Special Experience
Kanazawa
Private Tour of Ohi Museum in Kanazawa With Toshio Ohi Chozaemon XI—Enjoy Matcha in Ohi Ware
Overview
Ohi ware, a key part of Kanazawa’s tea culture since the Edo period (1603-1868), comes to life at the Ohi Museum, located at the historic Ohi Chozaemon Kiln, which has been making Ohi ware for generations. Led by Toshio Ohi Chozaemon XI, 11th generation ceramic master from the Ohi family, you'll tour the museum and admire Ohi ware passed down from the first Chozaemon, along with tea utensils linked to the Kaga domain. Afterward, you'll get to hold a tea bowl crafted by a past Ohi Chozaemon and enjoy matcha at the Nennenan teahouse. This is a special opportunity to experience the history of Kanazawa through sight, touch, and taste.
Key Features
・Enjoy a special tour of Ohi Museum, showcasing Ohi ware’s 360-year history
・Be guided by Toshio Ohi Chozaemon XI, a renowned artist and designer
・Learn about Kanazawa’s tea culture through a sensory experience with Ohi ware tea bowls. You can also choose to upgrade to a full-scale tea ceremony experience
Kanazawa
from
¥17,000 /person
1 - 8 participants
60 min
Available in English
Cancel free up to 8 days before
* If fewer than 2 participants, the minimum fee will be JPY 34,000
Details
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ohi Museum
Ohi Museum
This private museum showcases over 360 years of Ohi ware history, featuring works from the first to the 11th generation of Ohi Chozaemon. It also displays pieces highlighting the connection between the first Chozaemon and Senso Soshitsu, along with collaborations with notable figures close to the Ohi family. Remarkably, despite being a private museum, it has earned a one-star rating in the Michelin Guide.
Location
Ohi Museum
Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Request for booking
* Required
November 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
17
Available
17
Full
17
No Events
If your first choice is not available, we will confirm your booking based on your other preferred dates and times.
Additional Options
If you would like to experience a full-scale tea ceremony at the Nennenan teahouse, please select this option.
Tea ceremony experience (+30min) / person
JPY 15,400
0
Experience fee
Minimum fee JPY 17000 × 2 participants
JPY 34,000
*Minimum: 2 participants; JPY 17,000 × 2 will be charged for bookings below the minimum.
Price may change after date is selected.
Additional options fee
Interpretation in English
JPY 0
Other
Service fee (5%)
JPY 1,700
Total Price
JPY 35,700
tax & service fee incl.
Extra charges may apply for the following
- ・Interpretation / Dependant on experience schedule and language
- ・Optional add-ons / Souvenirs, delivery, etc.
Kanazawa
from
¥17,000 /person
1 - 8 participants
60 min
Available in English
Cancel free up to 8 days before
* If fewer than 2 participants, the minimum fee will be JPY 34,000
Things to know
Contact Us
If you have any questions, please contact us using the form below.
We also accept bookings from corporate clients and travel agencies.