery. There’s a free shuttle bus from the station that takes you to Aeon Tokoname (a shopping mall), the train station, or the Pottery Path. We stored our luggage at Aeon—small bags in the free lockers, and our big one in a 500-yen paid locker.

Unexpected Stop: Visiting Costco in Japan

Now, the first place my dad wanted to visit in Japan wasn’t a shrine or temple. It was Costco.

Yes, Costco.

There aren’t any in Malaysia, and my dad was genuinely curious. We almost didn’t get in—it’s a membership-only store—but the staff were kind enough to help us apply for a one-day visitor pass. We did have to pay a 15% surcharge on anything we bought, but it was still fun. I picked up some sunscreen; my dad mostly browsed, enjoying the novelty of it all.

Exploring the Tokoname Pottery Footpath

okoname historical wooden house ‘Ieda’ with traditional architecture and rustic wooden façade

“Pottery footpath with walls lined by clay pots and bricks under daylight in Tokoname, Japan”

“Brick and pottery fragments lining a narrow footpath on the Tokoname Pottery Footpath, Tokoname, Japan”

Afterwards, we walked the Tokoname Pottery Footpath—a quiet uphill trail with wooden houses and walls decorated with pottery. We didn’t see many other tourists, maybe just a few domestic visitors. A lot of the shops were closed—possibly because it was a Thursday—but the town still had a peaceful, nostalgic charm.

Tokoname is known for its pottery, especially Kyushu-style pieces. I don’t know much about pottery myself, but we thought it’d be nice to pick up a couple of sets as souvenirs.

Dining in Tokoname: Wabisuke and Local Food Culture

A glass bowl of red bean soup with mochi balls, garnished with green leaves, served on a tray with a cup of green tea and a wooden spoon.

A basket filled with slices of assorted breads, including a crusty roll with butter, a slice of raisin bread and another soft bread, served with a bowl of whipped cream and yellow jam.

A bowl of udon noodles topped with mixed mushrooms and fresh herbs, served in a green ceramic bowl with soup broth; on a wooden tray with a small bowl of grains, a cup of porridge, chopsticks, and bread in a basket in the background.

Food-wise, options were a bit limited. Outside Aeon, most eateries weren’t open, which left us hunting for a place to eat. Eventually, we found a small restaurant Wabisuke next to a bakery. It was run by just two people, which, as we’d learn, is pretty common in Japan. We ordered a bread basket, red bean dessert, and cold udon. The bread was excellent—Japan really does bread well.

One thing that stood out during this trip: meals in Japan often take time. Many restaurants are run by one or two people, sometimes even just one. We’re used to faster service back home—even hawker stalls have a couple of assistants. In Japan, though, patience is key. A ten-minute wait feels long to us, but here, it’s just how things go.

Cute Local Touches and Unexpected Finds

A red Japan Post box topped with a ceramic cat riding a scooter, positioned alongside a sign reading “Pottery Footpath” in Tokoname.

A ceramic figurine of a cat dressed as a postman riding a red motorcycle, carrying a black satchel with the Japanese postal mark.

After eating, we explored a bit more. Tokoname is full of cat-themed pottery. My personal favorite was a ceramic cat sitting on top of a red postbox outside the post office. It’s little local touches like that that really make Japan special.

We also visited the tourist information center —something I try to do in every new place —inside the Tokoname Ceramic Hall. That’s where we picked up our first manhole card, and the start of an unexpected (and pretty fun) collection hobby. They also had a nice display of local pottery.

Tokonyan and the Lucky Cats of Tokoname

As we strolled along Tokoname Maneki Neko-dori (Lucky Cat Street), we were delighted to spot Tokonyan, the giant maneki neko (lucky cat) peeking over an embankment. A careful search along the wall near the statue revealed that Tokonyan is accompanied by 11 small and realistic cat figurines, a charming detail that adds to the street’s whimsical character.

The street itself, which connects Tokoname Tojiki Kaikan (Ceramics Hall) and Tokoname Station, is lined with 39 modern interpretations of maneki neko, each created by local artists with ties to Tokoname. We learned that each cat is said to offer a special blessing, from happy marriage and good health to the successful completion of a task. Stopping to admire Tokonyan and its smaller companions was one of our favorite moments in Tokoname—a perfect mix of culture, art, and playful local tradition.

