Shigaraki, 27 miles southeast of Kyoto, is one of six medieval pottery centers in Japan. The Shigaraki Art Festival, Oct. 1-Nov. 23, 2010, will display ceramic designs by avant-garde artists plus centuries-old pottery.

During the festival, the Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park (2188-7 Shigarakicho-Chokushi, Koka City, Shiga Pref. 529-1804, Japan; phone +81 748 83 0909) will exhibit contemporary and ancient pottery. Open 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. ¥700 ($7.75).

Running Sept. 4-Dec. 12, “...

The London landmark St. Paul’s Cathedral (phone 020 7246 8357) turns 300 years old this year. Construction of the Anglican cathedral, designed by architect Sir Christopher Wren, began in 1675 and took 35 years.

Its restoration and cleaning of the stone interior has just been completed after four years at a cost of $64 million. One grimy slab of stone near the west entrance was left untouched. Open to sightseers 8:30-4, Monday-Saturday. £12.50 adult, £11.50 senior.

The English version of the Michelin “Green Guide” on Japan (2009, $24.99) includes an introduction, a section on planning a trip and listings of nearly 100 tourism spots, using the 3-star rating system on all.

Also available are the “Red Guide Kyoto & Osaka 2010” ($16.99) and the Michelin “Red Guide Toyko 2010” ($16.99), which, unlike other Michelin guides, award stars to all the hotels and restaurants featured.