About the Nagatani-en Climbing Kiln
The Nagatani-en Climbing Kiln (長谷園登り窯, Nagatani-en Noborigama) is a multi-chamber climbing kiln of the late Edo period (1830 to 1868) built into the slope of the Nagatani-en pottery grounds in Marubashira, Iga City, Mie Prefecture, and it became a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on 28 October 2011 together with the former office, the Taishokan.
The Nagatani-en Climbing Kiln lies southeast of the Taishokan on ground that rises toward the south. It is 34 meters long and 4.5 to 6.7 meters wide, climbs 9.6 meters from bottom to top, and is supported by stone retaining walls. It is the only one of the fourteen registered Nagatani-en properties that is not a building, which is why Iga City counts the set as 13 buildings and one kiln.
Nagatani-en presents it as the kiln it has used since opening in 1832 and says it was fired until the Showa 40s (1965 to 1974).
A line of chambers up the hill
A multi-chamber climbing kiln strings its firing chambers up a slope like steps, so that heat from the lower chambers passes up into the ones above. According to the Agency for Cultural Affairs, the Nagatani-en Climbing Kiln has 15 chambers in a single straight line, with the main firebox at the low northern end.
The kiln uses the hillside itself to make heat rise. From the northern firebox to the southern top, the row of chambers climbs 9.6 meters over 34 meters.
On the number of chambers, the Agency counts 15 while Nagatani-en and tourist guides call it a 16-chamber kiln. We have not been able to confirm whether this is simply a difference in counting, so both figures are given here.
Why the Nagatani-en Climbing Kiln is registered
The Nagatani-en Climbing Kiln was registered as a structure that contributes to the historic landscape of the country. The Agency describes it as a kiln that carries the history of Iga ware from the early modern period.
Iga clay is highly fire-resistant, and Nagatani-en has made earthenware cooking pots and other open-flame vessels since the Edo period. Here the kiln that fired them survives on the same grounds as the family's house, workshops, and office. Registered first, in 2011, together with the Taishokan, it was joined in 2015 by twelve house and workshop buildings, so that the whole pottery around its kiln is now on the register.
Visiting the Nagatani-en Climbing Kiln
The Nagatani-en Climbing Kiln is part of the public walking area and can be seen free of charge during opening hours (10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., closed Tuesdays but open on national holidays). Nagatani-en has also built a lookout over the kiln. These details were checked on the official Nagatani-en website and other sources on 5 October 2026 and may change.
Start at the northern firebox at the bottom and walk up beside the kiln to see the chambers step up the hill and the stone walls that hold it. Then look down from the lookout to take in the full 34-meter run. We could not confirm whether visitors may enter the chambers. Directions are on the Nagatani-en page.
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Q&A
- When was the Nagatani-en Climbing Kiln built?
- The Agency for Cultural Affairs dates it to the late Edo period (1830 to 1868). Nagatani-en describes it as in use since the pottery opened in 1832.
- How big is the Nagatani-en Climbing Kiln?
- It is 34 meters long, 4.5 to 6.7 meters wide, and rises 9.6 meters, supported by stone retaining walls.
- How many chambers does the Nagatani-en Climbing Kiln have?
- The Agency counts 15 firing chambers in a straight line. Nagatani-en and tourist guides call it a 16-chamber kiln.
- Can I see the Nagatani-en Climbing Kiln?
- Yes. It is part of the walking area, open free of charge from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., closed Tuesdays, and there is a lookout over it.
- Until when was the Nagatani-en Climbing Kiln used?
- Nagatani-en says until the Showa 40s (1965 to 1974). It became a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on 28 October 2011.
Basic Information
| Name | Nagatani-en Climbing Kiln |
|---|---|
| Location | 569 Marubashira, Iga City, Mie Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Building) |
| Year Designated | Registered 28 October 2011 |
| Quantity | 1 kiln |
| Dimensions | 34 meters long, 4.5 to 6.7 meters wide, 9.6 meters rise (multi-chamber climbing kiln with stone walls) |
| Owner | Not listed (Agency for Cultural Affairs database) |
| Public Access | Open (walking area), 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., closed Tuesdays, free admission |
References
- Database of National Cultural Properties: Nagatani-en Climbing Kiln (Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/101/00009029
- Cultural Heritage Online: Nagatani-en Climbing Kiln (Japanese)
- https://online.bunka.go.jp/heritages/detail/252399
- Database of National Cultural Properties: Nagatani-en Taishokan (Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/101/00009028
- Mie Prefecture: Summary of the recommended properties (PDF, Japanese)
- https://www.pref.mie.lg.jp/common/content/000371116.pdf
- Iga City Digital Museum: Nagatani-en buildings and kiln (Japanese)
- https://adeac.jp/iga-city/catalog/mp404530-100040
- Nagatani-en: Shop information (Japanese)
- https://igamono.co.jp/at-first/shop/
- Nagatani-en: Company profile and history (Japanese)
- https://igamono.co.jp/about-us/company/
- Nagatani-en: Activities (Japanese)
- https://igamono.co.jp/at-first/effort/
- Kanko Mie: Iga-yaki Kamamoto Nagatani-en (Japanese)
- https://www.kankomie.or.jp/spot/33
- Mie Prefecture Machikado Museum: Iga-yaki no Sato Nagatani-en (Japanese)
- https://www.bunka.pref.mie.lg.jp/Miebunka/detail?cls=mica_col06&pkey=0000000062
Last verified: 2026.10.05