Three ceramic cats peek out from behind a door with a “TOKONAME” sign and paw prints, mounted on a stone wall.

Two ceramic cat figures holding hands on a wall in Tokoname’s Lucky Cat Street.

A ceramic lucky cat figure labeled “Safe and Easy Childbirth” mounted on a wall along Tokoname’s Lucky Cat Street.

Guardian Cat’s Embrace – Maneki Neko Grande on Lucky Cat Street

A ceramic lucky cat holding up one paw, with a red cross emblem, labeled “Recovery from Illness / 病気平癒” along Lucky Cat Street, Tokoname.

A ceramic cat maneki‑neko clutching a large fish sculpture with a plaque reading “Good Catch of Fish / 大漁満足” along Lucky Cat Street, Tokoname.

A maneki‑neko style ceramic bell with chain, mounted on a wall along Tokoname’s Lucky Cat Street.

A maneki‑neko sculpture with a staff in its right hand, attached to a wall in Tokoname’s Manekineko‑dori.

A stone sculpture of a playful cat biting a fish, part of the whimsical cat-themed decorations along Tokoname Lucky Cat Street in Japan.

A ceramic pot shaped like a cat’s face, with pointed ears, big brown eyes, and whisker details, displayed on Tokoname Lucky Cat Street in Japan.

A stone sculpture of a cat holding a mallet and coin, designed in a playful style, found along Tokoname Lucky Cat Street in Japan.

"Tokonyan, the giant maneki-neko statue in Tokoname, Japan, towering 3.8 meters high and 6.3 meters wide, overlooking Tokoname Maneki Neko-dori (Lucky Cat Street)."

A colorful ceramic lucky cat statue with floral designs sits on asphalt, casting a shadow. Part of Lucky Cat Street in Tokoname.

A ceramic cat sculpture on a wall, arms outstretched with a small cat on its shoulder, part of Tokoname’s Lucky Cat Street.

A round, white ceramic cat sculpture with colorful bulb-like spikes along its tail, mounted on a concrete wall in Tokoname.

Ceramic cat climbing a large pottery jar embedded in a concrete wall.

“Hand-painted cat statue with multiple raised paws and colorful star motifs mounted on a textured wall”

A ceramic maneki neko figurine with a wide grin, paws raised, labeled “Protective Charm,” placed on a concrete surface with its plaque beneath it.

A cat figurine in a blue superhero outfit with a red cape and "S" emblem on its chest, standing on a rough concrete surface next to a white plaque with multilingual text including English words "Sound Health" and the name "Mano Fumiko."

A small ceramic cat sculpture in a safety uniform raising one arm, mounted on a wall in Tokoname with a plaque reading “Traffic Safety / Mizukami Hozan”.

Returning to Nagoya for Dinner

By 4 PM, we were ready to head back. We returned to Aeon to retrieve our luggage and caught the train to Nagoya to check in.

The warmly lit entrance of Fushimiya Yakiniku, a Japanese charcoal-grilled meat restaurant, with red noren curtains and a wooden walkway leading inside.

A beautifully arranged platter of Hida beef cuts labeled in Japanese, featuring marbled slices of wagyu beef, garnished with vegetables and a purple orchid, served on a decorative ceramic plate.

Three pieces of premium Hida beef sizzling on a wire mesh grill over open charcoal flame at a yakiniku restaurant.

A traditional Japanese-style rice pot with a wooden lid placed on a wooden base. Next to it is a small square of lard on a black dish, used for greasing a grill. Ceramic rice bowls are visible in the background, all set on a wooden table in a dimly lit restaurant.

Dinner that night was Hida Beef Yakiniku at 炭火焼肉伏見屋飛騨牛別邸
near Nagoya Station. It was delicious, rich and tender—definitely worth it. My dad also started his Umeshu-on-the-rocks phase here, which quickly became a running theme of the trip.

Exploring Tokoname on a Budget: How Much Will It Cost?

