Arita Porcelain — Where Japanese Ceramics Were Born

**The Izumiyama quarry:** The original clay source (Izumiyama) is still visible behind a fence at the hilltop — a white scar in the earth that has been supplying Arita kilns for 400 years. Access via a 20-minute walk from the station past active kiln sites. Not signposted in English. **Potter's Quarter purchase strategy:** The main street (Uchiyama Historic District) has 50+ showrooms. For the best price-to-quality ratio: visit the showrooms behind the main street, where production kilns sell second-grade pieces (subtle flaws invisible at normal use) at 40–60% discount. Ask specifically for '2-to-hin' (second-grade).