One of the best souvenirs to bring home from Japan is handcrafted yakimono (Japanese pottery and porcelain). These items carry the warmth of handwork and can be enjoyed both in daily life and as interior décor.
Whether you want to add a touch of Japan to your everyday routine or choose a thoughtful gift for someone back home, finding the perfect piece is part of the fun.
The Difference Between Pottery and Porcelain
Japanese ceramics can be broadly divided into two categories: pottery (tōki) and porcelain (jiki).
- Pottery is made from clay, giving it a softer, earthy texture with natural warmth. It absorbs water slightly and feels comforting to hold in your hands.
- Porcelain, on the other hand, is made from clay mixed with crushed stone and fired at higher temperatures. The result is a harder, whiter vessel that often showcases beautiful painted designs.
Top 8 Japanese Pottery & Porcelain Styles Loved by Visitors
1. Arita Ware (Saga Prefecture)
Features: White porcelain decorated with vivid blue, red, and gold designs. Known for its export to Europe since the Edo period.
Recommended Items: Small plates, cups
Compact and lightweight, perfect for serving sweets or even as an accessory tray.
2. Kutani Ware (Ishikawa Prefecture)
- Features: Brilliant overglaze painting in five colors (red, blue, yellow, green, and purple). Highly artistic and decorative.
- Recommended Items: Small plates, sake cups (guinomi)
Great for sake lovers or as ornamental pieces.
3. Mino Ware (Gifu Prefecture)
- Features: Japan’s largest producer of pottery. Modern, versatile designs that pair well with both Japanese and Western cuisine.
- Recommended Items: Mugs, long plates
Practical for daily use and especially popular among international visitors.
4. Shigaraki Ware (Shiga Prefecture)
- Features: Coarse clay texture with a rustic warmth. Famous for its raccoon dog (tanuki) figurines.
- Recommended Items: Tanuki statues, cups
Believed to bring good luck and business prosperity.
5. Bizen Ware (Okayama Prefecture)
- Features: Unglazed pottery fired at high temperatures. Natural flame patterns and earthy tones are its hallmark.
- Recommended Items: Sake sets, flower vases
Excellent not only for sake, but also for wine or whiskey.
6. Mashiko Ware (Tochigi Prefecture)
- Features: Simple, rustic charm with the natural feel of clay. Works well for both Japanese and Western-style meals.
- Recommended Items: Small bowls, soup cups
Affordable and great for everyday use; popular for buying in sets.
7. Karatsu Ware (Saga Prefecture)
- Features: Subtle, subdued colors with a calming texture. Traditionally used in tea ceremony.
- Recommended Items: Teacups, bowls
Versatile—can also be used as coffee cups.
8. Kyo Ware / Kiyomizu Ware (Kyoto Prefecture)
- Features: Elegant, colorful painting and refined decoration. Often used in tea ceremony or as decorative art.Recommended Items: Matcha bowls, teacups
A perfect memento of a Kyoto trip, also great as décor.
Choosing the Right Souvenir
Japanese pottery reflects centuries of history and craftsmanship. When selecting a piece, consider:
- Portability: Small and lightweight items are easy to carry home.
- Practicality: Everyday items like cups and plates are always appreciated.
- Design: Traditional motifs or distinctly Japanese styles make especially memorable gifts.
Even a single small dish can let you experience the charm of Japanese craftsmanship.
Want to Try Making Pottery Yourself?
If you’re inspired to create your own piece, we recommend the Yokohama City Pottery Center.
- They offer beginner-friendly courses, such as a four-session pottery basics class or a three-session painting class.
- One-day workshops are also available, where you can choose between the electric wheel or hand-building.
- Children (including preschoolers) are welcome. Fees are affordable: about ¥3,000 for adults and ¥2,000 for children.
The center is located inside Sankeien Garden, a beautiful Japanese garden, so you can enjoy the seasonal scenery along with your pottery experience.
👉 Yokohama City Pottery Center Website
