13-30 Onarimachi, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0012, Japan +81467231967 Hours: 10:30am-6:00pm Tu-Su. Closed M. Price: $-$$$$ Size: Tiny Quality: Medium - High Quantity: High Change in stock: Medium Presentation: Tiny shop with three aisles, most of the antiques are crammed into the two front window displays, or piled outside on the street Overall: Highly recommended, very crowded and hard to see things, but lots of pieces from nice Imari wares, Oribe, netsuke, on up to pieces by LNTs and other masters. Prices are generally reasonable (netsuke are 10000-50000 JPY, a Shimaoka piece might run 20000-40000 JPY, more common pieces are 1000-20000). Very cramped and low key, but I've gotten some good deals here.
Japan, 〒248-0006 Kanagawa, Kamakura, Komachi, 1 Chome−5−27 カトレヤビル 2階 +81467224818 Hours: 11:00am-5:00pm Price: $-$$$ Size: Small Quality: 2/5 Quantity: 2/5 Change in stock: 2/5 Presentation: 3/5 Overall: 2/5 - Not a lot of selection (mostly Imari ware and some lacquer pieces), not a lot of chance in stock, prices are ok. Upstairs near the Kamakura station.
Japan, 〒248-0006 Kanagawa, Kamakura, Komachi, 1 Chome−6−13 コトブキハウス 2F +81467231395 http://utsuwa-shoken.com/home Hours: W-M 12:00pm-6:00pm. Closed Tu. Size: Medium Overall: 3/5. On west (left) side of Komachi-dori street, upstairs. Nice selection of studio pottery.
? https://maps.app.goo.gl/FoL4TFRXcHXGtZTW6
Hours: ? Price: $$$-$$$$$ Size: Tiny Quality: 4/5 Quantity: 2/5 Change in stock: 3/5 Presentation: 5/5 Overall: 3/5. On east (right) side of the main Komachi-dori shopping street. Small selection, a little pricey, but some nice netsuke, ceramics, and Chinese and Korean pieces.
Example purchases:
Kamakura Kichichoan Museum 鎌倉 吉兆庵美術館 https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ld54btBxcT28FAAN6
Hours: Tu-Su 10:00am-5:00pm. Closed M Size: Small Overall: 3/5. No photos. Buy tickets in adjacent sweets shop. Exhibits change regularly, their collections seems to mostly focus on Makuzu Kozan or Kitaoji Rosanjin. One of my favorite ramen shops (Ginza Kagari Ramen) is across the walkway from their side entrance.
Kamakurabori Museum, Local Giftshop & Cafe鎌倉彫資料館 https://maps.app.goo.gl/SqTnPDtcB4LQi2QYA
Hours: W-Su 10:00am-4:00pm. Closed M-Tu Size: Small Overall: 3/5. No photos. Nice small collection of Kamakurabori lacquer.
? ?
Hours: ? Price: $$-$$$$ Size: Medium Quality: 1/5 Quantity: 2/5 Change in stock: 2/5 Presentation: 3/5 Overall: 2/5. On east (right) side of Komachi-dori street. Selection is not great, and anything interesting I've seen has also been pretty expensive. I've never bought anything. But it's on the main shopping street, so I'll usually stop in if passing it.
? https://maps.app.goo.gl/m3Zcej7i2d3BZ5eA7
Hours: ? Price: Size: Small Quality: Quantity: Change in stock: ?, I've only been one time Presentation: Overall: I managed to find this place open once (maybe it was a weekend in the middle of the day?) and never since then. The selection was nice, but I didn't buy anything. It's a little out of the way.
Hours: 11:00am-5:00pm F-Tu. Closed W-Th Selling: Antiques Price: $$-$$$$ Size: Small Quality: 3/5 Quantity: 2/5 Change in stock: 2/5 Presentation: 4/5 Overall: 3/5 - One of my favorite looking stores with some nice pieces, but not a lot of variety. I've bought a few Arita pieces here, but nothing too amazing.
