How to Choose a Bowl Based on Its Production Area: Detailed Characteristics of Each Region

February 28, 2025

(Updated on: March 26, 2025 )

Donburi is made all over Japan, but its characteristics differ depending on the region of production.
In this article, we will explain the characteristics of each production area in an easy-to-understand manner.

There are so many types of donburi that you can't decide which one to get...
If you're like that, by knowing the differences between each production area, you'll be able to find out which one is closest to your preference, such as 〇〇yaki.
Please use this as a reference when choosing not only bowls but also utensils.

I want to see what products are available first! If so, please take a look here.

Donburi list page

Mino ware

Mino ware has a division of labor in which different types of pottery are made depending on the region.
In particular, the "Dachi area" in Toki City is known as the number one donburi producing region in Japan.

The characteristic of Mino ware is that it has no characteristics.
The techniques and glaze types are diverse, with 15 types designated as traditional crafts, including Oribe, Kiseto, and Shino.
Therefore, there is a wide variety of shapes and patterns.

If I had to pick out its features, it would be that it is thick, durable, and easy to use.
Also, it is relatively reasonable, so it is suitable if you want to have multiple items.

Donburi Bowl Thick Blue Stripes Nijimi-Tokusa | Mino Ware

An eye-catching bowl with hand-drawn blue lines on a white background.
The easy-to-use design that you would find at a set meal restaurant is attractive.

The base is low and wide, so it feels stable whether you hold it in your hand or place it on a table.
There is a pattern on the inside, so the ingredients on top of the noodles and rice stand out beautifully.
It is also nice to use it with blue-colored pottery such as Sometsuke or Yachimun.

[UTSUWABI Special Order] Donburi Bowl Bronze L | Mino Ware

The stylish bronze bowl is made from Mino ware.
It features a clean form that fits snugly in your hand when you pick it up.
Since it is thin, it is a practical container that is lightweight and pleasant to the touch.

It's luxurious but reasonably priced, so it's great if you want to have multiple items.
Paired with a different color of white, it is also recommended as a gift for couples.

Donburi Bowl Straw Pattern Orange | Mino Ware

A bowl with an impactful orange and brown striped pattern.
This pattern is a traditional pattern called "Mugiwarate" because it looks like an ear of wheat, and is often seen on Mino ware and Seto ware.

Because it is hand-drawn, the thickness of the lines is uneven, which is nice.
Also, since the shape spreads outward, the ingredients can be seen neatly and it is easy to scrape and eat.
It looks like it would be good to use it as a couple's bowl by matching it with different colored blue products.

Hasami ware

Hasami ware is characterized by the fact that in addition to traditional patterns such as dyeing, there are many products with modern patterns.
Therefore, it can be used for a wide range of menus, including Western and ethnic dishes, and some can even be used as bowls.

In addition, there are many products that are suitable for everyday use, such as those with a wide and stable shape that have a motif of the "Kurawanka bowl" that is representative of Hasami ware.

It is durable because it is made of porcelain. Many are microwave and dishwasher safe and practical.
We also have a wide variety of products that fit the current times, including products that are easy to stack.
It's relatively reasonable, so it's good for bulk purchases.

Donburi Bowl Blue Arabesque | Hasami Ware

A cute bowl with a dyed arabesque pattern.
The inside is transparent white and will complement any toppings.
It also has a rounded center so it fits in the palm of your hand when lifted.

Easy to stack, so it can be stored in a space-saving manner.
If you match it with other patterns of dyed or red-painted pottery, it will create a gorgeous coordination.

Donburi Bowl Round | Hasami Ware

A bowl with an impressive hand-drawn circular shape.
This is a typical Hasami pottery, which continues to create modern pottery while preserving tradition.

Since it is deep, it can be used for a variety of dishes, from rice to noodles.
In addition, it can be used for multiple purposes such as bowls and small bowls, making it perfect for everyday use.
You can enjoy modern coordination by matching it with different patterns.

Donburi Bowl Red Peony | Hasami Ware

A colorful bowl with red flowers on a white background.
A peony is drawn on the inside of the pot, which can be enjoyed even after a meal.

Since it is a large size, it can be used for a wide variety of things, from rice to ramen.
It's a size that will satisfy even those who want to eat heartily.

It has an elegant atmosphere, so it can be used for small entertaining purposes.

Arita ware/Imari ware

Arita ware with beautiful transparent white porcelain.
The feature is the beautiful painting that stands out on the white porcelain.
Since it is thin and lightweight, it is suitable for use as a bowl that can be lifted up.

The traditional and delicately painted ones can be used for special occasions and entertaining.
There are many high-class products, so you can enjoy rice bowls in a slightly more elegant mood.

By the way, the bowls of the beef bowl chain Yoshinoya are also Arita-yaki.
They seem to have put a lot of effort into making the rims 5mm thick for a pleasant mouthfeel.
Porcelain is easy to care for, making it ideal for restaurants.

