When you get your favorite coffee cup or accessories, it makes you excited, right?
There is a small shop where you can encounter such excitement in the Bikan Historical Area of Kurashiki.
Various works made of wood, ceramics, and glass are all created by artists from Okayama Prefecture.
“Miuchi Zakkaten,” a shop filled with things that make the owner’s heart flutter.
Let me introduce the charm of Miuchi Zakkaten, where you can find exciting goods and the joy they convey!
What is Miuchi Zakkaten?
Miuchi Zakkaten is a small shop located on the southern side of the Bikan Historical Area in Kurashiki.
It is situated in a building within a traditional building preservation district that protects the historical townscape.
The shop opened on November 17, 2015, after renovating part of a barbershop that the owner’s father managed.
At the beginning of its opening, there were few works. By 2020, five years later, the number of artists increased, and the shop became filled with their works.
You can find “Kurashiki Design” masking tape, hand towels, glass works, and wooden crafts lined up.
▼ The shelf displaying masking tape and hand towels uses a chest of drawers that was sleeping in the owner's family home.
▼ The sign in front of the shop was designed by the owner's daughter.
Along with the works, please also check out the cute hand-drawn POP (point of purchase) signs by the owner that convey warmth.
At Miuchi Zakkaten, there are always works from over 20 artists on display.
I will introduce some items that caught my attention at Miuchi Zakkaten.
Exciting and heart-fluttering goods
Tableware that feels gentle warmth. Works by Hara Arika
The works of Hara Arika, who has a workshop in Mabi, were featured in my interview.
The color palette evokes the warmth of the earth, and the tableware is characterized by animal motifs.
You will feel a warm and fuzzy feeling from the gentle expressions of the animals.
From delicate insect objects to usable glasses. Works by Hirai Hiroaki
The glass works of dragonflies and lizards lined up on the windowsill are by Hirai Hiroaki.
Tourists walking through the town stopped to admire the delicate glass objects.
The recommended “Starry Sky Glass” by the owner is a must-see; be sure to take a look inside.
When you look through the surprisingly light glass, you will find a beauty reminiscent of the starry sky packed inside.
Glasses and accessories made with heat-resistant glass. Works by Yoshida Yusuke
The glass accessories that seem to capture the galaxy are works by Yoshida Yusuke.
When viewed from above or held up to the light, they reveal different expressions.
Can you see the swirling patterns inside the glass orb? How intricate it is!
On the day of the interview, I was able to meet Yoshida Yusuke, who came to deliver his works.
It’s also delightful to unexpectedly meet the artists at the shop.
Three-dimensional embroidery accessories made from thread. Hana to Shishu CoRte
Three-dimensional flower accessories made from thread are the charm of “Hana to Shishu CoRte.
Earrings and brooches in soft lavender and orange mimosa colors.
Many of the items have calm colors, making them enjoyable for all ages.
I was drawn to the delicate viola mini brooch and purchased it.
Attaching it as a point of interest to a simple mask will surely lift your spirits.
“Each one is different in color and shape, so I want you to pick one up and choose for yourself,” says the shop owner, Yamashita Izumi.
I asked about the circumstances of starting a small shop in the Bikan Historical Area and her encounter with miscellaneous goods.
Miuchi Zakkaten Data
| Name | Miuchi Zakkaten |
|---|---|
| Address | 5-12 Honmachi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-422-9105 |
| Parking | None |
| Business Hours | Weekdays: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Weekends: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Regular Holidays | Wednesdays, irregular holidays |
| Payment Methods |
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| Website | Miuchi Zakkaten Facebook |
