Overview
Home to a private pottery gallery come gift store and a city hall-run museum filled to the brim with history, Inagi City might not be the first or even second choice for a visit but if you do turn up, at least you won't be disappointed. Here is an introduction to these locations and how to reach them.
Hama Touki
Boarded by rivers and rice fields, Hama Touki is a private pottery gallery that belies the belief that rural Tokyo has nothing to offer. Doubling as a gift store, the gallery features the work of artist Hamasumi Masashi and includes some pretty decent quality items including sake bottles, tableware, jars, bowls and even beer mugs. Of particular appeal are the chopstick rests and animal sculptures, adding a touch of the cute to the traditional rustic colours and shapes of Japanese clay work. Both aesthetically subtle and functionally practical, the gallery can be contacted on 042-350-3197 to make a reservation.
A 15-minute walk from Inagi Station on the Keio Line.
Inagi City Local History Museum
Perhaps not the usual first choice of destinations, Inagi City Local History Museum comes across as a mini burst of community interest hidden inside what is a typical local city hall building. Spread out over a couple of rooms, the museum space reflects the area's long history and heritage. One room focuses on the prehistoric to Edo (1603-1868) periods and the other room looks at the Meiji (1868-1912) to modern era. There is an exhibition space that is quite busy with plenty of examples of local craft, traditional festival paraphernalia and Buddhist stone sculptures while another room is filled with local insects specimens including butterflies and dragonflies.
An 11-minute no.2, 6, or 8 bus ride from Shin-Yurigaoka Station on the Odakyu Odawara or Tama lines.
