Pottery Retreat
A journey into the soul of Japanese pottery: materials, techniques, tools.
FEBRUARY 20 - 24, 2026
|SEPTEMBER 10 - 14, 2026
This retreat offers a rare opportunity to connect deeply with Japan’s revered pottery culture, immersing you in its rich history, exquisite craftsmanship, and relationship to nature. You'll gain exclusive access to leading experts in the field, visiting their studios to learn firsthand from the masters who have honed their craft but remain humbled students.
Each day, you will participate in hands-on pottery workshops, exploring various regional styles and materials. Experience the tactile diversity of different clay, stone, and glaze varieties, understanding their unique properties, use cases, and origins. From shaping, painting, to playing with glazes, each session is guided by seasoned artisans who empower you to create your own unique pieces.
You’ll also have the opportunity to discover adjacent fields including wild flower Ikebana using antique vessels that carry centuries of tradition, touching on the profound relationship between pottery and flower arrangement.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Clay and Glaze Deep-dive: Learn about the Six Ancient Kilns of Japan, exploring their unique materials and techniques.
- Traditional Techniques: Create your own pieces using materials from across Japan, and choose your preferred firing technique.
- Hand-Building: Craft your own pottery using locally-sourced clay and stone, guided by the pottery artisan.
- Pottery Workshop at Artisan’s Home Studio: Create your own tea cups or matcha bowls, learning traditional pottery techniques.
- Alternative Upcycled Materials: Experiment with alternative materials to create innovative, sustainable pottery.
To book or join the waitlist, simply drop us a note at
retreats@maana.jp
Package includes:
- 4 nights accommodation at Maana Homes
- Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- 3 pottery workshops
- Exclusive visits to the homes and studios of potters
- Tea ceremony by a generational Kyoto potter
- Welcome gift package
- Transportation to/from meeting points
February 20-24, 2026
Early Bird
5500 USD + tax
Apply by June 30, 2026
Standard Rate
6000 USD + tax
Apply by July 31, 2026
September 10-14, 2026
Early Bird
5500 USD + tax
Apply by June 30, 2026
Standard Rate
6000 USD + tax
Apply by July 31, 2026
Discounted rates available for groups of 2 or more. Please email us at retreats@maana.jp for pricing.
*We’ll be inviting participants from the waitlist first, for both this year’s and next year’s retreats. If you’re interested in joining, be sure to inquire to secure your spot on the waitlist.
One day on the Pottery Retreat
10:00 AM
A warm welcome to a potter’s home
Step into the tranquil world of a potter’s home studio. Experience her quiet, intentional way of living. Surrounded by nature, her daily life and craft flow seamlessly with the seasons. She is inspired by the rhythm of nature, local materials, and the bonds of community. This rare and intimate experience invites you into her private sanctuary where every detail reflects a life of quiet beauty and thoughtful purpose.
10:30 AM
Shaping Earth: Pottery Class
Explore pottery through a modern lens that invites creativity and reflection. Using clay gathered from the mountain behind the house, you’ll shape guinomi cups—vessels once used to honor time, nature, and togetherness. Guided by a potter, this workshop becomes a space to experiment freely and create tableware that feels personal, timeless, and deeply connected to the earth.
12:30 PM
Farm-to-table lunch
Enjoy a thoughtfully crafted lunch handmade by the potter, showcasing seasonal farm-to-table ingredients and locally hunted game. Each dish is served on her own pottery, bringing her artistry and intention to every element of the meal. This intimate dining experience reflects the harmony between food, craft, and nature, offering a taste of the quiet beauty that defines her way of life.
2:30 PM
Shichirin-yaki: Firing the Cups
Continue your pottery journey by firing your handmade guinomi cups using the traditional shichirin yaki method. This process is all about rhythm and cooperation—taking turns to tend the flames, gently warming each cup before bringing it to a glowing high heat. Together, you’ll glaze the pieces with dried rice straws and dip them in water to reveal their final form.
The most exciting moment comes at the end—when each cup emerges with its own natural pattern and subtle shine, no two ever alike. Amidst the activity, there’s also time to slow down—strolling through the garden and soaking in the quiet beauty of the Japanese countryside.
6:00 PM
Evenings at Maana Homes
As the sun sets, return to your home away from home in Kyoto—a private, peaceful retreat. Run a warm bath to melt away the day's adventures, brew a soothing cup of tea, and settle into a cozy corner. Pause, reflect, and journal on the day's events and learnings, savoring the moments of discovery and prepare for tomorrow’s adventures.
Our why
Pottery is but a vessel. A vessel that connects time, terroir, culture, and people. It’s form is both ephemeral and eternal. Capturing a moment, to be shared across several lifetimes. Pottery is our way to build a global community of thoughtful peers who respect history, celebrate the arts, and are in pursuit of learning from one another toward a more sustainable means of living.
Details
Price
5500 USD + tax. Early bird rate
• Until end of November, 2025 for the February retreat
• Until end of June, 2026 for the September retreat
6000 USD + tax. Standard rate
• Until end of December, 2025 for the February retreat
• Until end of July, 2026 for the September retreat
Deposit & Cancellation Policy
A non-refundable deposit of 800 USD is required to secure your spot.
Cancellations made within 30 days of the retreat are non-refundable.
Food Allergies
Please include any food allergies or intolerances in the application form.
Contact Us
retreats@maana.jp
In collaboration with
Kyoto Research Institute
Kyoto Research Institute was founded under the direction of Momoko Nakamura. Momoko’s interest stems from 20 years of communicating and educating on cookery culture and the food system, informed by anthropological field research across the Japanese archipelago. The Institute’s research now extends beyond food, expanding into both textile and home, with the growing understanding that each pillar of Japanese living originates from a single terroir.
