10 Best Places to Buy Ceramics in Tokyo

by Laura Miyasaka | TRAVEL

Tokoname Teapot Set, available at Japan Objects Store

If you’re looking to buy ceramics, Tokyo is the right place for you! For thousands of years, pottery and ceramics have been a large part of both the art world and everyday life here in Japan. The craft is so ingrained in local culture that many towns produce their own unique forms of Japanese pottery.

Like all other aspects of Japanese life, the production of ceramics is a lesson in patience and meticulous craftsmanship. As a result, Japanese ceramics are like nothing else in the world. Whether you’re a ceramic scholar or are just looking for some stylish Tokyo souvenirs for your dinner table, take a look at our guide to the best places to buy ceramics in Tokyo. Here are our top picks of stores in Tokyo you can’t miss.

What Makes Japanese Ceramics Special?

Rakuware Matcha Tea Set, available at Japan Objects Store

Traditional ceramics are an essential part of everyday life in Japan, found in elegant arrangements at kaiseki meals, setting the scene for sophisticated tea ceremonies, and as a vase for holding beautiful flower arrangements. Ceramics are one of the oldest art forms in Japan with many styles considered to hold historical significance, having become an essential part of the Japanese tea ceremony and everyday life.

Some of the oldest ceramics in the world were unearthed in Japan, dating back 15,000 to 16,000 years, to Japan’s Jomon period. The unusual aspect of this is that the ceramics were dated back to a time before other essential technologies had developed such as agriculture.

One of the main things that sets Japanese ceramics apart from ceramics around the world, is its polarizing aesthetics. From rustic, exposed earthenware to intricately painted porcelain, Japan has over 50 pottery towns that each have a different history for how they developed their own distinct style.

What are the Different Types of Japanese Ceramics?

Blue Crystal Yunomi Teacups, available at Japan Objects Store

Japanese ceramics are categorized in a rather unique manner, instead of being grouped according to style or by how they are made, they are categorized by where they are made. This has resulted in a huge range of variety but has also supported many family run kilns that have kept old traditions and methods alive. Below are three of the most notable styles of Japanese ceramics.

Arita-ware. Four hundred years ago, in the region Arita, north of Kyushu (Japan’s southern main island) a Korean ceramist discovered porcelain stone. From this discovery, the production of porcelain boomed in the region and a magistrate’s office was set up to ensure that the overglaze techniques were not leaked to outsiders. In fact, one of the main villages in the region was shut off from outsiders almost completely. Arita-ware is characterized by its typically white background with detailed, hand-painted patterns in blues, reds, greens and gold. Arita-ware became popular not just in Japan but all over the world, particularly in Europe where it is said to have strongly influenced European ceramics.

Seto-ware. In contrast to arita-ware, seto-ware is far older, dating back over a thousand years. Seto is located about 15 miles (25km) to the east of Nagoya in central Japan. It was here, during the late Heian period (794–1185), that two high quality clays were discovered, kibushi and gairome, known for their excellent plasticity as the clay contains very little iron. With such an extensive history, a wide variety of seto-ware can now be found, however, it is often be associated with more rustic pieces that have an earthy feel.

Mino-ware. Mino-ware comes from the towns Tajimi, Toki, Mizunami, and Kani in the prefecture Gifu which lies in-between Kyoto and Tokyo. Despite having a long history, over 1,300 years where hard sueki earthenware was fired in ancient mountainside kilns, mino-ware is often referred to as the “modern day ceramic of Japan” and according to the Gifu Economic and Industrial Promotion Center, 2017 Ceramics Industry, mino-ware accounts for 50 percent of the total production of Japan’s ceramics.

There are so many different styles of ceramics that we have compiled our own A-Z of Japanese Pottery if you would like to read more.

Where to buy Ceramics in Tokyo?

As the capital of Japan, it’s no surprise that Tokyo is home to hundreds of ceramic stores, pottery fairs and museums showcasing Japan’s history of ceramics. Some neighborhoods such as Kappabashi Street, nicknamed “kitchen street” is famous for its long line of stores selling kitchen goods such as ceramics, bento boxes and chef knives. On the other hand, there is Ginza, which caters to more upmarket ceramics. Below we have compiled a list of the best places to find Japanese ceramics in Tokyo, no matter your budget.

1. Kurodatoen

Part exhibition space, part store, Kurodatoen’s collection of ceramics is so expansive that they actually have two stores in Tokyo. Run by the Kuroda family, the first store was opened in Ginza in 1935 by Ryoji Kuroda and the newer version now lives in Shibuya. Kuroda’s sons Kusaomi and Kazuya still man both stores, carefully keeping watch over the precious ceramics they display and sell. Both stores have exhibition spaces that feature works from a rotating cast of artists. Having set up two successful stores and published a number of books, if you’re wondering where to buy ceramics in Tokyo, look no further than the Kuroda name for fine ceramic connoisseurs.

Ginza Branch:

Address: Ginza 7-8-6, Chuo, Tokyo (map)

Website: kurodatouen.com

Hours: 11am to 7pm, closed Mondays.

Transport: 3 minute walk from Higashi Ginza station.

Shibuya Branch:

Address: Shibuya 1-16-14, Tokyo (map)

Website: kurodatoen.co.jp

Hours: 11am to 7pm, closed Thursdays.

Transport: 2 minutes from Shibuya station.

