HIKARI OBANZAI
A dedicated Japanese izakaya where you can savor local seasonal ingredients
Located in Marubashira, Iga City, Mie Prefecture, Nagatani-en is a historic pottery kiln founded in 1832. Guided by the philosophy that “a maker should be a true user,” Nagatani-en preserves traditional Iga pottery techniques using coarse local clay while creating innovative donabe clay pots designed for modern lifestyles. The kiln is widely known for creating the smash-hit rice-cooking donabe “Kamado-san,” which cooks fluffy, furnace-style rice without requiring manual heat adjustments. The spacious grounds house registered tangible cultural properties of Japan, including a multi-chambered climbing kiln dating back to the Edo period and a Taisho-era Western-style building, making it a major sightseeing destination in Iga.
Features
The biggest appeal of Nagatani-en is its expansive grounds, where visitors can feel the rich history and spirit of Iga pottery craftsmanship. A must-see highlight is the grand climbing kiln featuring 16 interconnected chambers. In active use until the late 1970s, this kiln carries an overwhelming historical presence as a valuable cultural asset testifying to the history of Japanese ceramics. Additionally, the historic structures dotted across the site—including the Taisho-era building and the main residence—create a nostalgic, picture-perfect atmosphere wherever you look. Inside the various display rooms, donabe and tableware crafted with care by skilled artisans line the shelves, allowing visitors to pick them up and experience their warmth and usability firsthand.
Recommended Ways to Spend Time and Enjoy
Set in the mountainous surroundings of Iga, a trip to Nagatani-en begins with a relaxing walk around the grounds. Take in the charm of the historic climbing kiln and retro Western-style building, stepping back in time to enjoy the atmospheric setting.
After exploring, head to the shop for souvenir shopping. Beyond the iconic Kamado-san rice pot, you will find a wide variety of cookware that enriches daily meals, such as the Ibushigin donabe designed for easy home smoking. The staff provides helpful tips on how to use and care for each item, ensuring even first-time donabe buyers feel confident. Selecting a long-lasting piece as a gift for food lovers or as a treat for yourself is a great way to enjoy your visit.
For hands-on travelers, pottery-making workshops are available with advance reservations, allowing you to craft your own custom dish. Additionally, every year during Golden Week, the kiln hosts the Kamadashi-ichi (Kiln Opening Market). Featuring outlet sales and food stalls selling local Iga specialties, the event attracts tens of thousands of visitors from across Japan. Nagatani-en offers a peaceful getaway where you can relax, unwind, and connect with nature and natural clay.
Basic Information
・Spot Name: Igayaki Kamamoto Nagatanien
・Business Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
・Closed: Tuesdays (Open if Tuesday is a national holiday)
・Price: Free entry (Products priced separately)
・Parking: Available (Free, approx. 100 spaces)Access
Address: 569 Marubashira, Iga City, Mie Prefecture
Transportation
- Public Transport: About 20 minutes by taxi from Uenoshi Station on the Iga Railway, or about 15 minutes by taxi from JR Iga-Ueno Station
- By Car: About 10 minutes by car from Mibuno IC on the Meihan Expressway
SPOT
