Recommended “Ceramic Art and Rokuro Experience” in Kyoto

Hello, this is the staff of THE GATE HOTEL Kyoto Takasegawa. This time, we would like to introduce you to Zuikogama (Zuiko Kiln), a pottery-making experience at a Kyo-yaki pottery and Kiyomizu-yaki pottery kiln.

Both Kyo-yaki and Kiyomizu-yaki are traditional methods of pottery making in Kyoto.

Location of Zuikogama

Zuikogama has two stores: the Kyoto Kiyomizu Store, located right next to Yasaka pagoda, and the Higashiyama Studio Store, a 10-minute drive from JR Kyoto Station, the gateway to Kyoto.
THE GATE HOTEL Kyoto Takasegawa is about a 20-minute walk from the Kyoto Kiyomizu Shop, which is located on the way to Kiyomizu-dera Temple through Gion-Shijo, so you can visit the store while enjoying sightseeing.
The Higashiyama Studio Store is about a 20-minute walk from Tofukuji Station on the Keihan Main Line, which runs from Gion-Shijo Station to Tofukuji Station.
The pottery-making experience is perfect for tourists traveling to Kyoto, who tend to have a lot of baggage to carry around.

History of Zuikogama

Shimizu Rokubei, the first generation of the Rokubei family, was born in a farmhouse in Osaka in 1738 during the mid-Edo period. 1771 marked the opening of the Rokubeigama and the beginning of the history of the Zuikogama.
In 1868, the first year of Meiji (1868), when the long-lasting Edo period gave way to the new modern era, the second generation of Shimizu Rokubei, the eldest son of Shimizu Rokubei, took the name of Tsuchiya Zuiko and the “Zuikogama” was established. The second generation, TSUCHIYA Zuiko (Kikujiro), built a climbing kiln in Imakumano, and since then, the Zuikogama has developed widely.

In 1996, the pottery school was opened in order to convey to a wider audience the appeal of Kyo-yaki and Kiyomizu-yaki, which had long had the image of being expensive items used in high-class restaurants and only available to a few wealthy people. In addition, more than 10,000 people a year visit the studio to experience the charm of this traditional craft.

Our goal is to continue to pass on the tradition to future generations by making Kiyomizu-yaki more accessible and accessible to the public. We hope to pass on what we have inherited to the next generation. We believe that the value of authenticity lies beyond this. We hope to continue to bring smiles and excitement to many people through our pottery experiences, and to continue to create beautiful vessels that blend into people’s lives. Zuikogama hopes to continue to be a kiln that is open to all people.

From the official website of Zuikogama

Example of hands-on course

Zuikogama offers a variety of hands-on experience plans to meet your needs, so you can choose the experience that best fits your travel schedule.
Please note that some plans are only available at the Kyoto Kiyomizu Shop and the Higashiyama Studio Shop.

1. Electric Rokuro Course
Light Plan

  • Fee: 1,900 yen (2,090 yen including tax)
  • Time required:20 minutes
  • Available at Kyoto Kiyomizu Store only
  • Plan:Making mugs

This plan is a quick and easy 20-minute challenge. This plan is also recommended for those who have a full travel schedule and want to explore every corner of Kyoto.

2. Electric Rokuro Course
Standard Plan

  • Fee: 2,900 yen (3,190 yen including tax)
  • Time required:30 min.
  • Available at:Kyoto Kiyomizu Store and Higashiyama Kobo Store
  • Content of plan:Creation of one piece of pottery in the shape of your choice

This is another very popular plan that only takes 30 minutes and allows you to create a vessel of your favorite shape by yourself. You can create your own unique vessel by discussing your wishes with the craftsman.

3. Electric Rokuro Course
Zuiko Plan

  • Fee: 4,900 yen (5,390 yen including tax)
  • Time required:60 min.
  • Available at:Kyoto Kiyomizu Store, Higashiyama Kobo Store
  • Plan contents:Creation of two vessels in the shape of your choice

This is a very satisfying plan in which you can create two vessels of your choice while observing a demonstration by a craftsman. Recommended for those who want to experience the Kyoto tradition of Kyo-yaki and Kiyomizu-yaki pottery and take their time to create their own one-of-a-kind vessels.

4. Tebineri Course

  • Fee: 3,250 yen (3,575 yen including tax)
  • Time required: 60 minutes
  • Available at Higashiyama Kobo store only
  • Plan:Creation of one vessel of your choice

This course is perfect for those who want to take their time and create a vessel of their choice. While observing a demonstration by a craftsman, you will be able to experience the world of traditional handicrafts with the rich flavor of hand-bi neru making.

SHOP DATA

  • Name: Zuikogama Kyoto Kiyomizu Store
  • Address: 385-5 Yasaka Kami-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto 605-0827
  • TEL 075-744-6644
  • URL https://www.taiken-kiyomizu.com/
  • Business hours : 10:00-17:00 (last admission at 16:30)
  • Closed: Open all year round

SHOP DATA

  • Name: Zuikogama Higashiyama Kobo
  • Address: 148 Minami-Hiyoshi-cho, Imakumano, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, 605-0953
  • TEL 075-525-0055
  • URL https://www.taiken-kiyomizu.com/
  • Business hours : 10:00-17:00 (last admission at 16:30)
  • Closed: Year-end and New Year holidays

*Please contact the store directly for the latest information on business hours, holidays, etc.

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