April 20, 2019
by Saki Hirota & Mai taniguchi
The Zuikou kiln is a place in eastern Kyoto where visitors can go to experience making kiyomizuyaki, which is the style of pottery made in the area on the east side of the city called Gojozaka, near the famous Kiyomizu Temple. Kiyomizuyaki is a type of kyoyaki, which is a general term for pottery made in the Kyoto city area. The history of kyoyaki is very old.
It said that pottery creation in the Kyoto region began in the Kofun period (300~538 AD). In Muromachi period (1336~1573), color painted pottery began to make its appearance. Later, in the early part of Edo period (1603~1868), a man named Ninsei Nonomura lived. He is known now as the father of kiyomizuyaki, as he gave birth to the style that we know today. In 1771, the Rokubei kiln was established by the Rokubei clan, a well-known family of ceramists with over 240 years of history. Later, one of the members of the Rokubei family started a new branch called the Tsuchitani kiln, which was headed by Tsuchitani Zuiko, who was born in 1867. This was the start of the Zuiko kiln.
About the Zuiko Kiln
The Zuiko kiln is worth a visit for anyone wanting to experience Japanese culture, especially if they appreciate pottery. There are a number of advantages to visiting the kiln.
First, it is located in one of the main tourist areas of Kyoto, in the area surrounding the famous Kiyomizu Temple. The kiln is only 7 minutes on foot from Kiyomizu Temple and a 10-minute walk from the famous Yasaka Shrine. The area is not far from Kyoto station either, making it convenient for visitors. So, in addition to visiting the kiln to experience pottery making and see an impressive gallery of kiyomizuyaki, but tourists can also enjoy a very easy and comfortable walk around the area.
Also, Zuiko kiln offers a great service to visitors. For example, to better experience making kiyomizuyaki, visitors can borrow work clothes, which give them the feeling of being a true craftsman. And along the way, they are free to take a photos with their smartphones to share with their friends. The kiln’s staff is also very helpful, and they can communicate in English, which many foreign visitors appreciate.
Finally, the quality of the pottery visitors can make at Zuiko kiln is excellent. Not only is it easy to do, but the result is pottery that is thin, light, beautiful, and most of all: unique. The process visitors experience is the same one that authentic craftsmen of kiyomizuyaki carry out. This not only makes visitors happy, but they can take away a piece of pottery that can make someone or something appear more beautiful, such as a dining table. Also, Kiyomizuyaki can be made with many different colors, such as pearl, lemon, candy, turquoise, and bronze. These colors are very cute, so visitors can enjoy them.
Making Kiyomizuyaki
The Zuiko kiln offers three different plans to visitors who want to experience making kiyomizuyaki.
Light Plan
This is the shortest and cheapest of the three plans. It costs 1,900 yen + tax and only takes 20 minutes to complete. It allows visitors to make their very own cup in the kiyomizu style. They can also choose their own color, such as pearl, lemon, or candy.
Standard Plan
This is the most popular plan amongst visitors. It costs 2,900 yen + tax, and takes about 40 minutes to complete. However, if visitors plan ahead and make a reservation on the website before they arrive, they can receive a discount. Once underway, visitors can make their favorite size and shape of the pottery they make. They can also choose their favorite color from all the colors in the shop.
Zuiko Plan
This is the most expensive and time-consuming plan that Zuiko kiln offers. It costs 4,900 yen + tax and takes 60 minutes to complete. Alhough the price is a little high, this is a very special plan because visitors can choose to make 2 different types of kiyomizuyaki in their own shape and color.
Regardless of the plan, if visitors do not feel like carrying the pottery away when they leave, they can opt to have the product sent to their home in the mail. Of course, there is an extra charge for this.
Our Experience
We decided to try this kiyomizuyaki-making experience at Zuiko kiln. First, we received an explanation of contents of the workshop and the fee. Before we began, we were allowed to look at many different examples of finished pottery, to give us some ideas on what we could make. We chose Standard plan. Then it was time to start making our own pottery. We were able to choose any shape we liked. We chose a bowl and a cup. And whenever we needed help, the friendly and knowledgeable staff was there to help us. Once we were done, we then could choose one design from many different samples. From there, the craftsman drew the design onto our freshly made piece. In this time we chose flowers design. After that, all we needed to do was wait for it to bake it the oven. The pottery will send our house during one month. After we experienced, we can did in a nearby cafe. Once it was complete.
Access
Yasakakamimachi 385-5, Higashiyama-ku Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 605-0827
TEL: 075-744-6644
Open Hours
10:00 – 17:00
*Last Entry 16:30 (Light Plan) 16:00 (others)
Holidays
Open all seasons
Reservations
By Email: please give us your
1) Lesson of your choice
2) Date
3) Time
4) Number of Participants