Round Noodle Bowl Peonies | Arita Ware

A dyed white porcelain bowl with bright blue flowers.
This is an elegant bowl that shows the characteristics of Arita ware.

Vertical lines are drawn on the hill, and it is very elaborate.
It can be used not only for everyday use but also for hospitality.
You can also use it like a bowl to serve stews and salads.

Round Donburi Bowl Old Imari S | Arita Ware

A gorgeous pottery with paintings all over.
This bowl has a beautiful Old Imari-style pattern, which is a characteristic of Arita ware.

Just having a high-quality bowl will brighten up your dining table.
The retort bowl also has a store-like atmosphere.
A convenient bowlr that can also be used for special occasions such as New Year's.

Shigaraki ware

Shigaraki ware is characterized by its rustic texture due to the coarse clay.
It has excellent fire resistance and is lightweight despite its thickness.

Durable, smooth to the touch, and extremely easy to use!
The taste of the uneven glaze is also attractive.
The one-of-a-kind pottery made by hand can be used for a long time.

Donburi Bowl Gray Hakeme | Shigaraki Ware

A delicious bowl with a white brushed texture that stands out against the gray background.
You can feel the warmth of the earth typical of Shigaraki ware.

This tableware is perfect for displaying menus with lots of colorful ingredients such as oyakodon and seafood bowl.
It's simple and goes well with other pots, making it perfect for pots for boiling food!
This one item can be used in a variety of ways, so it's great for people who live alone.

Kiseto Deep Donburi Bowl | Shigaraki Ware

A simple bowl with a rough texture.
The pale beige bowl goes well with any food and brightly brings out the ingredients on top of the rice.

Pair it with a wooden tray as shown in the photo for a natural and warm look.
You can enjoy the atmosphere of a cafe at home.

Yachimun

Yachimun's bowls are characterized by patterns inspired by nature.
The pottery with plants and fish painted with bold brush strokes gives you a sense of Okinawan generosity.
Because it is hand-painted, it is also attractive that there are individual differences.

It is also characterized by its wide base and solid, stable form.
It is suitable for everyday use as it is easy to lift.

Soba makai, line drawn arabesque, pottery, Tsuboya ware, Toshin kiln, Yachimun

Arabesque-patterned pottery boldly painted in blue and green.
It has an ethnic feel and can be used for a variety of menus, from Japanese to Western to Chinese.

The product name, Soba Makai, is a container for eating Okinawa soba, udon, etc.
In the Okinawan dialect, "makai" means "bowl," and it is characterized by its low height and low base compared to its diameter.

As a result, it feels very stable and has an exquisite size that allows you to lift it with one hand.
It can be used not only for noodles, but also for Japanese side dishes and salads as a bowl.

Toshin Kiln Ramen Bowl Bougainvillea | Tsuboya Ware Yachimun

A bowl with a beautiful contrast of blue and red.
The motif is the bougainvillea, a flower often seen in Okinawa.

It has a wide mouth, so it's great for simply serving fruits, salads, etc.
Just having an impactful pottery on the table will make your meal more enjoyable.
The bottom part is carved with fine lines using a technique called comb, making it very elaborate.

If you use it in conjunction with utensils of different patterns, it will brighten up your dining table.

Koishiwara ware

Koishiwara ware is characterized by patterns created using techniques such as Tobikanna and Hakeme, as well as white and brown colors that evoke the warmth of the earth.

The simple and unobtrusive design allows you to use it for a long time without getting tired of it.
The colorful ingredients stand out, so it's perfect for Western food!
It can be used for a variety of purposes such as rice, noodles, and boiled dishes, so it will be useful at your daily dining table.

Round Donburi Bowl Tobikanna | Koishiwara Ware

A bowl with a pattern of fine lines on a white background.
The geometric pattern-like design was created using a technique called "Tobikanna", which is a characteristic of Koishiwara ware.

It's no wonder that there are so many fans of Utsuwa, which maintains traditional techniques while still being relevant in today's times.
It goes well with a wide range of menus, including not only Japanese food, but also Western food and Chinese food.
It's thick, so you can lift the food without feeling the heat.

3-colored Tobikanne bowl pottery Marutagama Ota Gosoku Koishiwara ware

A very elaborate pottery with fine lines made with a tobikanna on the entire surface.
A tasteful bowl accented with brown and green glaze.

It's easy to match with other pottery, so it's likely to be used a lot.
Also, it's easy to stack, so you can have enough for your family to use on a daily basis.

Know the characteristics of the production area and get the bowl that suits you!

Donburi is made in pottery production areas across Japan.
If you pay attention not only to patterns and sizes, but also to differences in production areas, you will have a wider range of choices.

For example, if you want something gorgeous for entertaining, Arita ware or Imari ware, and if you want something modern that is easy to use, you can choose Hasami ware.

Think about what you will eat in a bowl and how you will use it, and find one from a region that is close to your needs.
Knowing the characteristics of the production area will help you choose pottery other than bowls!

You can view the rice bowls introduced this time from this page.