Approximately 20 years ago, a group of people came up with an amazing idea, that some might’ve thought was basically crazy, however, history has paid dividends with an amazing result. Takeo city in Saga prefecture in order to put itself on the map and promote a region of Japan that most Japanese people don’t get to let alone international tourists decided in their wisdom to build a library with a Starbucks and a Tsutaya bookstore and to promote locally manufactured products from artisan’s within the region.
There hasn’t been just one person who can be attributed to this successful idea, but basically a collaboration of many instrumental artists designers and architects were involved in the project from go to wow, the architecture is unique, the design is sleek, the products and services are used extensively by locals and travelers alike, in other words it’s been a win-win situation for everybody involved.
I have been bringing customers here for many many years now and there hasn’t been anyone who hasn’t been impressed by this concept of community spirit and all interested parties working together for the benefits of the local community It’s also interesting to see all the cars in the parking lot that come from afar, including Tokyo and Osaka may I add. Even today with the building slightly aging, it still has a tremendous pull for the average person to enjoy.
You don’t have to be an architect or a designer to appreciate how beautiful and aesthetic this building really is, 20 years later and well over 10 million visitors is testament to how good things still work for years and years after their implementation into the community.
Please check out the Takeo City Library on this map below:
Please click on these photos below to enlarge:
Its on the map now
View from the 2nd floor
Lots to see
The tree comes out at Xmas
Always full of people
Interior is impressive
Starbucks line is always long
Many local products to purchase
So pleasing to the eye
Please click on these videos below to see more of the Takeo City Library:
The Shidayaki Ceramic Museum is a real find. You don't even have to be a pottery freak to enjoy this place and on average customers will spend anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour at this location, slowly wandering around the course carefully laid out by the curator.
This famous pottery region is located in Saga Prefecture on the southern island of Kyushu. Pottery first started in Japan not too far away in a more famous region called Arita in the 17th Century. Shida Town only started producing ceramics in the 19th Century and their pottery style was definitely more for the common folk and not the elite class.
Today this museum is now used predominately to educate the public about the history of their works. They provide pottery classes to people of all ages to promote the cultural aspect of ceramic making, however, you will not be able to use these facilities unless you can come back multiple times to finish your project. Having said this, not everyone wants to visit a location like this to make their own masterpiece. A short informative but educational and cultural experience for most people is something that ticks the box for an attraction.
Just to walk inside one of the massive kilns (one has been converted into a cafe) and to see the infrastructure needed to operate a community run ceramic factory is impressive in itself. There is always a lot of positive feedback from clients and it is always rates highly as a speciality destination.
I am sure you will feel the same way.
Please look at the map below to see more about the location:
Please click on the photos below to enlarge:
Has great signage in English
A step back into the past
Village vibes
Inside an old Kiln
Feels very retro
Students work of art
Please click on the video to see more about the Shidayaki Ceramic Museum.
There is something about Green Tea that is very fascinating. We all know that Green Tea is good for us, it's great for the brain and improves cognitive function, great for aiding digestion and it's an excellent drink to help with weight loss and for skin and eye quality. The green tea industry in Japan is booming as demand from abroad has been peaking in the last 10 to 15 years.
The best thing is that the Green Tea region of Ureshino is right in my backyard and its such an interesting and picturesque location to explore. I will endeavor to promote this region of Kyushu and give those Green Tea lovers insights into production techniques and the history of the town.
The best place to do this is at the Ureshino Tea Exchange Museum located in the middle of the town. It has everything that one could need to understand more about Green Tea in general.
1) There is a quaint little museum in the building which although sign posted in English doesn't have extensive information. However there is just enough to get the gist of what is going on within the historical background and the production process.
Please click on the photos below to enlarge:
English guide is available
Background Information
Main floor
Interesting place to explore
Tea moments
Tea Production
Tea regions of Japan
Tea fields
Stages of production
2) There is a tea cafe located inside the building which allows you to try some of the various tea products. There are a multitude of hot and cold drinks as well as many different types of sweets to enjoy.
Profile of various farmers
The menu
Tea Cafe
Plenty of seating
2 person table
Plenty of awards
3) The sales shop is a place where you can buy quite a few products to take home with you. Teas and sweets round up the products on offer. They also offer a great selection of ceramic tea pots that shouldn't be missed. The ladies may I say are completely friendly and try to help you at every opportunity. I am sure you will enjoy the interactive experience.
Plenty of sweets
The teas of Ureshino
Tea options
Options galore
Tea pots
4) The tea fields outside are also a nice option to explore. On this cold wintery day (we had quite a bit of snow the previous 2 days) it was a pleasant surprise to see a white dusting of snow on the top of the hedges. The nature involved with these outdoor scenes are very powerful indeed and add to the overall experience of the situation.
I am sure you will agree that the combination of these 4 combined attractions make the Ureshino Tea Exchange Museum a special place to visit.
Please check out the Ureshino Tea Exchange Museum on this map below.
Please click on these videos below to see more of the Ureshino Tea Exchange Museum:
Here are some photos of a recent family tour enjoying the experience of sampling Green Tea.
