Noritake Garden

Frommer's Review

Nagoya has been a pottery and porcelain production center for centuries; today, the city and its vicinity manufacture 90% of Japan's total export chinaware. The largest chinaware company in Japan is Noritake, founded in 1904 and known the world over for its fine tableware. You can learn more about Noritake by spending about an hour at the site of its former factory, beginning with the Welcome Center's short film depicting the history of Noritake. At the Craft Center, you can see displays explaining the manufacturing and decorating processes involved in making porcelain, as well as watch artisans at work. Unlike most modern-day factories, where work is largely automated, almost all the work done at Noritake is still done by hand. At the Canvas hall, all you ever wanted to know about the role ceramics plays in everyday life -- from Washlet toilets to computers -- is presented in hands-on displays activated by a ceramic microchip card. Other highlights are the museum with examples of all the Noritake chinaware ever produced (including a great Art Deco collection), and a shop selling Noritake (including an outlet corner for discounted products).

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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