Hours: M-Sa 10:00am-6:00pm. Su 10:00am-2:30pm. Note that my first time I arrived a little before closing and was told they were closed Selling: Antiques & vintage Price: $-$$ Size: Tiny Quality: 2/5 Quantity: 2/5 Change in stock: 3/5 Presentation: 2/5 Overall: Prices are cheap, but it's a little crowded, not too well organized, and the quality is so-so.
Example purchases:
鎌倉 Meri Hari (衣食住 Meri Hari)https://maps.app.goo.gl/vf1TTxQbEf5wPFKe9
3 Chome-1-27 Yukinoshita, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0005, Japan +81467240884 Hours: 12:00pm-5:00pm Tu-Su (Closed M) Selling: Mostly studio pottery Price: $$$$ Size: Small Quality: 3/5 Quantity: 4/5 Change in stock: ? Presentation: 3/5 Overall: 2/5 - Some nice studio pieces, but the prices all seem very high. I've never bought anything here.
Iris イリス
8-3 Onarimachi, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0012, Japan Hours: ? - about 6:00pm Price: $$-$$$$ Size: Small Quality: 3/5 Quantity: 4/5 Change in stock: 2/5 Presentation: 3/5 - A little crowded but nicely presented Overall: 4/5 - Nice selection of things, I usually spend a decent amount time here looking at everything, and usually buy a few things.
Example purchases:
Utsuwa-shoken Onari NEAR https://maps.app.goo.gl/FojtbQEYz4tHS8YD9
5-28 Onarimachi, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0012, Japan +81467813504 http://utsuwa-shoken.com/ Hours: 12:00pm-6:00pm W-M. Closed Tu Selling: Studio pottery Size: Small Overall - another nice studio pottery shop, this one is smaller and usually seems to focus on a single exhibitor at one time. I've never bought anything.
2 Chome-1-10 Sasuke, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0017, Japan +81467221822 http://moyaikogei.jp/ Hours: W-M 10:00am-5:00pm. Closed Tu Selling: Mingei pottery (Okinawan, Onta) Disclaimer: This place is a little out of the way so I've never been here!
Japan, 〒248-0007 Kanagawa, Kamakura, Ōmachi, 1 Chome−6−6 6番地3号 +81467250184 Hours: Sa-Su 10:00am-4:00pm. Closed M-F Selling: Antique or studio pottery? Disclaimer: This place is a little out of the way and their hours are limited so I've never been here!
Recycle Shop Kurukuru くるくる
1 Chome-1262-5 Kotsubo, Zushi, Kanagawa 249-0008, Japan +81120448913 Hours: Th-Tu 10:30am-6:00pm. Closed W. Size: Medium-Large Disclaimer: This place is way out of the way! Overall - I've bought a few things here, but prices seem to be a little high despite the quality of things being so-so.
This next grouping is along the road between Kamakura station and Hase station
Hours: Price: Size: Small Quality: Quantity: Change in stock: Presentation: Overall: Seems to be mostly Imari ware, I don't know if I've ever been inside, it's usually closed when I pass by.
Hours: Price: Size: Small Quality: 2/5 Quantity: Change in stock: Presentation: 3/5 Overall: 2/5 - Not a lot of interesting things, but worth checking out if passing buy.
