Private Tour of Ohi Museum in Kanazawa With Toshio Ohi Chozaemon XI—Enjoy Matcha in Ohi Ware

Ohi Museum, Preserving Kanazawa's Tea Culture Today

The Higashi Chaya District in Kanazawa is known for its charming historic streetscape. Nearby, the Ohi Museum, opened in 1990, is a private museum owned by the Ohi Chozaemon Kiln. Its exterior features ceramic walls by the 10th-generation Ohi Chozaemon, and inside, you’ll find works from the first to 11th generations of the Ohi family.

Located near Higashi Chaya District and Kenrokuen Garden, popular tourist spots in Kanazawa

In the Edo period, the Maeda family, lords of Kaga, brought craftsmen from Kyoto to shape Kanazawa into a cultural city. The first Chozaemon was said to be among them, starting a kiln in Kanazawa and passing down the tradition of Ohi ware for over 360 years across 11 generations. It's also said that Maeda Toshiie, the first Kaga lord, studied the tea ceremony under Sen no Rikyu, and the tea ceremony culture remains deeply rooted in Kanazawa today.

A gallery showcasing works by the 10th and 11th generations

Tour of the Museum With Toshio Ohi Chozaemon XI

In this experience, Toshio Ohi Chozaemon XI will guide you through the museum, highlighting its treasured items. On the first floor, the first-generation room offers a glimpse into the Ohi family's origins, showcasing pieces favored by Senso Soshitsu (1622-1697), the great-grandson of Sen no Rikyu and founder of the Urasenke school of tea ceremony. Up until the ninth generation, the kiln primarily produced tea utensils. The 10th generation expanded to larger works, and the 11th generation has continued to broaden the scope of Ohi ware.

Artist and designer Toshio Ohi Chozaemon XI

On the second floor, tea bowls from the first to the 11th generations are displayed in chronological order. Ohi ware is known for being hand-formed without a potter's wheel, making each piece one-of-a-kind with exceptional craftsmanship. Take a moment to admire the spatula-carved texture and the distinctive amber glaze. You'll also learn about the history behind each piece and the personality of the artist—insights only the current Chozaemon can share.

The works of each Chozaemon generation are beautifully showcased

The third floor features items connected to individuals associated with the Ohi family. With ties to notable figures from various fields, the Ohi family’s history is rich with fascinating stories—especially for fans of Japanese history.

Enjoy a Luxurious Tea Time With Ohi Ware

After touring the museum, visit the Ohi Gallery, designed by architect Kengo Kuma to blend seamlessly with the historic surroundings. You’ll also enjoy tea at the Nennenan teahouse, where you’ll have the rare chance to choose a tea bowl made by successive generations of Ohi Chozaemon—a unique opportunity to hold a piece of history in your hands.

Enjoy tea with bowls crafted by successive generations of Ohi Chozaemon

The handmade tea bowls may look heavy, but you’ll be surprised by their lightness and the soft feel as you sip matcha. Appreciating these bowls is a highlight of the tea ceremony. Exclusive to Wabunka, you can also choose to upgrade to a full tea ceremony experience, to gain a deeper understanding of the significance of the bowls and utensils you saw at the museum in the context of the tea ceremony.

Upgrade to a full-scale tea ceremony using Ohi ware utensils

See Toshio Ohi Chozaemon XI’s Works at the Ohi Gallery

After the tea ceremony experience, you'll return to the Ohi Gallery to view works created by the 10th and 11th generation Ohi masters. In addition to tea-related items, you'll find everyday pieces like plates, teacups, and sake bottles. What these works have in common is their simple design and use of color. As the pieces age, they gain depth and continue to exude a lasting presence.

Ohi Gallery designed by Kengo Kuma

The gallery also has books about Ohi ware. Toshio Ohi Chozaemon XI published a book in 2022, sharing his thoughts on his creations as an artist. The Ohi family, having lived in Kanazawa for generations, has evolved alongside the local culture and aesthetic values. By engaging deeply with themselves and passionately exploring new expressions, they continue to embody the essence of Ohi ware.

Take your time to appreciate the various works

Experience Ohi Ware in Kanazawa Through Sight, Touch, and Taste

Ohi ware has been central to Kanazawa’s tea culture since it was first used for tea ceremonies. Learning from Toshio Ohi Chozaemon XI—a ceramic artist who not only carries on the tradition but is also active in contemporary art and spatial design, is a rare and valuable experience. At the heart of the tea ceremony is "dialogue." By engaging with Ohi ware and its history, you might find an opportunity to reflect on yourself and enjoy a moment of tranquility.

Works of Toshio Ohi Chozaemon XI