One of Kyushu's Oldest Tile Kilns
The Tomoeda Tile Kiln Site (友枝瓦窯跡) is the remains of a late-seventh-century tile kiln at Tosai, Kouge Town, Chikujo District, Fukuoka Prefecture, designated a Historic Site in 1922.
The Agency for Cultural Affairs lists it under the criterion for sites of production and economic activity.
Fukuoka Prefecture calls it one of the oldest tile kilns in Kyushu.
The Kilns
According to the designation text, it was built into a hillside by tunnelling through natural rock, with a floor of more than ten steps and a flue at the back; many Nara-period tile fragments lay nearby.
Fukuoka Prefecture notes that there are four kilns, one with a known interior: its firing floor has seventeen steps for stacking tiles, and the chamber survives well.
What to Look For
According to Fukuoka Prefecture, the tile designs resemble those of the Korean peninsula, and the tiles were used at the Tarumi temple site 2 kilometres away. The site sheds light on early temple building, links with Korea and the importance of the Buzen region at the time.
Visiting the Tomoeda Tile Kiln Site
Fukuoka Prefecture says the exterior can be seen at any time. For interior visits, contact the Kouge Town board of education Ohira branch, 0979-72-2111, on weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Q&A
- When was the Tomoeda kiln site designated?
- On 12 October 1922.
- How old is it?
- Late seventh century, one of Kyushu's oldest tile kilns.
- How is the kiln built?
- Tunnelled into rock, with seventeen steps on the firing floor.
- Where were its tiles used?
- At the Tarumi temple site 2 km away.
- Can I see inside?
- Yes, by contacting the Kouge Town board of education.
Basic Information
| Name | Tomoeda Tile Kiln Site (友枝瓦窯跡) |
|---|---|
| Location | 1696-2 Tosai, Kouge Town, Chikujo District, Fukuoka Prefecture |
| Designation | Historic Site |
| Year Designated | Designated 1922/10/12 (Taisho 11) |
| Quantity | 4 kilns |
| Dimensions | Not recorded in the Agency for Cultural Affairs database |
| Owner | Not recorded in the Agency for Cultural Affairs database |
| Public Access | Exterior always open; interior by enquiry |
References
- Agency for Cultural Affairs Database: Tomoeda Tile Kiln Site (Japanese)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/401/2607
- Cultural Heritage Online: Tomoeda Tile Kiln Site (Japanese)
- https://online.bunka.go.jp/heritages/detail/163871
- Fukuoka Prefecture Cultural Properties: Tomoeda Tile Kiln Site (Japanese)
- https://www.fukuoka-bunkazai.jp/frmDetail.aspx?db=4&id=41
Last verified: 2026.09.28