Episode 1: Insights from a Kagurazaka Store Owner – “Japanese Pottery Should Be Picked Up and Felt” – Exploring Maruoka Toen and the Charm of Ceramics in Tokyo

Kagurazaka Store Owner Interview Series Begins

The History of Maruoka Toen, a Pottery Shop with Over 130 Years of Tradition


The Deep Connection Between Pottery and Kagurazaka




The Importance of Picking Up and Feeling Pottery

At Maruoka Toen, lightweight and thin pottery is particularly popular. Sake cups, known as “Guinomi,” are popular among sake enthusiasts. Thin sake cups are especially favored, as they offer a better mouthfeel—a fact supported by scientific research. “Having our carefully curated selection appreciated by customers is the greatest reward,” says Mr. Okazaki. The many restaurants in Kagurazaka with a strong passion for sake resonate well with Maruoka Toen’s dedication to its craft.

A Growing Number of International Customers


The Maruoka Toen Motto: “Helping Highlight the Beauty of Cuisine”


Visit Kagurazaka!
If you’re not fluent in Japanese, join one of our tours with an English-speaking guide to explore the history, geisha culture, and vibrant dining scene of Kagurazaka before visiting Maruoka Toen. It will make your pottery shopping experience even more enjoyable!
Store Information: Maruoka Toen
Address: 3-6 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku, Tokyo
Hours: Tuesday–Friday: 10:00 AM–7:00 PM, Saturday: 11:00 AM–6:00 PM, Sunday & Holidays: 12:00 PM–6:00 PM
Closed on Mondays


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How to Access Kagurazaka