Kotouen — Local services in Kyoto

A really cool find in Arashiyama. I collect mugs and I’m happy we found this place! It’s quite near the Bamboo Path and other surrounding temples that are must-gos in Arashiyama; but it’s secluded enough that it has a really nice homey feel about it.

I love everything about this store. The pottery and the artist has a cool style. It’s also affordable compared to other pottery stores I’ve been to in Taiwan or SoKor. Some of the figurines are creepy, but it really adds to the character of the place. The styling and overall feel of the store is something out of Japanese history books.

My unforgettable interaction was with the store owner who gave me a small frog figurine to put in my wallet. It apparently refers to the superstition “Okane ga kaeru” which means “money will return”. Out of all the things I’ve bought and consumed in Japan, this free cute and small thing is probably the best...

Mr. Shoichi Hasegawa is such a great artist and his pieces are beautiful. A variety of choices and you can see the detail and love in each piece. It was such a pleasure to visit his shop, meet him and talk with him. Our items were shipped and arrived in fantastic condition. The thing we loved most is the smell of the pieces smelled like his shop. Brought back lovely memories of the day and how much we enjoyed the experience. We will be sad when that smell fades. I cannot recommend this place enough. Take the time. Take the walk. Meet the man. Appreciate the passion and skill that is poured into each of his pieces. Just go and immerse yourself in the moment. Thank you again Mr. Shoichi Hasegawa for such a wonderful day and for the...

This place is extraordinary, the owner makes unique and original ceramics by hand, even in tiny sizes that make them even more graceful. The protagonists at the entrance are the tanukis, mythological animals with very large testicles that bring good luck. We bought a medium-small tanuko and a tiny frog, wonderful! You can see them in photos together with other souvenirs. There are cups, plates, and everything typical you could wish for. The art comes first here, and the environment is really beautiful, quality craftsmanship worth...