Curious about how much a day trip to Tokoname might set you back? Don’t worry—you don’t need a fortune to enjoy this charming pottery town! Here’s a simple breakdown (excluding the Manaca card top-up):

Transport:
- Free from the airport → Tokoname
- Rinku Tokoname → Nagoya: 890 yen
Food: Lunch: 1,350 yen
Luggage storage: 500 yen
Souvenirs: Kyushu teapot (bargain alert!): 2,200 yen

Total spending: 4,940 yen ✅ for 1 person

With most attractions free, Tokoname is surprisingly budget-friendly. Half a day is plenty to wander the quiet streets, discover hidden pottery shops, and maybe pick up a unique souvenir without breaking the bank. No crowds, no fuss—just a relaxing, authentic Japanese experience.

Getting to Tokoname from Chubu Airport: Travel Tips

Starting April 1st, 2025, the convenient and free “TOKONAME SHUTTLE” bus began running daily on a trial basis, directly connecting Airport Island to downtown Tokoname. We were curious and asked the airport tourism office about it, but they seemed unaware of the service. Luckily, we checked online and tried our luck at the stop—success!

⚠️ Tip: Since this is a trial service, it could stop at any moment. Be sure to check online before adding it to your itinerary: TOKONAME SHUTTLE info

Suggested Tokoname Shuttle Route

The shuttle passes through key stops, making it easy to explore Tokoname’s highlights:

Tokoname Station – Gateway to the town’s main attractions, including the Pottery Footpath and Tokonyan Lucky Cat Street.
Pottery Footpath / Tokoname Ceramic Hall – A charming trail lined with pottery shops and historical ceramics.
Rinku Tokoname Station / AEON Mall Tokoname – Perfect for shopping, snacks, and luggage storage.
Hotel Area on Airport Island – Convenient for overnight stays before an early flight.
Under the Airport Passageway – Interesting architectural features and photo spots.
Aichi Sky Expo – Ideal for exhibitions or cultural events.

After exploring Tokoname, you can ride the train from Rinku Tokoname or Tokoname Station back to Nagoya.

Luggage Storage Tips

We stored our luggage at AEON Tokoname: small lockers were free (100 yen deposit refundable), and large lockers cost 500 yen. For convenience, you could also use Rinku Tokoname Station or Tokoname Station, depending on which attractions you plan to visit first:

Rinku Tokoname Station – Convenient for AEON Tokoname and Costco.

Tokoname Station – Closer to the Pottery Footpath and Tokonyan Lucky Cat Street.

Where to Stay in Tokoname

Looking for the best place to stay near Chubu Airport? Tokoname is a hidden gem just 33 minutes by train from Nagoya, making it an ideal spot for travelers who want convenience without sacrificing local charm. After a day of pottery hunting and exploring the town’s quaint streets, staying in Tokoname allows you to relax before catching your flight the next day. From cozy guesthouses to modern hotels, there are plenty of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference.

🏺 Tokoname: A Town of Pottery and History

A tall, weathered brick chimney stands beside a traditional wooden building in Tokoname, Japan, with greenery in the foreground and a clear blue sky above.

A rustic wooden building in Tokoname, Japan, with signs and banners displayed on the exterior, located along a quiet street under a web of overhead power lines.

Since the Heian period, Tokoname has been a major center of pottery. Together with Seto, Shigaraki, Tamba, Bizen, and Echizen, it is known as one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns.”

Walking through the town, you’ll notice quiet stone-paved streets, with walls embedded with pottery fragments—like a living museum of centuries past.

Tokoname is especially famous for its Kyusu teapots (急須), and you can still find bargains here (I snagged one for just 2,200 yen, the cheapest I saw during my trip!).

💡 Fun fact: Searching Tokoname pottery or Japan Six Ancient Kilns will lead you here—it’s a great cultural stop less crowded than Seto or Shigaraki.

Discover Japan’s Historic Ceramic Towns

Looking to dive deeper into Japan’s pottery culture? Visit Arita, Imari, Okawachimaya, and Miyari in Kyushu, where you can explore traditional workshops, browse local galleries, and bring home authentic Japanese ceramics.

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