Neya Factory

A Living Expression

of Nara’s Akahada-yaki Pottery

Located in a beautifully restored 130-year-old townhouse in Naramachi, Neya Factory is a ceramic studio and gallery dedicated to the timeless art of Akahada-yaki, a traditional pottery style rooted in Nara’s cultural heritage. Founded in 1991 by master potter Takaaki Takeda, the studio blends history, craftsmanship, and contemporary expression in a space that feels both ancient and alive.

Akahada-yaki is known for its milky white glaze with soft reddish hues, often adorned with delicate Nara-e motifs such as deer, cherry blossoms, and temple scenes. The style dates back to the Azuchi-Momoyama period, when potters were invited to Nara by Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s brother, and later became one of the Enshū Seven Kilns, favored by tea masters for its elegance and subtlety.

One of Neya Factory’s signature creations is the “tokaki” (ceramic lantern)—a pierced vessel that casts intricate shadows when lit from within, combining utility with poetic beauty. The studio also hosts seasonal exhibitions, and visitors can view or purchase one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect both tradition and innovation.

Whether you're a lover of Japanese ceramics or simply seeking a quiet, artistic retreat, Neya Factory offers a deeply personal and culturally rich experience in the heart of Nara.

Explore the Sights

See photos that bring Neya Factory to life.

Traditional Japanese storefront with a white noren curtain featuring colorful abstract designs and Japanese calligraphy.
Traditional Japanese storefront with wooden exterior, white noren curtain, colorful painted characters, and a wooden sign with Japanese kanji.
Display of various pottery and ceramic items in a shop, including bowls, mugs, and vases arranged on wooden shelves and tables.
A display room of ceramic pottery including bowls, vases, and plates on wooden shelves and tables.
Wooden shelves displaying a variety of ceramic bowls, plates, and vases, with some decorative or patterned items on top.
Collection of ceramic bowls and vases with traditional Asian designs, displayed on a wooden table with decorative openings on some vases and bowls for floral or geometric patterns.
Decorative ceramic bowls with floral, bird, and animal designs displayed on a wooden shelf.
Decorative ceramic bowls with painted wildlife scenes, including deer, birds, and insects, arranged on a wooden surface.
A wooden shelf holding various ceramic bowls and vases with traditional Japanese designs, a tall black and silver vase, and a smaller white vase in the background.
Interior view of a pottery shop with shelves filled with handcrafted ceramic bowls, plates, and vases. A wooden table displays numerous ceramic cups and bowls, with more ceramics arranged on the shelves and the table.