Hours: W-M 9:30am-6:00pm (note that the door is often locked when I go by). Closed Tu Price: $$$$$ Size: Medium Quality: 5/5 Quantity: 1/5 Change in stock: 4/5 - Displays seem to change regularly Presentation: 5/5 Overall: 3/5 - Very high end (usually some Kawai Kanjiro on display), reminds me of the high end antique galleries in Kyoto (nice to look at, but usually not a lot on display, the prices are very high). They have a museum too, but I haven't visited
Hours: W-M 11:00am-6:00pm (note that I visited one time in the afternoon ~2:00pm and it was closed (possibly for lunch), and another time about 5:30pm and he was closing up). Closed Tu 3 Chome-1-27 Yuigahama, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0014, Japan +81467229556 http://www.facebook.com/antique.yu Price: $-$$$$ Size: Medium Quality: 3/5 Quantity: 3/5 Change in stock: 3/5 Presentation: 4/5 Overall: 5/5 - Very reasonable prices, nicely organized, interesting pieces. Sometimes has some high-end pieces, sometimes not. Make sure to leave your bags/backpack at the front door. Hours can be a little irregular, and it's a little out of the way, so it's a bit of a gamble, but it's one of my favorite Kamakura stores. Cash only. I got lucky and found 2 Makuzu Kozan vases here
Hours: Price: $$-$$$$$ Size: Medium Quality: 4/5 Quantity: 4/5 Change in stock: 2/5 Presentation: 3/5 Overall: 3/5 - Prices are a little high, selection is nice but doesn't change often. I've bought a few things here, one wasn't wrapped very well though and broke enroute after the lid got loose so that was a little disappointing. Near Hase-dera
3 Chome-10-29 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0016, Japan +817085617986 Hours: M-Sa 10 AM–4:30 PM, Su Sunday, 1–4:30 PM Price: $-$$ Size: Teeny-Tiny Quality: 1/5 Quantity: 1/5 Change in stock: Presentation: Overall: This place seems to be mostly unmanned when I've visited, operating on an honor system. Nothing too exciting, newer thrift store quality of wares, but you might find the odd piece.
3 Chome-12-10 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0016, Japan Hours: 10:30 AM–6 PM Price: $-$$$ Size: Tiny Quality: 2/5 Quantity: 3/5 Change in stock: Presentation: 2/5 Friendliness: 1/5 Overall: This place is right outside Hase-dera and probably has to deal with obnoxious tourists, but I found it very unwelcoming. The quality is so so, it's cramped, but they might have a few interesting things.
2 Chome-14-16 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0016, Japan +81467813073 Hours: W-Su 12:00pm-6:00pm. Closed M-Tu (note that I last came here on a M and they were open, so...) Price: $-$$$ Size: Small Quality: 3/5 Quantity: 2/5 Change in stock: 2/5 Presentation: 4/5 Friendliness: 5/5 Overall: Extremely friendly, the owner speaks English well, prices are fair, and I've found a few nice pieces here. They also sell clothing. But the small selection of antiques doesn't seem to change much. Also, they seem to be open often even when the hours say they should be closed, which is nice (usually it's the opposite).
Hours: 10 AM–6 PM Japan, 〒247-0062 Kanagawa, Kamakura, Yamanouchi, 510-1 2F +81467813652 Price: $$-$$$$ Size: Small Quality: 4/5 Quantity: 3/5 Change in stock: 2/5 Presentation: 4/5 Overall: 4/5 Upstairs next to Kitakamakura station, they also have a good selection of Shimaoka
Hours: Tu-Su 11:30 AM–3 PM. Closed M. 1385-3 Yamanouchi, Kamakura, Kanagawa 247-0062, Japan +81467249534 Price: Size: Medium Quality: 4/5 Quantity: 3/5 Change in stock: 3/5 Presentation: 4/5 Overall: 4/5 mostly older antiques. The old building it's in is amazing
Example purchases:
? https://maps.app.goo.gl/5Yce38NAt5RXubeGA
Hours: ? Price: $-$$$ Size: Small Quality: 3/5 Quantity: 4/5 Change in stock: 2/5 Presentation: 2/5 Overall: 3/5 - They seem to be open primarily by appointment, and if you walk up the sliding door will probably be locked with a lady sitting at the desk just inside, but if you're polite she'll probably let you browse around the crowded store. Prices are generally fair (there's a few things at the limit of my price range) and I usually find a few nice things.
