This time, we’d like to introduce Gallery Michinakaba—a pottery studio quietly tucked away in a calm residential neighborhood around Nijō.
It’s a wonderful place to step away from the busy sightseeing areas and enjoy creating something at your own pace in a peaceful setting.

Even if you’re a complete beginner, the experience is easy to enjoy, making it perfect for creating a meaningful souvenir from your trip.
Whether you come alone, with family, friends, or as a couple, you’re sure to have a relaxing and memorable time.

In this article, we’ll share the experience along with a few impressions from the writer’s previous visit.

The Workshop Experience

In general, you can make almost anything you like—from a mug to a flat plate.
The session begins with touching the clay and shaping it by hand, then you move on to forming your piece on an electric pottery wheel. With kind support from the staff along the way, you gradually create your very own one-of-a-kind piece.

As you focus on the clay and let your mind go quiet, the process feels almost like meditation—you naturally sink into your own world as you work.

When I visited with two friends (three of us total), none of us had any experience—and we even had our nails done. Still, thanks to the careful and patient guidance, we were able to complete our pieces without any problems.

Why You’ll Want to Come Back

Personally, the biggest charm of Gallery Michinakaba is the wonderful personality of the staff.
Everyone is gentle, calm, and truly kind. They’re also up to date with the latest trends—when we visited, “balletcore” was popular, and they even suggested design ideas inspired by it.

Their teaching style is very attentive: they watch each guest carefully and step in right away whenever someone needs help.
Throughout the process, they encourage you with positive comments like, “That’s a great idea!” or “Wow, you’re doing really well!”—so the entire experience feels fun, relaxed, and comfortable from start to finish.

After you finish, your piece will be dried and fired, and it will be ready in about 2–3 months. They also offer domestic shipping within Japan.

Final Notes

The closest station is Nishiōji Oike Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line.
From Kyo Hotel Kishotei Goshominami, it takes about 22 minutes in total by a combination of walking and train—easy to fit into your Kyoto itinerary without feeling rushed.

If you’d like to join the workshop, please note that a reservation by phone is required in advance.
Why not spend a special moment in Kyoto creating your own pottery—something truly personal to take home as a memory of your trip?

Gallery Michinakaba (ギャラリー道半)

Open: Daily
Closed: Year-end/New Year holidays
(Other closures are irregular, so please confirm by phone.)
Hours: 10:00–20:00
Address: 18 Nishinokyo Hinokuchi-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
TEL: 075-366-6328