Gojo Pottery and Workshops

We walk the quiet backstreets of Gojo-zaka and Chawan-zaka to meet multi-generational ceramic families and see active pottery studios. This route takes you past historic climbing kilns and independent workshops to reveal Kyoto's tactile ceramic heritage up close.

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1. Zuikou Kyoto-Kiyomizu Studio

A row of hand-painted pottery sets in the window, each cup and bowl displaying the deep, rich colors of traditional Kyoto glazing. This studio operates as an extension of the Zuikou kiln, established in nineteen sixty-two to preserve…

2. Soryu-gama

Soryu-gama is marked by a deep, indigo noren curtain hanging over a wooden storefront in the heart of the pottery district. This kiln was established by the Unosuke family in the nineteenth century to refine the production of Kiyomizu…

3. Kyoto-style Climbing Kiln (Fujihira Climbing Kiln)

The Fujihira climbing kiln climbs the steep hillside in a series of six stepped, vaulted chambers built of scorched brick and tile. Designed to mimic the natural draft of a chimney, the fire travels from the lowest chamber to the top,…

4. Kiyomizu-ware Pottery Tousengama

The Kiyomizu-ware pottery at Tousengama sits behind a storefront marked by traditional noren curtains and shelves crowded with handcrafted ceramics. This kiln belongs to the Koshigoe family, who have practiced the art of Kyoto stoneware…

5. Kawai Kanjiro's House

The wooden gate at the entrance to this compound sits flush against the narrow lane, distinguished by the rough, dark timber and a simple, sturdy aesthetic that contrasts with the refined homes nearby. This house served as the home and…

6. Kyoto Ceramic Center (Kyoto Ceramic Art Association Official Shop and Gallery)

The Kyoto Ceramic Center features a plain, grey concrete exterior that contrasts with the traditional wooden townhouses lining the street in Higashiyama. This facility acts as the central hub for the Kyoto Ceramic Art Association, an…

7. KONDO Museum

The KONDO Museum stands out with its distinctively minimalist, dark wooden facade that seems to absorb the bustle of the Higashiyama district. This private museum houses the extensive personal collection of the late ceramic artist Yuzo…

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