Things To Do
in Hasami
Hasami is a historic ceramics town in Nagasaki Prefecture known for its distinctive Hasami-yaki pottery. Nestled along the Genkai Sea coast, it blends traditional kilns with modern studios and galleries. The town offers a calm, craft-focused atmosphere and easy access to nearby ceramic hubs like Arita and Imari.
It’s an excellent base for art lovers and day-trippers seeking coastal scenery and authentic Japanese craftsmanship.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by strolling through the quaint streets of Hasami, known for its beautiful pottery workshops. Visit a local ceramic shop to learn about the traditional craft that the town is famous for. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a nearby café, indulging in some fresh pastries and local tea.
In the afternoon, participate in a pottery-making workshop where you can create your own unique piece to take home. Afterward, explore the local art galleries showcasing works by local artists inspired by Hasami's serene landscapes. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Hasami Pottery Museum for a deeper understanding of the town’s cultural heritage.
As the sun sets, enjoy dinner at a local izakaya, sampling seasonal dishes made with fresh, regional ingredients. Engage with locals and learn more about their way of life over a few drinks. Conclude your evening with a relaxing stroll through the illuminated streets, taking in the charm of the town at night.
Begin your morning with a traditional Japanese breakfast at a ryokan, savoring flavors that reflect the regional cuisine. Afterward, visit the church of Hasami, an important symbol of the area's historical ties with Western culture. Spend some time exploring local shops, particularly those offering handcrafted pottery.
Dedicate your afternoon to visiting the scenic Hasami Plum Garden, where you can learn about the significance of plum trees in Japanese culture. Enjoy a peaceful picnic surrounded by blooming flowers, and take numerous photographs of the stunning views. Later, explore the small artisan studios dotted around the town, where you can interact with the craftsmen.
After a fulfilling day, relax at a local onsen (hot spring) to unwind after your cultural exploration. Enjoy the calming atmosphere while soaking in mineral-rich waters under the stars. Dinner will be a delightful experience, where you can taste various ramen or udon at local eateries.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $3-6 |
| 🍣Seafood dish | $12-25 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel night | $60-120 |
| 🚆Local transport (one-way) | $2-5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich pottery heritage and direct-access studios
- Coastal scenery and relaxed pace of life
- Close to other ceramics towns like Arita and Imari
- Authentic Nagasaki regional cuisine and seafood
- Limited nightlife and few large-city amenities
- Rural transport can be sparse; car rental recommended for full exploration
- Seasonal weather: typhoons in late summer/early autumn
- Language barrier in some small shops; Japanese basics helpful
- "こんにちは" - Hello
- "ありがとうございます" - Thank you
- "いくらですか？" - How much is this?
- "すみません" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "英語を話せますか？" - Do you speak English?
- "トイレはどこですか？" - Where is the bathroom?
Places to Visit in Hasami
Visit one of these nice places.
Rows of kilns and earthy brick textures illuminated by warm sunset light—great for moody pottery photography.
Open ocean views with boats, rocks, and coastal lines for sweeping seascapes.
Rustic industrial textures, reflecting terraces, and water features that pair well with ceramic tones.
Bright, glaze-splashed interiors with shelves of work-in-progress—perfect for detail shots of tools and textures.
Food in Hasami
Hasami Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A bowl of fresh Genkai Sea seafood served atop rice, common at casual eateries near the coast.
Must-Try!
A soft, honey-glazed sponge cake introduced to Nagasaki via Portuguese traders; widely available in bakeries and cafés.
Lightly battered and fried local vegetables or seafood, highlighting fresh produce from the region.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Coastal market offering fresh seafood, produce, and quick bites; great for tasting snack-sized dishes and watching daily life by the sea.
Casual stalls near kilns offering simple street foods, desserts, and quick drinks—perfect for a relaxed bite between studio visits.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Remove shoes when entering homes, certain traditional spaces, and some studios.
Maintain a respectful, quiet demeanor in public spaces and on trains; avoid loud conversations.
Ask permission in studios, shrines, or private spaces. Respect workers’ and locals’ preferences.
Safety
Tipping in Hasami
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Japan; polite, prompt service is included in the experience. No tip expected.
Cash is widely accepted, and many places also take credit cards. Some smaller shops might be cash-only. IC cards are common for transit.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures with blooming gardens; ideal for outdoor studio visits and walking tours.
Hot and humid; occasional typhoons. Stay hydrated and plan morning or evening activities outdoors.
Comfortable weather and pleasant light for photography and long walks along the coast.
Cool to cold with clear days possible; some days windy along the shore. Layer up to enjoy outdoor sights.
Hasami at Night
Hiking in Hasami
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Coastal hike with sea views, rocky sections, and coastal villages; suitable for all levels.
Gentle to moderate hillside trails offering vantage points toward the sea and surrounding towns.
Airports
How to reach Hasami by plane.
A regional airport near Ōmura; accessible by bus or taxi to Hasami; useful for domestic connections and some international routes.
Major Kyushu hub with extensive domestic and international connections; convenient access to Hasami by train or highway after arrival.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A community centered around kilns, studios, and galleries; knowledge sharing is common.
A calm, slower-paced population with a strong sense of local tradition.
Visitors drawn to ceramics and coastal scenery, contributing to a dynamic weekend culture.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played and followed; local youth teams and community leagues are common in the region.
Popular in schools and community clubs; local matches can be a pleasant evening activity in nearby towns.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Hasami.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many spots offer vegetable-focused options; communicate dietary needs clearly and ask about dashi-based stocks or fish-based ingredients.