Bizen

Imbe Station area

Kilns, shops and the pottery museum on foot; the only area that works without a car.

Hinase

Portside ryokan and oyster restaurants; 25–30 min by Ako Line from Imbe.

Hattoji

One thatched farmhouse villa in the hills; bus or costly taxi from Yoshinaga, no shops nearby.

Etiquette

• Greeting: A small bow; a handshake if the other person offers; avoid: Hugs, back slaps, loud greetings
• Names: Family name plus -san; avoid: First names unless invited; adding -san to your own name
• Paying: Put money in the tray at the register; avoid: Tipping, or leaving loose cash for staff
• Trains: Queue at the floor marks, phone on silent, ask before reclining on the Shinkansen; avoid: Phone calls, eating on crowded commuter trains, blocking doors with bags
• Escalators: Stand on the side locals use — left in Tokyo, right in Osaka; stations now ask people to stand still on both; avoid: Stopping at the top or bottom
• Shoes: Off at the step-up entrance; toilet slippers only inside the toilet; avoid: Stepping on tatami in shoes or slippers
• Shrines: Rinse hands at the basin; bow twice, clap twice, bow once; avoid: Walking down the centre of the approach, which is for the deity
• Gifts: Offer and receive with both hands; bring a small omiyage for hosts; avoid: Sets of four; cash outside an envelope

Scams and watch-outs

• The Ako and Sanyo lines do not meet inside Bizen: a transfer via Aioi or Higashi-Okayama adds an hour or more.
• Ako Line trains run about once an hour; check the last service before an evening meal.
• Shizutani School is a taxi ride from Yoshinaga, roughly ¥1,200, or ¥2,500 from Imbe (check).
• Hattoji buses are few; a taxi there costs more and takes about 35 min.
• Pottery prices are steep: simple cups run several thousand yen, and shipping a fired piece can take months.