Kama-to no Mori

A space combining a cafe, a lifestyle goods shop, and a gallery in Shigaraki, Koka City, Shiga Prefecture. Operated by Shigaraki ware producer Kato Co., Ltd., Kama-to no Mori opened in 2013 on the former site of an 80-meter-long tunnel kiln that had operated for 40 years. Shigaraki ware is still produced at the adjacent factory, offering a close-up sense of the craftsmanship behind this pottery tradition.

True to its name, which combines the Japanese word for a former kiln site with “art,” this space lets you discover artwork and items that brighten everyday life while getting a feel for the history of Shigaraki ware. The cafe serves lunch and sweets such as apple pie on tableware made by ceramic artists. Jazz plays in the 44-seat cafe, where you can relax over a meal overlooking a garden that changes with the seasons. The views are part of the appeal, from fresh spring foliage and deep summer greens to the colors of fall.

The gallery displays pottery and other works by a range of creators, including emerging artists. The shop carries items from Kato Co., Ltd.'s own Plusgarden brand, along with Shigaraki tableware and lifestyle goods, offering a look at the varied crafts made from Shigaraki clay. Seasonal workshops, markets, and music events are also held, giving visitors opportunities to explore art and craftsmanship alongside a meal.