Utsuwa-No-Yakata

I adore this place.
Bf and I pass by it whenever we’re in the Mitsuwa Marketplace. The store owner is a VERY sweet lady. She’s very helpful, and she knows her products and her inventory.
There are a lot of different pieces here in the store. The bf and I both really like the cast iron kettles, and they have items to pour sake out of. They have plates, bowls, dishes and eating utensils, as well as a few household decorations. They also have some amazing vases that I would totally love to have if we had room and an actual place to display it.
Prices are pretty reasonable. There are always a few items on sale, and the month of October has everything (other than certain items) at 20% off.
Will be back. It’s a small shop, but they have so many items! Also, once again, the store owner is very, very sweet!

This store is located inside the Mitsuwa Marketplace and sells mostly table wares, glass wares, gourmet tea sets, among many other items. As of last weekend when we were there, most items were 20% off the entire store.
We took advantage of the sale and shopped for a few ramen bowls. For us, a good ramen bowl is just as important as the ramen itself. It needs to be of good quality, large enough to hold a lot of soup, and needs to have a stylish and pleasing design.
There were many to choose from in this store. At first glance the prices seemed to be expensive, but after taking a more closer look, we found the quality of the bowls very good, and a notch higher than those found in other stores. Factor in the 20% off, prices were just about right.
We found 2 bowls that looked really cool and authentic Japanese. After taking 20% off they amount to about $ 6 each which was a good price given the good quality of the bowls. They are absolutely beautiful and are fit to hold my favorite ramen in them.
The store was brightly lit and the atmosphere was inviting and comfortable. Merchandise was neatly displayed. The variety and selection of products were both colorful and plentiful. The staff was helpful and courteous. Overall it was an enjoyable shopping experience. I will certainly return to grab a few more really cool ramen bowls again soon.

This is a nice little place, with an awesome selection. There always appears to be something interesting on sale, and there are really good prices for tea and sake sets. Its well organized.
It does have some high end stuff, including vases and lamps, as well as traditional pottery. Kinda has a zen feel to it, with a lot of cuteness built in.
It has sister stores in Downtown LA and in Torrance that I have yet to go to. If they are anything like this store, I would encourage a visit.

This place sells such unique kitchenware, I love visiting it every time I come to Mitsuwa! However, I never really thought to buy anything from here because the prices can be pretty steep.
Until today.
Went there and they had a holiday sale, and a tea set I had been eying the past few times was 50% off! I was so happy I almost made up for the savings by buying a few regular-​priced items. Thank goodness I was able to stop myself though or I probably would have regretted it later.
I’ll update once I’ve used the set a few times to give my experience with the quality of the set!

Went to Shabu-​Shabu Bar the other day and my friend from Michigan was really impressed by their glass sake bottles that has a compartment for ice. She wanted one to take back, but the restaurant won’t tell us who their supplier is (lame right?). I knew that if any place would carry it, it would be Utsuwa. Sure enough, came here the next day and got one for my friend, only $ 10! Also got some chopsticks on sale for $ 1 a pair. It’s so nice that they actually accept credit cards (Master Card and Visa only).

I love this place. Cute Japanese ceramic kitchen and house ware. Stuff is always on sale and very reasonably priced. During their anniversary sale, they had items 50% off. I bought a beautiful hot pot for only $ 10 and got a coupon for $ 1 off my next visit. I’ve also purchased food bowls, soup bowls, night lights, chop sticks and sake sets from here too. I’m pretty sure everythings imported from Japan. Everything’s super cute and can make unique gifts. Recently I found a small bbq too! Counter top small, perhaps my next purchase? :)

Located inside the Mitsuwa Marketplace.
They carry bowls and plates of every type as well as anything related to tea, bento boxes, chopsticks, and other kitchen gadgets.
This store has the same items as their store in Torrance but it seemed to have a little less selection.
Also, unlike the Torrance store where I am always greeted and asked if I need help, I was not spoken to at all here (however I WAS smiled at). But I still love the items they carry!

The stuff here is nice, and most (not some of the sale items) are great quality. Their sets and such make for really great presents. Definitely not something you’d find in Ikea, or Target.
The prices range. Sometimes there are amazing deals where you can get an entire plate, bowl, and tea cup set on sale for $ 15 from $ 50, or 4 items for $ 10. They also have pricier merchandise though, like a tea set for $ 60 or so. A lot of their stuff is affordable and very cute. And the service here is great. They’re very sweet and courteous.
Something to keep in mind though… I bought my sister a set of sushi plates (complete with chopsticks) and I saw a very similar set (same company) at H Mart for a few bucks cheaper. It may be worth it to shop around, but of course, H Mart didn’t have nearly the same selection as Utsuwa-​No-​Yakata did.

Yet another reason why I love Mitsuwa! I recently bought a shabu shabu pot. The Sanyo 3 in 1 pot and I decided that I needed some dishes to go with it. I wanted the legit stuff so I was directed here! Utsuwa-​No-​Yakata (whatever that means) not only has a nice selection but the ladies that work here are so RAD… Service with a smile. A rarity amongst many these days! So, I ended up getting a nice set of dishes for when I make shabu shabu. I bought a set for two and a little more for $ 53 and some change. I am going back to get another set for when I do shabu shabu and have company over. I love cooking! So, yeah. My set is pretty handsome and I can’t wait to return… They also have cute tea sets here and more dishes to choose from. Prices vary. They have sets that are sorta mismatched to choose from at deals like 4 for $ 10… Check it out!

After shopping at Mitsuwa yesterday, this little Japanese tableware store caught my attention. I initially thought that this was an independent mom and pop shop but it is in fact a chain with several locations throughout California.
A bit expensive, but many items are on special or clearance. It’s definitely cheaper than flying to Japan for these and having to carry and possibly having it break on the way.
Looking for Japanese tea sets, bowls, and bento cloth wraps? You’ll find them here. There are also boxed gift sets perfect for birthdays, weddings, and holidays!
And unlike JT’s experience, no foul mouth obaasan here!