Looking to enjoy pottery in Mashiko while savoring local dishes? Visit Sonohigurashi, a cafe run by pottery artist Toshihiko Nishimura and his wife Sanae. We interviewed this inspiring duo who moved to Mashiko, where Toshihiko became a pottery artist, and together they opened their own cafe.
If you’re interested in Mashiko, please find the article below.
Table of Contents
Profile of Writer
Yuki Hayase
Originally from Moka City, Tochigi Prefecture, with experience living in the U.S. and Taiwan, she is the owner of the bake shop and cafe Midnight Breakfast. Known for being the earliest to open and close in the area, the cafe serves a unique blend of American-style cookies made with locally sourced Tochigi ingredients and authentic Taiwanese milk tea. Beyond food and drinks, the cafe embodies “Local × Upcycling × Breakfast,” building community—a creative hub connecting people and ideas.
From Cycling to Pottery: My Path to Mashiko
Thank you for taking the time to chat with us. To start, what were you doing before coming to Mashiko?
From my first year of high school to my third year of university, I spent every long holiday cycling around Japan, aiming to complete a full trip around the country. My last trip was to Kochi Prefecture, where I found a magazine about Mashiko in a local bookstore. Until then, I hadn’t really thought about pottery, but I had always been interested in creating things. I wanted to try pottery. So, I dropped out of university and, with no particular plan, ended up in Mashiko. At 21, I made the decision to leave Tokyo and move here. Even though I didn’t know anyone, the people in Mashiko were kind and introduced me to many others.
Mashiko Pottery Meets Cafe Culture
How did you come to Mashiko, Sanae-san?
I came to Mashiko when I got married.
Did you start a cafe from there?
Our kids were growing up and about to go to university, and we wanted to share Mashiko pottery with more people. We thought using the pottery in a cafe would be a great way to showcase it and let people experience it firsthand. Back then, there was no social media, so we remember it being tough with few customers for about three years. Now, after celebrating our 10th anniversary, we focus on making sure every customer feels it’s worth the visit and we truly appreciate each person who walks through the door.
A Weekend Cafe Celebrating Mashiko Pottery
Tell us about the cafe, Sonohigurashi.
Sonohigurashi is a cafe open only on weekends. The menu is based on the Toshihiko’s pottery we want to use. Sanae creates dishes that pair perfectly with the his pottery. We started with a small selection, but as we kept wanting to make more, the menu naturally grew. Mashiko offers a wealth of local ingredients, and I think that’s one of the charms of the town—it allows us to bring our ideas to life.
After the Interview
The food served on Toshihiko’s pottery is incredible, but the real highlight is the collection displayed throughout the cafe. The atmosphere is so relaxing, with soothing music and a beautiful forest view right outside. You might even find yourself wanting to lie down in the garden. Be sure to try Toshihiko’s pottery and Sanae’s delicious dishes.
Details of Sonohigurashi
Official Site: View Website
- SNS: Instagram, Facebook
- Address: 3584-4 Osawa, Mashiko Town, Haga District, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan
