Things To Do
in Kasama
Kasama is a small city in Ibaraki Prefecture known for its long ceramic tradition — Kasama-yaki pottery — and a relaxed, rural atmosphere. The town blends a living craft scene of kilns, galleries and hands-on studios with Shinto shrines, local festivals and tree-lined streets. Visitors come for pottery workshops, the Kasama Inari Shrine and seasonal flower displays, while enjoying quiet country views and markets.
Kasama is easy to reach from Tokyo for a day trip or a slow cultural stay that emphasizes craft, food and countryside walks.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Kasama Inari Shrine, known for its beautiful red torii gates. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the shrine grounds, surrounded by lush greenery and the sound of chirping birds. Take a moment to appreciate the intricate architecture and the serene atmosphere that sets a tranquil tone for your day.
After a morning of exploration, head to the Kasama Museum of Art, where you can immerse yourself in local and contemporary art. The museum features a stunning collection of ceramics, paintings, and sculptures that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the area. Grab a light lunch at the museum café, enjoying seasonal dishes made from local ingredients.
As the sun sets, make your way to a traditional izakaya for a taste of authentic Japanese cuisine. Savor dishes like sashimi, grilled fish, and seasonal vegetables while mingling with locals in a cozy setting. Conclude your day by taking a peaceful stroll along the nearby river, reflecting on the day’s discoveries.
Begin your day at the Kasama Yaki Pottery Village, where you can take a hands-on pottery class. Guided by skilled artisans, learn the techniques of shaping clay and glazing your creations. This interactive experience offers a unique insight into the traditional craft that Kasama is renowned for.
After crafting your pottery, visit some of the local galleries showcasing exquisite Kasama ceramics. Spend time exploring the various styles and designs, and perhaps purchase a piece to take home as a memento. Enjoy lunch at a nearby café, sampling local specialties like soba noodles.
In the evening, join a pottery workshop where you can further hone your skills and create unique pieces. Enjoy an intimate atmosphere as you share stories and tips with fellow participants. End the day with a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, featuring dishes cooked with freshly sourced ingredients.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| 🍣Mid-range dinner for two | $40-70 |
| ☕️Coffee at a café | $2.50-4.50 |
| 🚆Local train ride (typical) | $1.50-5.00 |
| 🏨Budget hotel / ryokan per night | $60-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich, living pottery tradition with many hands-on experiences
- Quiet, scenic rural atmosphere ideal for slow travel and photography
- Close enough to Tokyo for day trips while offering a distinctly local feel
- Seasonal festivals and markets that showcase local crafts and food
- Limited nightlife and fewer dining options compared with larger cities
- Public transport is adequate but less frequent — having a car helps
- Some smaller vendors accept only cash and have limited English
- Seasonal closures or reduced hours at small studios in winter
- "こんにちは (Konnichiwa)" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu)" - Thank you (polite)
- "すみません (Sumimasen)" - Excuse me / Sorry / Thank you (to get attention)
- "これをください (Kore o kudasai)" - Please give me this
- "魚のだしは入っていますか？ (Dashi ni sakana ga haitteimasu ka?)" - Does the broth contain fish?
Places to Visit in Kasama
Visit one of these nice places.
Picturesque shrine architecture, torii gates and seasonal festivals provide strong cultural and architectural photo opportunities, especially in soft morning or late-afternoon light.
Narrow lanes lined with pottery studios, stacked crates, fired wares and workshops offer textured, detail-rich shots of traditional craft life.
Park landscapes with cherry blossoms in spring, azaleas or autumn foliage create colorful wide-angle compositions and tranquil scenes.
Capture artisans at the wheel, glazing details and kiln firing; many studios allow photography if you ask politely.
Rural routes around Kasama provide sweeping views of farmland, classic Japanese rural scenery and atmospheric sunrise/sunset images.
Food in Kasama
Kasama Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Freshly made buckwheat soba and hearty udon are common in local restaurants; look for shops that pair noodles with tempura or local vegetables.
Must-Try!
Local produce features in donburi (rice bowls) and set meals — seasonal vegetables and miso are showcased at family-run diners and teahouses.
Handmade Japanese sweets served with tea in pottery shops and cafes; great paired with Kasama-yaki cups.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small farmers’ markets and weekend stalls sell fresh seasonal produce, pickles and homemade snacks — look for markets near community centers or the station and try freshly harvested vegetables and onigiri.
