Things I didn't try early on: pottery

I was in Japan several years, before I tried a pottery workshop. The first one was with my husand in Hakone I think. To be honest, I don't really remember much about that time because we also made our own glasses that day and that left a much stronger impression on me. However, in recent years I've tried my hand at pottery again and that created a 'core memory'!

Pottery workshops are a lot of fun and they aren't that difficult. Even children can participate. Although, a lot of workshops might stipulate that they have to be over a certain age. But even without any experience or natural talent for creating things with your hands, most people will be able to make some sort of ceramic at a pottery workshop under the guidance of a professional.

You can find pottery workshops around Japan, often tourist towns are the easiest place to find one. The last one I did was in the tourist area of Kawagoe. Some may require you book in advance; others may allow people walk in off the street. It is recommended that you wear clothing you don't mind getting dirty, but they usually provide an apron or recommend you bring one with you. Prices vary greatly by location, but generally they cost more than 2000 yen.

The biggest thing you need to be considerate of is that it takes weeks for your ceramic to dry. So, if you are only in Japan short term and you want to do a pottery class here, you would want to make sure the workshop will ship to your country. Not all of them do. Some may also require that you pick up your piece in person when its ready. The workshop I did in Kawagoe does ship within Japan, but I opted to pick it up in person as I live relatively near.

Have you ever done a pottery workshop / class in Japan? Did you enjoy it?