SHUI RUQIAN

[Kyushu, Nagasaki] Oniki Terrace Hiking Log

When talking about Nagasaki Prefecture in Japan, most people immediately think of Huis Ten Bosch, one of the three major theme parks. However, the Oniki Terraced Fields in Hasami Town, about 30 minutes by car from Huis Ten Bosch, are also a spectacular sight not to be missed.

What is Onigi Rice Terrace, one of Japan's 100 best rice terraces?

"Onigi Rice Terraces" in Hasami Town, Nagasaki Prefecture! Its origins date back to the mid-Edo period, and it became widely known in the early Meiji period. At the same time, this place has been selected as one of Japan's "100 Best Rice Terraces." The tour guide said, "As the seasons change, the surrounding sights change little by little." However, I think you will be pleased no matter when you come.

This time I visited in the summer. It was a hot season, but it was much cooler when I went into the mountains. From the moment I stepped into the "Ghostwood Terrace", I felt as if I had entered the world of anime drawn by my grandfather Hayao Miyazaki. As it is a small town in the countryside of Japan, it is far away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and I feel a unique laid-back tranquility that is hard to describe. Immerse yourself in it, put all your worries aside, and enjoy your own beautiful time.

Especially when you reach the top of the mountain, you can taste the "Fukucha" made in the garden. It has a refreshing taste, but the aroma of green tea remains. It tastes completely different from green tea produced in China. I would like to try it if I have the opportunity.

Recommended guides include:

1. Observatory

From here you can get a direct panoramic view of the Kamegi Terraces and it's also a great place for taking photos.

2. Natural water from Oniki Water Source Forest!

If you go about 300 meters into the mountains from Kameki Terrace, you will see the "Kameki Water Source Forest." This is a wonderful natural spring! (*The water level may drop.)

3. Rice terraces at the direct sales store (Katsuragi Processing Center)!

The store sells rice grown in terraced fields, local agricultural products, miso paste, pickles, and more. At the end of your trip, you can stop by the store for a visit. The items sold in the store are relatively reasonably priced and are suitable for taking home as souvenirs.

If you want to enjoy the natural scenery, don't miss this!

Please recommend each other! We look forward to meeting you!

[Kyushu/Nagasaki] Experience the charm of Japanese pottery with Hasami ware

Hasami ware from a geographical perspective

Hasami Town is a town located in the central part of Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan. It belongs to Higashisonogi District and is currently the only municipality in Nagasaki Prefecture that does not face the sea. Hasami Town is famous for its ceramics. There are about 400 ceramics-related companies in the area, with about 2,000 people working in related jobs. About 16% of the tableware used in ordinary Japanese households is produced here.

See Hasami ware's presence in pop culture.

Hasami ware is characterized by the beauty of its white porcelain and the delicate dyeing technique of its gomizu-e paintings. Various kinds of tableware for everyday use were created for the common people, and at the same time, they have continued to be improved to suit the times. Nagasaki Prefecture is still the largest producer of ceramics, and surveys and research have revealed that it is the third largest in Japan in terms of the value of its shipments of everyday tableware.

Takayama, representative of Hasami ware

Takayama is a Hasami ware kiln with a history of about 90 years. The tallest chimney in Hasami proves that he owns the largest kiln in Hasami. He currently specializes in pushrod printing and continues to create elegant and interesting designs.

Takayama Pottery, representative of Hasami ware, has long been renowned for its craftsmanship and pioneering modern pottery factories.

In Takayama Pottery's new modern factory, we can see the craftsmen concentrating on the pottery processing process. Furthermore, through this observation, we discovered that all Hasami ware patterns are transferred directly to the pottery by modern machines. Then, the craftsmen finish them by hand. With the development of the times, original and innovative models are born, which are really magical and shocking.

Ceramic painting experience

The last part of the tour was the pottery painting design experience, which was also the most anticipated part. In the past, I was only attracted to ceramic products when I saw the glittering products lined up on the counters of major department stores. How were these exquisite pieces painted? This time, I finally had the opportunity to experience it for myself.

Ceramic painting experience

If you are interested in traditional pottery and would like to try painting, come and discover the mysteries of Hasami ware with us... I'm sure you will enjoy it! Hasami Town in Nagasaki Prefecture always welcomes you!