While exploring the pottery town of Arita in Saga Prefecture, there’s one spot you can’t miss if you’re a coffee lover. It’s called Gallery Arita, and it’s one of the most unique spots where you can get your caffeine fix in all of Japan!
There are nods to pottery everywhere – even outside!
One of the first things you’ll notice when you arrive at Gallery Arita is the Arita porcelain-inspired Mini Cooper in front of the premises. When you see it, you’ll know that you’re in the right place! It’s one of the most unique vehicles I’ve ever seen – and it shows just how passionate the local people are about their pottery. It’s a big source of pride for everyone in the area.
Pick your own cup and saucer from their incredible selection
When choosing your beverage, you’re not just faced with the decision of tea versus coffee, but with the tough task of selecting which cup and saucer combination you’d like your drink served in. This is what sets Gallery Arita apart from other cafes!
Those shelves aren’t just there for display purposes, but for patrons to utilize and enjoy. It’s said that there are over 2,000 different cups and saucers available to choose from. Be sure to spend some time browsing the unique pieces on offer, and when you’ve found one that takes your fancy, let your server know. They’ll organize your drink of choice to be served in the cup you picked out. Talk about next-level drink personalization!
Alongside the drinks on offer, there are plenty of eats as well. We stuck to desserts since we had already eaten lunch, but if you are looking for meal options, they’ve got a wide range of delicious sounding items available, many of which are local Arita specialties. The plates that the meals and desserts are served up on were all beautiful as well, such as this lovely piece we enjoyed our cheesecake on!
Shop ‘til you drop at the attached showroom
Looking to pick up some souvenirs from your time in Japan’s home of pottery? Attached to the cafe premises you’ll find a showroom with a range of different Arita porcelain pieces available to purchase. The pieces range from very traditional to adorably modern – and even somewhere in between! This Hello Kitty inspired Arita pottery that we saw on display definitely seemed to embrace the old and the new all in one.
Looking for other things to do during your time in Arita? Be sure to check out the wide range of pottery stores, including the Galaxy Glaze Showroom!
Gallery Arita information
Address
3057 Honmachi-Otsu, Arita-cho, Nishimatsuura-gun, Saga Prefecture 844-0018
Opening hours
The store hours are from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m., seven days a week, with last orders being taken at 6.30 p.m. They do close for the New Year’s Day holiday, so bear that in mind if you’re making a special trip.
Access
The gallery and cafe are situated under ten minutes on foot from Arita Station. If you’re headed there by private vehicle, there is a small free undercover parking lot at the site.
