Toko is located on Jonaizaka, the main street of Mashiko, known for its pottery. About 30 pottery shops line the gentle slope on both sides. As you approach the entrance of Jonaizaka, a large traditional Japanese house stands out. Today, let’s explore the charm of Toko, a shop specializing in Mashiko pottery.
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Yukiyo Kaneko
The owner of the blueberry farm “Blueberry, Satoyama and…”. Bathed in plenty of sunlight, the farm features around 40 varieties of blueberries, offering a fresh, juicy taste straight from nature. While savoring the delicious berries, visitors can paint on a large canvas, relax, and soak in the serene beauty of the surroundings. Under the bright blue sky, people return year after year to create unforgettable summer memories.
Toko: Celebrating True Richness
Toko is a gallery and shop with works from many artists. Most Mashiko pottery shops on Jonaizaka Street started with potters selling their own creations. Toko took a different approach by showcasing pieces from various artists. Today, it works with about 40 artists, mainly from Mashiko, and also runs the Sayado Wada Kiln brand.
Toko’s concept is “True Richness.” Step inside, and you’ll see it right away. The shop builds close relationships with artists, respects their creative expression, and focuses on individuality rather than trends. Every piece reflects the artist’s unique style.
Pottery comes from clay, shaped by human hands with nature’s gifts. Toko explores how these creations can bring true richness to daily life.
Toko’s Path from Textiles to Mashiko Pottery
Toko started in 1898 as a kimono shop in Mashiko. Later, it shifted to selling fertilizers to keep up with changing demands. As agriculture declined and government policies reduced fertilizer demand, the business needed another change.
While running the fertilizer business, Toko also sold Ashinuma stone, a key ingredient in pottery glazes, across Japan. This led to selling raw materials for Mashiko pottery and building strong ties with the ceramics industry. In 1974, Toko opened as a Mashiko pottery shop. The business has evolved over the years, and Toko has been a pottery shop for 50 years now.
Toko: Mashiko Pottery for the World
Toko attracts visitors from all over the world. In Japan, it’s common to buy pottery directly from its place of origin, but this is rare in other countries. As a result, many people ask which pieces are made in Mashiko and enjoy purchasing pottery straight from the source.
Toko also has strong international connections, including exhibitions in the UK and collaborations with French designers. To make shopping easier for customers in Asia, Toko is updating its online shop. For now, anyone interested in a product can inquire in English through the website, and Toko will guide them through the purchase process.
Fun hands-on workshops
Toko also offers fun hands-on workshops. One popular option is the Kintsugi class, where you can try the traditional Japanese technique of repairing broken pottery with gold powder. There are two types of classes:
Light Class
In this class, you use gold-colored adhesive to repair pottery, similar to Kintsugi. A repair expert, who previously worked on restoring Nikko Toshogu Shrine, leads the class. This is a one-day workshop.Authentic Kintsugi
This class uses lacquer for a more traditional Kintsugi experience. A lacquer artist teaches the class, and the repair process takes about six months to complete.
After the Interview
The shop is set in a 100-year-old wooden building from the late Taisho period and an Oya stone warehouse. It offers a space where you can experience Japan’s culture and tradition. You’ll find not only unique pottery but also accessories and daily items made with various crafts. It’s a place where adults can lose track of time and get fully immersed. Beautiful flowers decorate the pottery throughout the shop, letting you enjoy both ceramics and the art of flower arrangement. This pottery gallery is a true cultural treasure. Be sure to enjoy Mashiko pottery when you visit.
Details:
Official Site: View Website
- Address: 2 Jonaizaka, Mashiko-machi, Haga-gun, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan
