Ceramic Retreats Rooted in Community
We create immersive retreat workshops to bring people into the heart of Japan’s craft culture. Away from the crowds, our programs take place in smaller cities and rural regions where tradition and innovation quietly meet. Through hands-on collaboration with local artisans, participants explore the connection between craft, landscape, and community: discovering fresh inspiration while contributing to the revitalization of places affected by changes arising from ageing population and fading industries. Each retreat is both a creative exchange and a form of cultural regeneration supporting the local community, revitalizing regional economies, and encouraging meaningful collaboration between visitors and locals. By stepping away from crowded destinations, participants discover the quieter, authentic rhythms of Japan, finding new inspiration in the connection between craft, place, and community.
In collaboration with
Ion Fukazawa
Guide/ Interpreter/ Ceramic Artist
Ion Fukazawa is a ceramic artist who lives in Tajimi, Gifu and brings a unique bicultural perspective from his upbringing in Sydney and Tokyo. With a Bachelor of Design in Ceramics from UNSW Art & Design, Ion has created tableware for celebrated clients in Australia including Ester, Sixpenny, and Sony Australia. His journey led him to Japan’s Tajimi City Pottery Design & Technical Center (Ishoken) under Harumi Nakashima, where he deepened his practice in contemporary Japanese crafts.
Ion now showcases his work in exhibitions both in Japan and internationally, exploring the dialogue between natural processes and human touch. He also leads guided tours through the mountains of Gifu.
Partner Accommodation
IKKEI GUESTHOUSE
A beautifully restored Japanese home inspired by the spirit of Mino.
An inn where you can step into the history and culture of the Mino ware region.
Partner Accommodation
Kintsugi House Tajimi
Kintsugi House Tajimi is a two-storey private ‘machiya’ townhouse in Tajimi, Gifu, renovated in the spirit of ‘kintsugi’ (making new beauty in repair).
The Showa-period (post-war) property uncovers the layers of Tajimi’s rich ceramic history with objects tracing from the Jomon period, to tea ceremony ceramics, and contemporary ceramic art.