益子町 Mashiko-Machi

Friday I made a trip to Mashiko with some freinds. Mashiko is located just outside of Utsunomiya in Tochigi Prefecture. It is famous for its clay pottery dating back to 1853, however it wasn't until the 1930s when it gained national fame because of the work of a famous potter named Hamada who was named a Japan living national treasure.
There are many, many, shops and several other interesting sites in the area including the giant Tanuki statue.(aka the racoondog).
I was also able to get some nice shots of the original wood fire kilns that are not used so much anymore. The shops that still use them are very expensive.
This area is a must see for the ladies visiting Tochigi.
http://www.onmarkproductions.com/html/tanuki.shtml
http://hometown.infocreate.co.jp/en/kanto/mashiko/mashik-e.html