Mingei Travel is a division of McClennen Pottery. Our goal is to create small-group journeys rooted in the philosophy that meaningful objects—and meaningful travel—are shaped by the human hand. Our tours are designed for makers, collectors, and culturally curious travelers who seek depth, context, and genuine connection rather than surface-level experience.

The name Mingei comes from the Japanese folk craft movement articulated by Soetsu Yanagi, which celebrates beauty found in utility, humility, repetition, and honest labor. At its core, mingei honors the unknown craftsman and the quiet dignity of work made well. This philosophy guides everything we do.

Our pottery tours immerse participants in living traditions of ceramics across the UK, Europe, and beyond. Guests are welcomed into working studios, historic potteries, and private workshops—often after hours or behind the scenes—where knowledge is shared through demonstration, conversation, and observation. These are not performances, but real encounters with process, place, and lineage.

Mingei Travel moves at a considered pace. We prioritize time over checklists, relationships over itineraries, and understanding over accumulation. Each journey is carefully curated to balance hands-on making, historical context, and refined hospitality—creating space for reflection, learning, and inspiration.

Travel, like pottery, is best when shaped with intention. At Mingei Travel, we believe the most lasting journeys are crafted slowly, thoughtfully, and by hand.

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Terms & Conditions for Mingei Travelers

The details below outline the essential terms for traveling with Mingei Travel. Full, tour-specific terms are included in the registration form. We share this information openly so you can travel with clarity and confidence.

Our intention is always for each journey to unfold smoothly and meaningfully. While changes are rare, the following guidelines help ensure fairness and care for everyone involved.

Trip Changes & Cancellations by Mingei Travel

• In uncommon circumstances, Mingei Travel may need to cancel a trip up to 60 days prior to departure.

• Each trip requires a minimum number of participants. We recommend confirming that a trip is moving forward before booking non-refundable airfare.

• If a trip is cancelled, Mingei Travel will either refund your payments in full or apply them toward another journey of your choosing. Please note that we are unable to cover incidental or non-refundable expenses incurred independently.

If You Need to Cancel

We understand that plans can change. If you find yourself needing to cancel, the following terms apply:

• All cancellations must be submitted in writing.

• Cancellations made 90 days or more before departure: a $250 administrative fee is retained; all remaining payments are returned.

• Cancellations made 60–89 days before departure: the tour deposit is retained; all additional payments are returned.

• Cancellations made 30–59 days before departure: 50% of the total trip fee is returned.

• Cancellations made less than 30 days before departure: payments are non-refundable.

• Missed activities, late arrivals, or early departures are not eligible for refunds.

Transferring Your Reservation

• You’re welcome to transfer your place on a trip to another traveler.

• For tours that include airfare, please notify Mingei Travel at least 60 days prior to departure.

• For land-only journeys, we ask that you notify us as soon as possible.

• Transfer fees may apply, depending on the tour details.

Website Use & Content

All content on this website (www.mingeitravel.co) belongs to Mingei Travel, LLC, unless otherwise noted. We kindly ask that our materials not be reproduced or redistributed without permission, and that proper credit is always given.

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