Ceramic Tool Shops in Tokyo, Japan
As a ceramic artist living and working in Japan, there are certain questions people tend to ask you over and over. One of the big ones is, “I'm coming to Japan; where can I buy pottery tools in Tokyo?” So, instead of telling everyone privately that I have no idea because I have only ever bought tools here online, I put some work in and did the research for you. Now everything that I know I have put together in this list. So here are all the physical shops where you can go and pick out what you need.
As I said above, I have not been to any of these. I usually make my own tools or order online when I need something specific. I would really appreciate it if you visited one of these, if you could come back here and give the shop a short review, or if you could shoot me a private message so we can double-check if these spots are any good in real life!
Happy hunting to us all.
Ido
Tougei shop
Tougei.com is a pottery studio offering classes in Ikebukuro, Tokyo. Their spacious classrooms allow you to forget the hustle and bustle of the city, and you won't believe they're right in front of the station. They also have both an online shop and a physical shop where you can pick up tools, clay, and really, anything pottery related. I’m not sure if they can communicate in English if you are looking for classes but i’m sure you can contact them and ask directly.
WEBSITE: HTTPS://WWW.TOUGEI.COM/POTTERYCLASS/SHOP.HTML
ADDRESS: NISHIIKE DAIICHI BUILDING 8F, 1-15-9 NISHIIKEBUKURO, TOSHIMA-KU, TOKYO (google maps link)
OPENING HOURS:
10:00～12:00/13:00～18:00
3. Ayari POTTERY
Ayari Pottery was opened in 1994 by Misaizu San after working for 32 years at Shinpo.
During his time at Shinpo, he has come to raise that when it comes to making pottery, each customer has their own preferences, and that their needs change little by little with the times. Regardless of changes, he says that the attitude of providing reliable products at reasonable prices is always needed. Since the store opened, he and his son Shinbu have been trying to provide just that.
It really is a supply store for everything. From kilns to slab rollers, clays, overglaze, underglaze, glaze glaze, ball mills, anything you can dream of is there. the only downside is that it’s situated in Saitama, a bit off the beaten path.
WEBSITE: HTTPS://WWW.TOUGEISAIRI.COM/
ADDRESS: 1-9-14 KITA, HARA CITY, AGEO CITY, SAITAMA PREFECTURE 362-0026 (Google Maps link)
OPENING HOURS: 9:00-17:00
CLOSED: TUESDAY & 4TH MONDAY
2. Clay Art Takahashi
Clay Art Takahashi Clay is a 106-year-old speciality store that carries a wide variety of clays, glazes, and all kinds of pottery supplies.
They carry a wide selection of traditional clays, such as Shigaraki or Iga clays, glazes, and a wide variety of pottery supplies in general, like trimming tools.
Orders can be made through their online shop or by phone, fax, or email, and they offer free shipping for purchases of 10,000 yen or more.
Although our stock of regular supplies is standard, we have a sufficient variety and can even sell them when you visit our store.
WEBSITE: HTTPS://CLAYART.CO.JP/
ADDRESS: 1-6-6 TABATA, KITA-KU, TOKYO 114-0024 (google maps link)
OPENING HOURS:
10:00～17:00
4. TACHIBANA
Tachibana carry a wide variety of pottery products, from glazes, clays, and accessories to moulding equipment. Some are difficult to obtain elsewhere, such as raw materials for glazes.
Their shop is known for doing business with famous pottery makers and artists and has earned the trust of these professionals. The store also displays works by ceramic artists.
WEBSITE: HTTP://WWW.TACHIBANATOUGEI.COM/SHOP/
ADDRESS: 9-53-5 ASUMIGAOKA, MIDORI-KU, CHIBA-SHI, CHIBA 267-0066 (google maps link)
OPENING HOURS: 9:00-13:00
CLOSED: SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
I hope you enjoyed the reading and that this short article might help you find what you are looking for on your journey through Tokyo and Japan in search of the perfect trimming tool or brush.
Please contact me via IG or comment below so we can have a customer point of view when going to these shops. How was the staff? What did you get? Were they nice? Was it cheap? whatever you want, just plop it down here for those coming after you.
Best to you all,
Ido
