Off-the-Beaten-Path Japan Travel: Shiga's Tanuki Village

If you've already visited popular Japanese destinations like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara, and want to avoid crowded tourist spots, let me recommend a hidden gem - Shiga's Shigaraki Ceramic Park Tanuki Village. Speaking of Shiga, I'd overlooked this area during multiple Kansai trips until discovering Shigaraki-yaki pottery tanuki. These charming raccoon dog figurines, seen across Japan at shop entrances and homes, symbolize prosperity and good luck with their adorable designs that make you want to pet them. 【Shigaraki Ceramic Park Tanuki Village】Officially one of Japan's Six Ancient Kilns, it feels like Japan's version of Jingdezhen. Three giant tanuki statues greet visitors at the village entrance, with countless tanuki figurines of all sizes and styles filling every household - indoors and outdoors alike. As the birthplace of Shigaraki tanuki pottery, you'll find unique designs here at much lower prices than in Tokyo/Osaka/Kyoto (verified 1/3 cheaper through personal comparison). Besides souvenir shopping, you can take fun photos with tanuki displays and try pottery-making workshops - perfect for unique family summer activities. 【Practical Info】 Shigaraki Ceramic Park Tanuki Village 1293-2 Maki, Shigaraki-cho, Koka City, Shiga 529-1803 Hours: 10:00-17:00 【Transportation】 JR Kusatsu Line (Kusatsu) → Transfer at Kibukawa Station → Shigaraki Kogen Railway (Kumo Station) → 7-min walk to Tanuki Village About 1 hour total from JR Kyoto Station 【Tips】 While requiring some transit time (with transfers), this Shiga highlight is worth planning ahead. Note down routes beforehand - the journey isn't difficult with proper preparation. 【Shopping Alternative】 Can't make it to Shiga? Tokyo has a specialty shop carrying Shigaraki tanuki and other Shiga products, which I discovered in my favorite Nihonbashi area: 【Shop Info】 2-7-1 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0027