Mitsuo 陶物師 三島 — Local services in Kyoto

One of the most magical encounters of our entire honeymoon. As my wife and I perambulated around our ward on our second day in Kyoto, by pure happenstance, we stepped into Mishima-san’s workshop. We’d been to several ceramics shops in our travels up to that point, and exhibited a Herculean effort in resisting buying anything that didn’t feel essential. But upon entry, something lit up in us. The crafts on display demonstrate the decades of diligent and discerning craftsmanship that Mishima-san has under his belt, and what’s more, we were immediately charmed by Yamauchi Rie-san, his assistant. Mishima-san came out to greet us, and the four of us had a lovely and insightful conversation about his work that ultimately ended up being about life. It was magical, and a moment of priceless human connection across oceans and language. We walked away with a number of pieces that will hold a pride of place in our home for decades to come, and we eagerly...

I was welcomed in by Rie-san, and she kindly helped me find pieces that interested me. I had initially left with a few pieces (that I was very happy with!), but returned after being drawn back to a beautiful chawon that was in the store. She kindly explained to me the symbolism of the piece, and was incredibly generous and friendly in inviting me for tea and wasenbon while we chatted about the pieces in the store and got to know each other. I was also lucky to meet Mishima-san when I returned! They were so warm and kind, and I will remember this experience as the highlight of my trip. I left with meaningful pieces and a special memory :) I hope to visit again next time I'm...

We stayed in Kyoto for nearly a week - this store was one of our Top 5 favorite experiences.

The artwork itself is beautiful, almost all of which is made by an old man who has been selling ceramics for nearly 70 years. We had the pleasure of meeting him and one of his students, and he insisted on taking a photo at the end of our visit.

Some people may be surprised by the prices here compared to the stamped, mass-produced ceramics in touristy areas. That said, these pieces are unique and masterfully crafted - the art, and the experience,...