Main photo courtesy of Saga Prefecture Tourism Federation.
Tucked into the forests of Saga is a Izumiyama quarry, a quiet place that shaped centuries of craftsmanship. Few visit. Fewer know what was pulled from its depths or how far it would travel. A couple of us from the Freeplus team spent a few days exploring the Saga, learning not only about the material found here, but also about the people who transformed it into something lasting.
Aritayaki began over 400 years ago, when kaolin, the material used to make porcelain was discovered here. This marked the start of Japan’s porcelain industry. Today, Arita is still alive with creativity. Studios, artist residencies, and multi-generational kilns line its streets. 
Photos courtesy of Saga Prefecture Tourism Federation.
Aritayaki, known for its clean lines and refined patterns and what sets it apart is its precision brushwork. It reflects generations of experimentation and deep respect for materials. But before these works of art, there was this hill and what came out of it. It changed everything for this small sleepy town in Saga.
While in town, we wandered through the Tonbai Wall Alleys. This was a narrow, quiet paths where the story of Arita feels especially alive as a town full of artisans. Back when merchants sold finished wares along the main street, the potters lived and worked in these back alleys. They built tall walls, made from old kiln bricks and shards of discarded porcelain to keep their techniques hidden from competitors. At the end of one of the alleys, there was an unexpected sight: a Gundam-themed manhole cover, a quirky but fitting reminder that tradition and modern creativity continue to overlap here.
We were lucky to visit one of its most renowned kilns: Kouraku Kiln, established in 1865. Housed in a former school building, I was impressed by the scale and efficiency of its production. What made the visit even more fun was the “treasure hunting” experience in their warehouse where guests can dig through boxes stacked on boxes of porcelain fill up a basket in 90 minutes. It's unique program making use of the warehouse is filled with surplus items, discontinued designs, making it a fun and memorable stop for its visitors. 
Arita starts with a mountain. The white slopes of Izumiyama Quarry hold the secret to how it all began. From there, the town tells its story through old kiln walls and the rhythm of present-day workshops. Past and future sit side by side, and seeing that in one visit was very cool.
Photo above courtesy of Saga Prefecture Tourism Federation.