Tajimi has perhaps the most comprehensive English information site on Japanese pottery (Mino ware) available, as well on a wide variety of subjects. They are authored by Hans O. Karlsson, who also work as a local guide.

The site contains a novel’s worth of English language articles. Highly recommended!

We will send an invoice via email that you can pay by credit card. You may also pay via credit card on this site from the shop.

Please pay one week before course start in order to secure you spot.

Spring (Mar–May): Mild and pleasant, 10–25°C. Cherry blossoms in late March/April. Some rain in May.

Summer (Jun–Aug): Hot and humid, often 30–34°C. June brings the rainy season (tsuyu). July and August are the hottest and wettest months. Note: Tajimi holds Japan's all-time temperature record of 40.9°C (2007).

Autumn (Sep–Nov): Comfortable and gradually cooling, 15–25°C. Beautiful foliage in October–November.

Winter (Dec–Feb): Cold, around −2 to 10°C. Some snow possible. Mostly clear skies.

Tajimi has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa) — four distinct seasons, hot summers, and cold but not extreme winters. Annual rainfall is around 1,644 mm, so a light rain jacket is useful year-round.

Narita (Tokyo)

Take train to Nagoya (via Tokyo/Shinkansen), then JR Chūō Line to Tajimi Station. Search “Narita Airport to Tajimi (Gifu) train” in Google Maps.

Kansai (Osaka)

Take train to Nagoya (via Shin-Osaka Shinkansen), then JR Chūō Line to Tajimi Station. Search “Kansai Airport to Tajimi (Gifu) train” in Google Maps.

Nagoya (Chubu Centrair)

Take Meitetsu train to Kanayama Station, then JR Chūō Line to Tajimi Station. Search “Chubu Centrair Airport to Tajimi (Gifu) train” in Google Maps.

Here are three solid options for hotels in Nagoya, all within easy walking distance of Nagoya Station and well-reviewed by international guests:

1. Nagoya Marriott Associa Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Literally connected to JR Nagoya Station (inside the JR Central Towers). English-speaking staff, international brand, excellent facilities. Premium price but unbeatable convenience.

2. Nagoya JR Gate Tower Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Also directly adjacent to the station (0.2 km). Highly rated by international visitors (9.4/10 on Expedia), large rooms, great views. Mid-to-upper range.

3. Daiwa Roynet Hotel Nagoya Shinkansenguchi ⭐⭐⭐

5-minute walk from the station's Shinkansen exit. 24-hour front desk, good ratings, more budget-friendly. Popular with business travellers and solo visitors

We will add more information on hotels in Tajimi, but we warmly recommend Hotel Kuretake as your first option.

Information coming shortly.

We are currently installing broadband in the guest house but the work is behind schedule. Come back here for more information.

Internet & staying connected in Japan

Most guests find it easy to stay online in Japan. eSIMs and pocket Wi‑Fi are the two simplest options for visitors, and both work well throughout the country.

1. eSIM (recommended for most guests)

If you have a recent smartphone that supports eSIM, this is usually the easiest and most flexible choice.

• eSIM is now the default recommendation for most tourists with modern smartphones.

• Before travel, you scan a QR code, install the eSIM profile, and your data starts working once you arrive in Japan.

• You can usually keep your normal physical SIM in the phone at the same time, so you can still receive calls or SMS from home while using Japanese data.

Where to buy an eSIM:

• Online in your home country (most recommended): from the provider’s website or travel apps/marketplaces; you choose your travel dates and receive a QR code by email.

• At airport counters in Japan: some operators (for example JAL ABC, Ninja WiFi and other travel counters) can sell and install an eSIM for you after you land.

2. Pocket Wi‑Fi (good for couples, families and laptops)

Pocket Wi‑Fi is a small wireless router you carry with you. Several phones, tablets and laptops can connect to it at the same time.

• Good option if you travel as a couple or group, or if you need to connect a laptop easily.

• You reserve it online, then pick it up at the airport in Japan or have it delivered to your hotel or guest house.

• At the end of your stay, you return it at the airport or send it back in a prepaid envelope.

3. Other options

• Physical SIM cards: Prepaid Japanese SIM cards are available at airports and large electronics stores. They work well but require you to swap SIMs and configure settings.

• Roaming from your home provider: Some mobile plans include Japan in their international roaming packages. This can be convenient for short trips but is often more expensive than a local eSIM or pocket Wi‑Fi.

• Free Wi‑Fi: Many hotels, cafés and train stations offer free Wi‑Fi, but coverage can be patchy, so we recommend having your own connection for maps and messaging.

If you are unsure which option is best for you, feel free to ask us before your trip and we will be happy to help you choose based on your device and travel plans

• We will meet you at the station upon your arrival to Tajimi and drive you to the retreat.

• The closest landmark to the studio is Liquor Mouintain, one minutes walk from the studio.

• Taxi GO (usually just called “GO”) is a smartphone app for hailing and paying for regular licensed taxis across Japan, and it works very well for foreign visitors in cities.

  • It connects you to normal taxi companies (metered cabs), not ride‑sharing; you pay standard taxi fares plus a small app/dispatch fee in some areas.

  • The app interface is available in English and Japanese, which makes it practical for visitors who do not speak Japanese well.

  • You can enter the destination directly in the app, avoiding language issues with addresses.

  • You see an estimated fare and arrival time on screen before the taxi comes.

• There are public buses in Tajimi, consult us about time schedules and how to ride.

• There is an e-bike rental service which is very convenient. We are currently negotiating a special contract.

There are many good options for food and drink in Tajimi. Supermarket located clouse to guest house. More information coming, but we recommend a visit to discovertajimi.com for information on food and everything Tajimi.

Several excellent options are available. Details coming soon.

This is an excellent option if you truly want to understand the deeper meaning of Japanese pottery, which is connected to Zen via the tea ceremony for example.

We are working in close co-operation with the Gyokuryu-ji Zen temple in Gero City, one hours drive from Tajimi. The abbot is a visionary and very open to foreign visits, he is currently preparing a retreat but can already now receive guests. Gero is a famous onsen (hot spring) town and an excellent destination if you want some variation during your stay.