Hando Shrine The main temple of Hando Shrine was built in the 8th century at the top of the Hando Mountain. It was burned down by a war, and the current temple was re-built in the early l6th century. It was designated as important cultural property. It is a proud example of gorgeous and flowery Momoyama-style (flourished in the late 16th century) architecture exhibiting the dignity of long history. Recovery work was given in the recent years, and now the shrine stands brilliantly as it did when it was first built. ●Miyamachi, Shigaraki 10 minutes by bus from the Shigaraki Station

Shigaraki Traditional Industry Hall The Traditional Industry Hall is located at the center of the town. It is the base for the local culture where new and old Shigaraki-yaki is maintained and ceramics lessons are given. It is proud of its possession of valuable historical records and the exhibition facility is well equipped. The major attraction is its permanent exhibition. You can see every stage of the Shigaraki-yaki from far back in the 8th century up to the modern works. Contemporary worksare also exhibited, and any new information is sent to and received from here. ●1l42 Nagano, Shigaraki TEL:0748-82-2345 6 minutes' walk from the Shigaraki Station

Forest of Ceramics of Nara Prefecture The Forest of Ceramics is a park for international exchange for ceramics with functions for creation, seminars, exhibitions, etc. It is a forest of culture where people, articles and data gather together. （Information Center, Ceramics Center, Creation and Seminar Hall, Plaza ofStars, Plaza of the Sun, etc.) ●2188-7 Chokushi, Sigaraki TEL:0748-83-0909 3 minutes by bus from the Shigaraki Station

Sanjo Shrine The main temple of the Sanjo Shrine is designated as important cultural property of the Nara Prefecture. It was built around the 18th century. Minute caving and otnaments are brilliant. It is a representative example of modern Shigaraki architecture. Also, the drawings of the Shrines archive are designated as important cultural property of the Town as anthropologically valuable record that shows the state of the "mura" (community) in the middle and modern ages. ●Kami Asatomi, Shigaraki 15 minutes by bus from the Shigaraki Station

Gyokukeiji Temple Gyokukeiji Temple is the center of worship and fondly referred to as "Kobo-san" by the Iocal people after its famed Buddhist sect founder Kobo Daishi. The major treasure here is the wooden standing image of Amida Nyorai (Amitagha Tathagata). It is coated with japan lacquer, and when it was dissembled for repair in l979, ancient documents and other interior offerings were discovered from the inside. It is considered to be the first class Buddhist image in the ancient days. ●89l Chokushi, Shigaraki TEL:0748-83-0716 1 minute' walk from Gyokukeiji-Mae Station

Jokenji Temple The wooden Buddhist image of Holy Kan-non at Jokenji Temple is very beautiful with nice harmony of the slender body and thin clothing. There is a splendid coronet on the head with a lotus flower half open on the left side. It is believed to have been created in the late l2th century. ●Tarao, Shigaraki TEL:0748-85-0123 20 minutes by bus from the Shigaraki Station