Experience Gastronomy Tourism in Shiga: Delight in Traditional Pottery and Japanese Cuisine (Part 1)
"Gastronomy" refers to the enjoyment of exquisite food. A type of tourism combines this indulgence with sightseeing, allowing visitors to savor culinary delights while exploring the region's history and culture; this is known as "gastronomy tourism." Established in 1874 in Shigaraki, Shiga—a town famous for its pottery— OOGOYA creates and sells contemporary pottery that respects the traditions of Shigaraki ware. To celebrate OOGOYA's 150th anniversary, Shinonome, a restaurant specializing in 100% buckwheat soba, opened its doors in April 2024, occupying a site of approximately 13,000 m².
Starting November 5, 2024, Shinonome will host collaborative dinners with Kyoto's Michelin-starred Sakuragawa, coinciding with the new soba season. Next door, OOGOYA produces and sells Shigaraki ware and provides wheel-throwing and painting experiences. This emerging destination in Shiga is gaining recognition for offering a unique blend of Shigaraki pottery and traditional Japanese cuisine, making it an appealing spot for gastronomy tourism enthusiasts.
In Shiga, numerous members and staff are dedicated to promoting and energizing Gastronomy Tourism, but we highlight three key figures. From the left, there's Nobuyasu Okuda, the fourth-generation leader of OOGOYA; in the center is Tomoaki Yamamoto, the third-generation owner and chef of the Japanese restaurant Sakuragawa; and on the right is Naoto Mizuno, the eighth-generation president of Kokuryu Sake Brewery.
Shigaraki: One of Japan's Six Ancient Kilns, Celebrating Ceramic Art
-Timeless Japanese Elegance Encased in Exquisite Designs-
Shigaraki is known for its fire resistance and coarse soil. Mixing wood-bush clay with this clay enhances its plasticity and provides a sturdy texture, perfect for crafting sizable or thick creations. Once fired, it yields stunning skin tones, ranging from pink to reddish-brown hues. Additionally, applying Vidro glaze or charring the surface results in pottery that has a soft, warm, human-like look, distinguishing it from other production regions.
The charm of Shigaraki ware stems primarily from its unrefined texture and the robust strength derived from harnessing the bounty of nature.
Shigaraki pottery is famously described as "one kiln, two clays, three craftspeople," with its allure stemming from its dynamic colors and textures. These include variations in fire color, ash coatings, and the heat effects created by the flames. Valued for its straightforward appeal and warmth, Shigaraki ware has been loved for generations. We invite you to fully embrace the charm and uniqueness of Shigaraki pottery, shaped by the skilled hands of its devoted artisans.
In the next section, we will further explore the fascinating world of "Gastronomy Tourism in Shiga" in depth. Stay tuned!
Shinonome / OOGOYA
Location: 2349, Chokushi, Koka City, Shiga. Shinonome and OOGOYA are adjacent, and the parking lot has a capacity of 80 cars.Access: If you take the Shin-Meishin Expressway, take the Shigaraki Interchange and head toward Shigaraki City for 5 minutes. If you take Route 25 of the Meihan Expressway, take the Maruchu exit at the Mibuno Interchange, and it's a 25-minute drive.
Train: JR Biwako Line via Kusatsu Station, transfer at Kibukawa Station on the Kusatsu Line 17 minutes walk from Shigaraki Station on the Shigaraki Kogen Railway, 35 minutes by taxi from Ishiyama Station on the JR Biwako Line
Bus: Get on the Teisan Bus at JR Biwako Line Ishiyama Station and get off at the Tougei no Mori bus stop. It's a one-minute walk from there.
100% Buckwheat Soba “Shinonome”
Restaurant name: 100% Buckwheat Noodles “Shinonome”Typical customer spending: Lunch: around 1,500 to 3,000 yen, Dinner: 9,200 yen, Course: 26,450 to 37,950 yen (negotiable)
Business hours: 11:00-15:30, 17:00-21:00
*Ends when soba runs out
*Dinner reservations are necessary, and we can tailor budgets and business hours to suit your needs.
Closed: Fridays, but may be closed on other days
Size: Approximately 3300m², approximately 26 seats
Dinner reservations: 0748-83-2220
https://www.instagram.com/shinonome2220/
OOGOYA
Open all year roundExperience: Hand-building experience 1,980 yen, potter's wheel experience 3,850 yen, painting experience 2,200 yen
Business hours: (Weekdays) 10:00~17:00
(Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays) 10:00~18:00
http://www.oogoya.co.jp/