Example purchases:
Kitakamakura Old Private House Museum 北鎌倉古民家ミュージアム https://maps.app.goo.gl/TRfHkswKDxhnyiwV7 It's a nice museum, but their gift shop often seems to have studio and antique pottery
There are one or two shops on the mainland side on the touristy walkway between the Enoden line station and the causeway, but one is mostly European antiques, and the other seemed to be just a handful of things being sold out the front of an old house (and I couldn't find it last time, they may have closed up shop).
Example purchases:
Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture
Hard Off Fujisawa ハードオフ藤沢店 (Off House) https://maps.app.goo.gl/AGSZ3v2yAknqFfqQ6
Address: Phone: Price: $$-$$$$$ Quality: Medium to High Quantity: Medium Hours: Presentation: Nicely organized. Mostly nice mingei pieces (the usual suspects; Mashiko, Onta, Okinawan pottery) and some high end pieces by LNTs like Hamada Shoji and not-a-LNT Kawai Kanjiro Mogi Folk Art in Koengi has a lot of Mingei wares and some studio pottery.
Tsutaya bookstore at the top of Ginza Six sometimes has some studio pottery and artsy pieces. They have corner specifically for netsuke and sword accoutrements. It's a very cool space.
Mashiko, Tochigi Prefecture
Kyoto
flea market
flea market
Robert Yellin Yakimono Gallery ロバート イエリンやきものギャラリー https://maps.app.goo.gl/PHRs3wG4xvBLSx3z5
Japan, 〒606-8407 Kyoto, Sakyo Ward, Ginkakujimaecho, 2 四季咲 +81757085581 http://japanesepottery.com/ Hours: ? Price: $$$-$$$$$ Quality: High Quantity: Medium Overall: Highly recommend Presentation: A lot of things to see but not cluttered, a beautifully curated gallery.
I've put this section in order from if you were walking from near the Yasaka Shrine in Gion, along Ninenzaka, then along Sanenzaka, up the touristy road to Kiyomizu-dera, then back down from Kiyomizu-dera along the less touristy road. There are a ton of pottery shops around here ranging from tourist wares to studio pottery, I've only listed some of my favorites.
難波美術道具店 Nambaart Japanese antique https://maps.app.goo.gl/peqvoxGeGRnDFS4b8
540-1 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0074, Japan +81755313361 Hours: 10:30am-7:00pm Price: $-$$$$ Quality: Low-Medium Quantity: High Presentation: Somewhat cluttered, narrow aisles Overall: Easy to visit due to central location and long hours
Japan, 〒605-0825 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Shimokawaracho, 463 +81755611443 Hours: 10:00am-5:00pm Price: $$$-$$$$$ Quality: Medium Quantity: Medium Presentation: Typical Kyoto style piles of pottery inside an old house/storefront Overall: Worth a quick look This store has a nice selection of antique pottery and woodblock prints, but prices aren't cheap. I've never bought anything but I was tempted by some Minpei Awaji dishes, and Kutani and Imari porcelain.
Kiyomizu Sannenzaka Museum 清水三年坂美術館 https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ymi89zucL5byAod58
Hours: W-Su 10:00am-5:00pm. Closed M-Tu
Japanese Antiques https://maps.app.goo.gl/t2R58wapuLP3A7bp7
2F, 2 Chome-222 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan Hours: 10:00am-6:00pm Price: $$$-$$$$$ Quality: Medium-High Quantity: Medium Presentation: Nicely organized Overall: Worth a quick look Some nice pieces in here, mostly more high-end. I've never bought anything but I've been tempted by a celadon ceramic netsuke with a raku mark, and some Ko-Kiyomizu pieces.
1 Chome-280 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan +81755312181 http://www.asahido.co.jp/ Hours: 9:30am-6:00pm The bottom floor is mostly Kiyomizu pottery production ware, with some antique Satsuma ware along the sides and in the back corner. The top floor has a restaurant, toilet, and lot of nicer studio pottery wares. Note the Makuzu Kozan vase along the stairs!
KONDO Museum 近藤悠三記念館 https://maps.app.goo.gl/MfF1M9oP5szFQ8gy7