Things To Do
in Tajimi

Tajimi is a quiet ceramic-centered city in Gifu Prefecture, positioned in central Japan. It is renowned for its long-standing pottery studios and modern ceramic art spaces that line the streets. Visitors can watch artisans at work, browse galleries, and enjoy riverside walks amid a calm, small-town atmosphere.

The city blends traditional craft with easy access to the broader Nagoya and Takayama region for day trips.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrive in Tajimi
morning
:

Arrive at Chubu Centrair International Airport and take a scenic train ride to Tajimi. Enjoy the beautiful views of the countryside as you travel. Settle into your accommodations and prepare for your adventure.

afternoon
:

Explore the local area by visiting the Tajimi Ceramic Museum, where you can appreciate the history and artistry of Japan's famous pottery. Wander through the quaint streets filled with charming pottery shops and cafes. Take time to enjoy a delicious lunch at a local eatery specializing in regional cuisine.

evening
:

Stroll through the peaceful parks around Tajimi, observing the beautiful landscape at sunset. Find a cozy restaurant to enjoy dinner featuring seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients. Reflect on your first day in this serene city of ceramics.

day 2
Discover Tajimi’s Pottery Heritage
morning
:

Visit the renowned Minoyaki Pottery Workshop to learn about the intricate process of pottery making. Engage in a hands-on workshop where you can try your hand at creating your own piece of ceramic art. Delve into the significance of Minoyaki in Japanese culture.

afternoon
:

Tour the various local galleries showcasing contemporary and traditional pottery. Spend time engaging with local artisans who can share their stories and techniques with you. Enjoy lunch at one of the small cafes nearby that features dishes on Minoyaki pottery.

evening
:

Attend a local pottery exhibition or festival if available, featuring works from various artists in the region. Sample street food and local treats while immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere. End the day with a leisurely walk under the starry sky.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
🏨Budget hotel per night$40-90
Coffee or tea$3-6
🚆Public transit day pass$5-12
🧺Groceries for a couple days$20-40

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich ceramic heritage and studio access
  • Walkable city center with intimate dining options
  • Limited nightlife compared to larger cities
  • Small-town facilities may have fewer international services
  • "こんにちは" - Hello
  • "ありがとうございます" - Thank you
  • "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?
  • "いくらですか?" - How much is this?

Places to Visit in Tajimi

Visit one of these nice places.

Tajimi Ceramic District Street

Colorful storefronts of kilns and galleries, with early-morning light ideal for close-up pottery textures.

Ceramic Park and Outdoor Kilns

Open-air kilns and sculpture installations offering dramatic silhouettes at golden hour.

Kose Riverfront Promenade

Calm waters and willows along the river provide reflective shots at sunset.

Culinary Guide

Food in Tajimi

Tajimi's cuisine draws from Nagoya and Gifu influences, highlighting miso-based flavors, teishoku sets, and seasonal sweets. Expect a focus on craftsman-made dishes, comforting bowls, and simple, well-balanced meals in a compact city known for its pottery culture.

Tajimi Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Hitsumabushi (Nagoya-style eel rice)

Grilled eel served over rice with condiments; widely available in Tajimi, best enjoyed in multiple portions as you savor toppings and broth.

Must-Try!

Gohei Mochi

Grilled rice sticks skewered and coated with miso, a rustic snack tied to the region's mountain valleys.

Miso-katsu (miso pork cutlet)

Panko-crusted pork cutlet finished with a rich miso sauce, a Nagoya-adjacent specialty common in Tajimi's teishoku spots.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Tajimi Central Market

A local market near the station offering seasonal vegetables, small snacks, and fresh produce; perfect for a quick bite or to pick up ingredients for a cooking demo.

Ceramics District Food Stalls

Seasonal street-food booths and small eateries clustered around ceramic studios—try oden, taiyaki, and veggie skewers.

Climate Guide

Weather

Tajimi experiences four distinct seasons with hot and humid summers, mild springs and autumns, and cold, sometimes snowy winters. The climate is typical of central Japan, with humidity peaking in summer and comfortable, crisp air in autumn.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A simple bow is common; greet with a polite hello depending on the time of day.

Shoes

Remove shoes when entering homes and certain traditional venues; wear clean socks.

Meishi Exchange

When exchanging business cards, present with both hands and study it politely.

Safety Guide

Safety

Japan is very safe for travelers; standard precautions apply, such as keeping an eye on belongings in crowded spaces and following local guidance during natural events. Emergency numbers: 110 for police, 119 for fire/ambulance.

Tipping in Tajimi

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not customary in Japan; if you wish to show gratitude, a polite thank-you is enough, and some places may not accept tips.

Payment Methods

Cash is widely accepted, and credit cards are common in larger shops and restaurants; IC cards such as Suica and Pasmo work for transit; some small venues may be cash-only.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild weather with cherry blossoms; best time for strolling the ceramic district and garden temples.

Summer

Hot days and humid; stay hydrated, seek shade, and visit indoor galleries during peak heat; occasional rain.

Autumn

Cooling temperatures and colorful foliage; great for outdoor photography around hills and riverbanks.

Winter

Cool to cold with occasional snow; warm interiors and pottery studios become cozy hubs.

Nightlife Guide

Tajimi at Night

Tajimi's nightlife is relatively subdued compared to bigger cities, with cozy izakayas, casual pubs, and late-night ramen options near the station. Some cafes host evening workshops or live music, but most venues close earlier than large urban centers.

Hiking in Tajimi

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Mount Ena Trail

A popular hiking option offering forest trails and scenic viewpoints within a short drive.

Kiso River Valley Walk

Gentle riverside trails with pastoral scenery suitable for all levels.

Hill Trails near Tajimi South

Network of moderate trails giving views of surrounding towns and fields.

Airports

How to reach Tajimi by plane.

Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO)

Located near Nagoya; serves international and domestic flights; accessible by rail and highway to Tajimi.

Nagoya Airfield (Komaki, NKM)

Close to Nagoya; smaller flights; convenient for regional travel.

Gifu-Hashima Regional Airport

Serves limited regional flights; closest to Tajimi for quick connections.

Getting Around

Walkability

Tajimi is highly walkable in its central district with compact streets and many galleries within a short radius; the area is easy to explore on foot, with limited need for taxis for short hops.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families with children

Many families live in Tajimi; there are parks, markets, and kid-friendly museums.

Students and artists

The city hosts ceramic studios and design-focused programs attracting students and makers.

Working adults

A mid-sized city with employment in manufacturing, services, and crafts.

Elderly residents

Active senior communities with clinics, cultural activities, and social clubs.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Baseball

Very popular in schools and local leagues; many parks host casual games and leagues.

Soccer

Community teams and school clubs around Tajimi; local matches are common on weekends.

Basketball

Indoor courts in community centers and schools; accessible for visitors who want to join a pickup game.

Transportation

Traffic

Public transport is reliable with trains and buses connecting Tajimi to Takayama, Nagoya, and surrounding towns. Car travel is feasible, but expect quiet roads within the city and regular trains for longer trips; traffic is usually light outside peak hours.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Tajimi.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are available in many eateries; when ordering, ask for vegetable-forward dishes or tofu-based items and request meat-free options.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare includes clinics and hospitals in Tajimi and nearby towns; travelers should have travel insurance and carry a basic Japanese phrase sheet for medical needs. Larger hospitals usually have English-speaking staff at major facilities.

Discover Japan

Read more in our Japan 2025 Travel Guide.

Japan Travel Guide