The Izu Peninsula, just an hour out of Tokyo, has some of the finest scenery in all of Japan. Rugged coastlines, clear views of Mount Fuji, pristine forests with rivers and waterfalls, not to mention the many soothing hot-spring resorts dotting the land, shape Izu into a very attractive destination.
What's less well known is that Izu is also home to more than 100 full-time potters. These artists work in a wide range of styles, some associated with major ceramic centers such as Karatsu or Mashiko, while others are purely original.
Why have so many kilns been built in this area with no traditional potting associations? One reason, as one potter put it, is simply that Izu is a real fine place to live: The climate is mild, the beauty of the land is entrancing, and after a hard day's work wedging, throwing or firing clay, a soak in a hot spring just cannot be beat!