During festivals at Kasama Inari and pottery events, street stalls offer yakitori, takoyaki and grilled sweets — a good chance to sample street-style treats.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Bowing is the standard greeting; a slight bow when entering shops or thanking hosts is appreciated. Use standard Japanese polite phrases like 'arigatou gozaimasu' (thank you).
Remove shoes when entering homes, certain traditional restaurants and some workshops; look for slippers or a genkan (entry area).
Keep voices low on trains and in public spaces; avoid loud phone conversations on public transport and be respectful of others’ personal space.
At shrines, follow cleansing rituals and photography rules. In pottery studios, ask before photographing people and handle wares carefully—staff are happy to show you processes when asked politely.
Safety
Tipping in Kasama
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Japan and can be confusing — polite service is expected without extra gratuity. If you feel compelled to show appreciation, a small gift or a handwritten note is more culturally appropriate.
Cash remains king in Kasama: carry yen for small shops, markets and rural restaurants. Major cards are accepted at larger shops, hotels and some restaurants, but many small pottery studios and family-run businesses prefer cash. Use ATMs at 7-Eleven and Japan Post for reliable card withdrawals; IC transit cards (Suica/PASMO) are useful but may have limited acceptance in very small vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cherry blossoms and flowering parks make spring very pleasant; pottery festivals and outdoor markets start to pick up. Temperatures are mild but can be changeable—bring a light jacket.
Summers are warm and humid with occasional hot days; festivals and evening events occur, but daytime exploring can be tiring—stay hydrated and plan indoor breaks.
Clear skies, comfortable temperatures and colorful foliage—an excellent time for photography and outdoor walks. Harvest-time events and seasonal menus appear at local eateries.
Winters are cool to cold with occasional light snow; fewer tourists make for quieter studio visits. Dress in layers and check opening hours as some small shops may have limited winter hours.
Late June to mid-July brings increased rain and humidity; pottery studios are still pleasant indoor attractions, so it's a good time for hands-on workshops if you don't mind damp weather.
Kasama at Night
Hiking in Kasama
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
One of Ibaraki’s most famous hikes with well-marked trails, cable car options and panoramic views from twin peaks; about a 45–75 minute drive from Kasama depending on route.
Network of lowland rural trails and farm paths around Kasama that offer quiet walks through rice fields, small forests and village landscapes — ideal for gentle exploration and photography.
Short trails and garden paths within and around Kasama Park provide easy walking routes with seasonal flower displays and viewpoints suitable for families and casual hikers.
Airports
How to reach Kasama by plane.
Located in Omitama, Ibaraki Airport handles some domestic and limited international flights; it's the closest regional airport and is reachable by road in about 50–70 minutes depending on traffic.
Major international gateway east of Tokyo with broad flight options; access to Kasama is by train or bus plus local transfer and typically takes around 1.5–2.5 hours depending on connections.
Closer to central Tokyo and many domestic flights; travel time to Kasama is longer by road/train but remains an option if arriving into Tokyo first.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Japanese families and older adults; Kasama reflects an aging demographic common in regional Japan.
A significant community of potters, studio owners and craftworkers who sustain the Kasama-yaki tradition and run galleries and workshops.
People who commute to larger nearby cities or visit from Tokyo and Ibaraki for pottery, festivals and weekend trips.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is widely played and followed at school and community levels, with local youth teams and school competitions.
Community soccer is popular among youth and adults, with local clubs and school teams active in the region.
Cycling for leisure and commuting is common; scenic rural roads make recreational cycling a favored activity.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kasama.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited; Japanese restaurants often use fish-based dashi in broths, so ask staff using the phrase 'dashi ni sakana ga haitteimasu ka?' or request vegetable-only dishes. Buddhist-style shojin ryori is rare locally but can sometimes be arranged in advance; bring a translation card for strict vegetarian or vegan needs.
Gluten-free travel requires caution: soy sauce and udon contain wheat. Seek out rice-based dishes, plain grilled fish or rice bowls and confirm ingredients with staff, or carry a gluten-free card in Japanese.
Carry an allergy card in Japanese summarizing your allergens; smaller shops may have limited ingredient transparency, so planning ahead is recommended.