Zuikou Kyoto-Kiyomizu Studio — Local services in Kyoto

I did pottery lessons on my birthday. It was a different experience with an electric wheel whereas I have only ever tried the wooden manual wheels :) the studio is easy to find - literally across Hokanji Temple. Our teacher provided us with an apron and basket for our things. The studio is super clean. Hands are predominantly used and the teacher also helps clean off the final product with a wet sponge and piece of leather finally the product is detached from the clay mound using a string. One is guided through the process at all times, the teacher is very helpful and encouraging — he will let you know how to position your fingers, hands, where to apply pressure and even count the number of seconds it should take to sculpt the bowl or plate to the right thickness. This isn’t free form so it isn’t playful like that (for example there’s a fixed diameter for the plate) but it is more like traditional Japanese artisanal style. The clay is also local from the Kyoto area I believe and it is smoother than other clays I have tried. The glazes are also really beautiful with some matte finishing which I love. What’s great is they also mail you your works after around 7-10 weeks. Payment is cash only and additional charges apply for shipping. Overall I loved the experience and it...

Went here with my wife and kid by booking a day before. Good thing there were 3 remaining slots left for the time we chose.

The experience was beginner-friendly and definitely enjoyable. My son who had tried pottery somewhere else (and did not enjoy it) was very engaged and wanted to make a lot more after the session. We were made to choose between cups, bowls, plates, etc.

The personnel were very friendly and patient with us. 1 person per student. They teach you how to give it the initial shape, then move onto the desired shape, then finally how to make minor tweaks to get the desired shape. It was 50 minutes well spent.

We opted to have our bowls delivered home after they bake and glaze them. Standard time given was 10 weeks. We just got them now via DHL - less than 10 weeks from the day we made them.

I must say, they came out great! Still debating if they'll be used or just sit as a display. 🤣

If time permits, we'll go again and make...

I did the basic course which was for 20mins and the instructor pretty much did everything while "showing" us what to do. It felt very rushed and she kept leaving to welcome new people in. The price would've been ok but it essentially doubled with the delivery. The top tier is probably better value as you'll potentially have more time to do things yourself but I can't recommend the basic level. I could've bought a couple of their well-made pieces for the same price and, whilst I grant that they don't have the experience of making them myself tied to them, that experience left a pretty sour taste in my mouth for a chunk of the day. 2 stars because the staff were friendly and the pieces they make are beautiful but the pottery experience feels like a scam in a...