Ensou Cafe & Gallery - Art and Music in the Forests of Koka.

Hidden in the forests of Shigaraki Village, Ensou Cafe & Gallery is a secluded compound dedicated to handcrafts, art, over-the-top pastries, and soothing jazz music. Shigaraki is a town in Koka, Shiga Prefecture, known for its ceramics and the high quality of its clay. Thus, it is quite fitting that space like Ensou exists in these forests.

Ensou Cafe & Gallery

Ensou is run by 4th generation ceramic master, Kasho Morioka, who also runs Kashogama Studio, a well-known pottery school and gallery in Kyoto. To preserve the harmony of the natural environment, Kasho dismantled an old kominka home from Osaka, and moved it to the Shigaraki forest. The old structure was brightened up with beautiful wooden floors and long tables, and a delicate touch of contemporary design.

Ensou_Cafe

From the moment you arrive at Ensou, you are greeted by the refreshing nature, and two traditional japanese buildings. One of them houses the pottery studio with an adjacent kiln oven. This is where Kasho creates some of his masterpieces. This is also where visitors can partake, with prior reservation, in one of the workshops offered. From here, a gravel path leads down to the cafe and gallery building.

Ensou Cafe & Gallery

Even if you are not planning to participate in a workshop, the cafe & gallery space is worthy of a visit here. Thanks to glass panel windows, the space is filled with natural light even on rainy days. From anywhere you decide to sit, you will have a clear view of the forest facing the building. Opposite to the window view, a tall shelf is filled with vintage records. Soothing jazz tunes complement the natural canvas creating a relaxing atmosphere and the perfect environment to enjoy the art on the walls, a cup of coffee, and the mouth-watering desserts in store. These desserts are as beautiful as they are delicious. They are full of color and fresh ingredients and are served on the beautiful pottery created on location.

Ensou Cafe & Gallery

For those who appreciate art, there is section of the building where Kasho displays a variety of his work. These pieces are available for sale or to be appreciated from the comfort of your seat. Ensou also collaborates with other re-known artists like Kudo Muromasa, Kaori Morioka, and Hiroki Shizui. Local musicians are also invited on occasion to perform live. Art exhibitions and other cultural events are held throughout the year.

Ensou Cafe & Gallery

Ensou Cafe & Gallery is located an hour and a half away from Kyoto Station. Take the JR Tokaido-Sanyo Line towards Tsuge up to Kibukawa Station. At this point transfer to the Shigarakikogen Tetsudo Line via Shigaraki, getting off at Shirarakigushi Station. A 5-minute walk later you will have arrived. If you are driving, take the eastbound Shin-Meishin Expressway, cutting down the length of the journey to 45 minutes (traffic permitting). If time is not a concern, a visit to Ensou is the perfect compliment to a day at the Miho Museum which is also part of the main attractions in Koka, and a mere 15 minute drive away.

Gallery&Cafe ENSOU

滋賀県甲賀市信楽町牧15

0748831236

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