Mashiko
Tochigi
Pottery
Studio
Noborigama
Iwashita-san is the 6th generation potter from his family and continues to operate the gallery & shop in Mashiko.
Whilst the style of pottery has evolved throughout each generation, the heart of Iwashita Pottery is crafting homemade wares that carry the warmth of Mashiko through daily use.
Here at Iwashita Pottery, you can find their Noborigama (climbing kiln), which is one of the largest remaning Noborigamas in the Kanto region, however following the great earthquake in 2011 it is no longer in use. You can view this Noborigama during their regular opening hours.
Iwashita-san also handcrafts his favourite animal, tapirs, into themed pieces such as figures and pots and flower holders, which he sells exclusively during the bi-annual pottery fairs in Mashiko!
About Iwashita Pottery
Summary:
Plates, Cups, Bowls, Vases, Jugs
From ¥1,200 to ¥15,000
Cash & Credit Card
Easy to use dinnerware and animal themed pottery pieces
You can find pieces made by Iwashita-san as well as pieces made from other potters around Japan in their shop
During the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake, many noborigama kilns were damaged or destroyed. Despite this devastation, local potters rallied together to rebuild and preserve these noborigama and in turn, Mashiko's pottery heritage.
8 minute walk from Mashiko Museum of Ceramic Art
11 minute walk from the main pottery street
Free parking is also available outside the workshop
2 hour drive from Tokyo
2 hour train ride: Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Utsunomiya Station (52 minutes) and take the bus from Platform 14 for 59 stops (59 minutes) to 道祖土上 and walk for 1 minute