Guide
Ceramic Park Mino is a multi-purpose complex located in the eastern hills of Tajimi City, Gifu Prefecture, designed to foster the fusion of industry and culture. The facility consists of a museum, event halls, international conference rooms, and the scenic Cascade Plaza, serving as a vital center for the cultural promotion of Tajimi. A standout feature is the museum, which utilizes a world-first "parallel motion pendulum seismic isolation system" to protect precious exhibits with advanced technology. The entire site is designed to harmonize with the natural topography, offering a multi-faceted introduction to the world of ceramics.
The area around Tajimi City has been a thriving center for ceramic production for centuries, and the traditions of Mino ware remain deeply rooted here. Ceramic Park Mino was established to bridge the gap between these local industries and modern culture. The facility houses the Gifu Museum of Modern Ceramics, which plays a crucial role in conveying the evolution of ceramic techniques and the development of contemporary pottery. By leveraging this historical background, the center promotes both industrial and cultural growth.
Each area within the complex offers a unique experience. At the Gifu Museum of Modern Ceramics, you can appreciate contemporary ceramic works within a building protected by advanced seismic isolation technology. The Cascade Plaza serves as the heart of the park, offering a wide-open, refreshing space. For those looking to take a piece of history home, the Museum Shop offers a variety of ceramics that reflect the local character. Additionally, the facility includes international conference rooms and event halls that host various global-scale exhibitions and ceremonies.
The facility is open from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM, making it accessible for evening visits. Depending on the season, you can enjoy various events such as pottery festivals, flea markets, or the "Ceramic Park Rakuraku Market." Specifically, the 4th Sunday of every month and the preceding Saturday often feature community-rooted events that create a lively and vibrant atmosphere. During the bright daylight hours, we recommend strolling through the Cascade Plaza to enjoy the beautiful outdoor scenery while visiting the various indoor facilities.
Ceramic Park Mino offers hands-on pottery-making experiences where you can touch and shape actual clay. Please note that pottery sessions are held only on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, and advanced reservations are required. The sessions are divided into two time slots: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM. This is a wonderful opportunity to directly experience traditional Japanese craftsmanship through a structured program.
The facility is nestled in the hills of Tajimi, surrounded by an environment that supports the local ceramic industry. Access by car is very convenient, allowing you to easily combine a visit here with other sightseeing spots in the region. It is located relatively close to the Toki-Minami Tajimi IC on the Tokai-Kanjo Expressway and the Tajimi IC on the Chuo Expressway, making it a seamless addition to your regional travel itinerary.
As the facility is designed to follow the natural terrain, we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. If you plan to participate in a pottery-making experience, please wear clothing that you do not mind getting dirty, as clay may get on your hands and clothes. Regarding payments, please check with individual shops and cafes regarding whether they accept credit cards or only cash. In the museum and exhibition rooms, please follow the posted rules regarding photography to protect the artwork. Additionally, the use of rental facilities (exhibition halls, conference rooms, tea rooms, etc.) requires prior reservation.