There is actually a wide variety of pottery that is friendly to young people! How about Kiyomizuyaki as a Kyoto souvenir?

Souvenirs of Kyoto are often associated with yatsuhashi (traditional Japanese sweets), long-established Japanese sweets, and small items with Japanese patterns. Some tourists visiting Kyoto may be wondering what to buy, thinking, "I have bought standard souvenirs several times before, so I want to buy something special this time.

Therefore, this article introduces Kiyomizuyaki as a recommended souvenir for yourself and for your family, friends, and loved ones. Kiyomizu-yaki is a craft that has been made in Kyoto since ancient times, and especially in the Kiyomizu-dera Temple area, many fashionable items that could be used as tableware, ornaments, or interior goods are available for sale. We will also introduce stores where you can purchase Kiyomizuyaki, so please refer to them if you are visiting Kyoto on vacation.

What exactly is Kiyomizu-yaki?

Kiyomizuyaki is a type of pottery that was once made around Gojozaka, the approach to Kiyomizu Temple. Even today, there are rows of stores selling this type of pottery along Chawan-zaka, Sanneizaka, and Kiyomizu-zaka. The charm of this pottery is that it is gorgeously and elegantly painted. The capital used to be located on this slope, and many members of the imperial family, shogunate, and tea masters frequented the area, which led to the production of pottery with luxurious designs.

In fact, since there is not much clay available for pottery in Kyoto, potters make their works by blending clay imported from other pottery production areas. Even if they are made in the same Kiyomizu-dera area, the color, texture, and design of each artist and potter varies greatly, so it is recommended that you visit several stores when you travel.

Easy access from Kiyomizu-dera Temple! "Seigado Pottery」

Seigado Toen is a Kiyomizu-yaki pottery store located about a two-minute walk from the Niomon Gate of Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The tableware on offer includes teacups, small plates, mugs, and other items that are easy to use in everyday life. The shop sells many items that are "the Kiyomizuyaki of Kiyomizu-yaki," such as delicate patterns in blue, or seasonal designs with cherry blossoms or autumn leaves.

Seigado Toen's studio "Totani Kiln" on Chawanzaka sells original Kiyomizu-yaki ceramics and offers a hands-on pottery making experience, so if you are interested, be sure to include it in your travel plans.

Kiyomizu-yaki pottery lined up in the store is a masterpiece.rhyme Hall」

Shoindo's showcases and shelves are filled with Kiyomizu-yaki pottery. In addition to standard tableware, Shoindo also sells sets of two choko (cups) and a tokkuri (sake cup), small and cute chopstick rests, palm-sized ornaments, and more.

Even if you have avoided buying pottery as a souvenir because you think it is too heavy, you can put it in the corner of your travel bag and take it home with you. Each piece of pottery lined up in the store has a different pattern and shape, so please try to find your favorite one.

Gorgeous Kiyomizuyaki is the perfect Kyoto souvenir!

Kiyomizuyaki is attractive for its delicate and gorgeous designs. Many of them are decorated with motifs of Japanese paintings, seasonal plants, and events, and can be displayed at home to reflect on memories of the trip, or as a topic of conversation with the person to whom you gave the souvenir. If you are not sure what to buy as a Kyoto souvenir, please check out Kiyomizuyaki.