2. Ginza Takumi

Located in the luxury-loving suburb of Ginza, this store stocks ceramics and crafts from all across Japan as well as the rest of Asia and even Latin America. Passionate lovers of craft, this business has been running for over 80 years so you know the team here are experts in their field. If you’re chasing ceramics specifically, chances are the first floor of the store will have whatever you’re after. A majority of the goods you’ll find on this floor are sourced form famous Japanese pottery towns like Mashiko (Tochigi), Tanba (Hyogo) and Onta (Oita). However it’s worth popping up to the second level to check out their wider collection of textiles, furniture and other carefully crafted pieces too. If you’re around the Ginza, Hibiya Park or Imperial Palace area be sure to pop by and check out their fascinating collection.

Address: Ginza 8-4-2, Chuo, Tokyo (map)

Website: ginza-takumi.co.jp

Hours: 11am to 7pm, closed Sundays and public holidays.

Transport: 4 minute walk from Shimbashi station.

3. Aoyama Square

No matter whether you’re a Japanese craft expert or a newbie with a passing interest in ceramics, Aoyama Square is an accessible one-stop shop for everything Japanese art. A gallery, a store, and a community hub, they place a strong emphasis on the person behind the work. Sometimes the center also hosts live demonstrations taking guests deep inside Japanese ceramic production. Though they do focus on higher end pieces rather than mass produced items, their products are still very reasonably priced, so if you’re just getting into the ceramic collection, or searching for some of the highest quality Tokyo souvenirs, this is a great place to start.

Address: Akasaka 8-1-22, Minato, Tokyo (map)

Website: kougeihin.jp/aoyama

Hours: 11am to 7pm.

Transport: 4 minute Aoyama Itchome station

4. The Cover Nippon

For the very finest in Japanese craftsmanship, you can’t go past the highest of high-end ceramic stores: The Cover Nippon located in Roppongi’s shopping mecca Tokyo Midtown. They cover all facets of the Japanese art and crafts world including fabrics, lacquerware and of course ceramics. Where luxury lifestyles and classic craftsmanship collide, this place is for people whose taste is as distinguished as their wallets are full!

Address: 3F Tokyo Midtown Galleria, Akasaka 9-7-3, Minato, Tokyo (map)

Website: thecovernippon.jp

Hours: 11am to 9pm

Transport: 5 minute walk from Roppongi station.

5. Utsuwanowada

Located in Gotokuji, Setagaya, a ward in southwest Tokyo, Utsuwanowada specializes in handcrafted pottery from western Japan including the islands, Kyushu, Shikoku and Okinawa. They have a large selection from traditional pieces such as Okinawa's Yachimun, Oita's Ontayaki and Ehime's Tobeyaki, to more modern Japanese ceramics and even ceramic bowls for pets! They further have handmade Ryukyu glass and traditional bamboo products from Tohoku and Shinetsu.

Address: 1-49-2 102 Gotokuji, Setagaya City, Tokyo (map)

Website: utsuwanowada.jp

Hours: 11am to 6pm, closed Wednesdays and national holidays.

Transport: 2 minute walk from Yamashita station

6. Fukagawa Seiji - the House

Although the headquarters of this world-famous Fukagawa Seiji are hundreds of kilometers away in Saga, Kyushu. You can appreciate their arita-ware in the heart of Tokyo in Roppongi. Their store named “the House” is also a showroom and restaurant where you can see how their products can be incorporated into the home and everyday life. You can further make a consultation to have a custom piece made for an extra special gift.

Address: 3-15-11 Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0032 (map)

Website: fukagawa-seiji.co.jp

Hours: 11am to 7pm, closed Tuesdays.

Transport: 7 minute walk from Roppongi station.

7. Kappabashi Komatsuya

In 1901, this family run business moved from Komatsu, Ishikawa prefecture - the birthplace of Kutani-ware, to Tokyo. They now have a huge assortment of ceramics on offer, including ceramics from China and authentic ramen bowls on Kappashi street near Asakusa. The store also has a selection of tea-pots at modest prices and can even send your package internationally. Kappabashi street is a great place to visit if you are not only interested in ceramics but also other kitchen goods.

Address: 2-21-6 Nishiasakusa, Taito City, Tokyo (map)

Website: kappabashi-komatsuya.com

Hours: 9:30am to 5:30 everyday, except Sunday when it is open from 9am to 5pm.

Transport: 9 minute walk from Tawaramachi Station.

8. Japan Objects Store

Tokoname Sake Set, available at Japan Objects Store

If you are looking to save on suitcase space or if you are not in the Tokyo area soon, you needn’t miss out on finding your perfect piece. You can find unique, hand-made ceramics right here with Japan Objects. We deliver worldwide, and we gift wrap your ceramic in traditional furoshiki cloth. Check out our collection at Japan Objects Store.

Tokyo is further home to pottery markets and fairs, below are two we recommend for those looking for a great bargain.

9. Ningyocho Pottery Market

This lively market takes place in the first week of August on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday every year, in Nihonbashi. The event is along the sidewalk from the Suitengu intersection to the Ningyocho intersection. Kilns gather from all over the country, including wholesalers and artists, to sell their artwork and you can often find items at a discounted price. Please check online for more details.

Website: ningyocho.toukiichi.tokyo

10. Oedo Antique Market

If you’re a bit of a price detective, then the overflowing Oedo Antique Market is the best place to go to unearth all the hidden bargains in your hunt for Tokyo souvenirs. Held on the first and third Sunday of every month at the Tokyo International Forum, it’s arguably one of the biggest outdoor markets in all of Japan. Home to around 250 sellers, you’re bound to find something to suit your taste and budget. If you’re hungry for more market gems, they also have a ‘sister’ market, called the Japanese Antique Market, which happens around once a month in Yoyogi Park. Check online for opening details.

What kind of Japanese ceramics are you on the lookout for? Let us know in the comments!