Amazing Saga Porcelains (with Private Car from Fukuoka)

We did a tour of Arita and Okawachiyama Village with Miyoko. It was an absolutely wonderful day, and Miyoko herself was the most incredible guide – friendly, informative, and so well prepared. There were information booklets and slides to occupy us during our car journey from Fukuoka (as well as the glorious views), and during the tour itself Miyoko had something interesting to impart about absolutely every location. The ceramics festival had just finished so we were lucky enough to have a pretty quiet day in both places. In Okawachiyama, there was plenty of time to wander through the streets and browse in ceramics shops as well as getting a backstage look at some of the potteries, where Miyoko was full of information about what everything was and what everyone was doing. She was also incredibly helpful in making sure we got the best pieces and helping with translation We also saw the place where the raw materials for porcelain ceramics were first mined in Japan (where Miyoko was very patient while the Westerners got distracted by a big local butterfly!). In Arita, we visited the stunning shrine with its ceramic tori gate and guardian statues, and got to watch the train come through the shrine’s grounds. We also squeezed in a visit to a giant ancient Gingko tree. Finally, I had mentioned to Miyoko that it was our honeymoon and she actually got us a wedding gift – a special box of delicious pastries from a local patisserie. It was a really kind touch and made the day feel extra special. Thank you again Miyoko for a fantastic day!

Excellent tour with Miyoko. Her communication was great, the sites were well worth it, and the day went seamlessly. Very glad to have had this experience.

It was a pleasant tour much to our expectations. Miyoko was very knowledgeable and friendly. We enjoyed her company and guidance. We were able to purchase some items we were hoping to find. We would be happy to go on another tour with her. Our driver was very skillful maneuvering the tiny streets with the jumbo taxi. Overall we were completely satisfied