My family loves Bizen ware, and this was our third visit. I had seen news that it had closed once before, so I contacted Bizen City to be sure before visiting. The exhibits are on the second floor.
Firstly, the accessibility is insufficient; you have to climb stairs to reach the exhibits. It would be difficult for wheelchair users to use.
While there is a decent selection, there are few items in the affordable price range.
There were some areas where customer service could be improved. The Aeon Card information stated that there was a discount for showing an Aeon Card, so I presented it, but was told that "this is not currently offered." I don't know whose mistake it was, but it's frustrating when the information doesn't match reality. Also, the service wasn't very smooth; it seemed they had to check with another staff member in the back each time, which made the checkout process take a long time. It would be reassuring if there was a system in place to provide support when someone requiring assistance is serving customers.
Furthermore, while the artist gallery corner is good for those who want to enjoy conversations with the artists, those who want to view the works quietly might find the frequent interruptions burdensome.
The overall impression has changed compared to before, so I think I'll postpone my next visit for a while.
I visited around 9:00 AM on November 5, 2025.
On the first floor, there were autographs and merchandise from local baseball players Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Yuma Tongu on display.
I heard there's a Bizen ware art gallery on the second floor, but it was closed that day.
A kind gentleman at the information desk gave me a map showing the location of Yoshinobu Yamamoto's MLB manhole cover.
The Bizen Pottery Gallery on the second floor of Ibe Station
What does Bizen City hope to achieve by kicking out the members of Ibe's Bizen Pottery Friends Association?
Maybe from city taxes? Are they trying to make a profit?
It's so embarrassing now.
As a citizen, all I'm left with is a sense of shame.
I went to Bizen on my way back from buying grapes. The souvenir shop at the entrance to the Industrial Hall was gone, and the Touyukai exhibition hall on the second floor was also out of stock. There were no people around the pottery shops in front of the station or on the main street. Only the staff remained open, making it difficult to enter, and I couldn't even visit the artists' homes. While firewood and labor costs are likely involved in firing the kiln, perhaps one area they should reflect on is the extreme price hikes they made during the bubble economy. I don't know much about art, but I can't afford to spend hundreds of thousands of yen on a matcha tea bowl. Personal matters aside, please come and look for tea utensils, sake utensils, and flower vases. The Bizen Festival is held on October 18th and 19th.
As of August 2025
Works by each Bizen ware artist are on display and for sale throughout the venue.
You can see cool works that truly capture the essence of fire and earth, and find your favorite artist.
Many kilns are scattered around the area, centering on this spot, so this is probably the place to start.
More about Bizen Traditional Industry Hall, Okayama from our blog
