Blue ceramic Kikka family size donabe on a wooden table with various bowls and items around
Nami from Just One Cookbook showcases the Ginpo Kikka Family-Size Donabe, an authentic Banko-ware hot pot.
Nami from Just One Cookbook using chopsticks to cook a hot pot dish with various ingredients on a stove.
Japanese donabe hot pot with vegetables tofu mushrooms and chicken served at the table with rice bowls
Side view of a blue donabe pot with a ribbed lid and smooth black base.
Top view of a blue donabe pot held by hand, highlighting the intricate ribbed lid design.
Blue donabe pot with its lid slightly ajar, revealing the black ceramic interior.
Blue donabe pot with a ribbed lid and black base, featuring a deep navy glaze.
Top-down view of a blue donabe pot with the lid removed, showcasing the black interior.
Close-up of a blue donabe pot, focusing on the vibrant navy ribbed lid and glossy finish.
Underside of a blue donabe pot, showing its unglazed ceramic base and durable design.
Blue ceramic Kikka family size donabe on a wooden table with various bowls and items around
Nami from Just One Cookbook showcases the Ginpo Kikka Family-Size Donabe, an authentic Banko-ware hot pot.
Nami from Just One Cookbook using chopsticks to cook a hot pot dish with various ingredients on a stove.
Japanese donabe hot pot with vegetables tofu mushrooms and chicken served at the table with rice bowls
Side view of a blue donabe pot with a ribbed lid and smooth black base.
Top view of a blue donabe pot held by hand, highlighting the intricate ribbed lid design.
Blue donabe pot with its lid slightly ajar, revealing the black ceramic interior.
Blue donabe pot with a ribbed lid and black base, featuring a deep navy glaze.
Top-down view of a blue donabe pot with the lid removed, showcasing the black interior.
Close-up of a blue donabe pot, focusing on the vibrant navy ribbed lid and glossy finish.
Underside of a blue donabe pot, showing its unglazed ceramic base and durable design.

Ginpo Kikka Family-Size Donabe

Price
Save $-118
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  • Free shipping on orders USD $199+
No Dishwasher Feature Microwave Feature Oven Feature
  • In stock, ready to ship
  • Backordered, shipping soon

Gather around the table with the Ginpo Kikka Family-Size Donabe, a traditional clay pot that combines beauty and everyday practicality. Designed to serve 3–4 portions, it is perfect for family meals, shared hot pots, and cozy gatherings.

The glossy ceramic body distributes heat evenly and retains warmth, keeping dishes piping hot long after cooking. Its domed lid, decorated with an elegant chrysanthemum motif, adds a touch of artistry to the table in either deep blue or classic white. Resistant to stains and odors, the smooth glaze makes cleanup simple and care-free.

Compatible with open flame, oven, and microwave, this versatile donabe adapts to a variety of dishes, from simmered stews to perfectly cooked rice. Durable, elegant, and full of character, it brings the warmth of Japanese tradition to everyday dining.

Explore our curated Donabe collection, perfect for authentic Japanese cooking and flavorful meals.

Dimension

11.2" × 12.2" × 5.9" (28.5 cm × 31 cm × 15 cm)

Capacity

91.3 oz (2700 ml)

Weight

86.4 oz (2450 g)

Material

Earthenware

Craft Type

Banko Ware

Brand

Ginpo

Ginpo

Founded in 1932 in Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture, Ginpo is a long-established maker of Banko ware that has crafted donabe and other heat-resistant tableware for four generations. Its collections reflect a careful balance of durability, functionality, and thoughtful design. Each piece is made to support reliable cooking and effortless daily use, bringing comfort and enjoyment to everyday life.

Banko Ware

Originating in Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture, Banko ware dates back to the mid-Edo period, when merchant and tea enthusiast Nunami Rozan began producing tea utensils in the region. Designated as a National Traditional Craft of Japan in 1979, it is known for its heat resistance and durability, making it ideal for donabe and teapots. Made from semi-porcelain clay rich in minerals, each piece withstands direct heat while retaining warmth efficiently. Balancing strength, practicality, and simple elegance, it remains an essential part of daily life in Japan.

Donabe

A donabe (土鍋) is a traditional Japanese earthenware pot crafted from special clay that retains and distributes heat evenly. It's ideal for gentle, steady cooking to make hot pots and udon, simmer soups and stews, steam, roast, or make fluffy Japanese rice. Sizes range from family size to single serving. While classic donabe requires an open-flame heat source and seasoning before first use, modern options include induction compatibility and nonstick surfaces with no seasoning required. With proper care and handling, these versatile and rustic artisanal pieces can transform everyday meals into communal dining experiences for years to come.

We offer a flat rate of USD $25 for shipping to the U.S., and Free Shipping on orders over USD $199.

Please note that we do not ship to P.O. Boxes or APO/FPO addresses due to FedEx’s policies.

Most items are dispatched from Japan within 1-2 business days after order confirmation, and we offer international shipping to customers worldwide.

You may return any items purchased from JOC Goods within 30 days of delivery. If the products are defective or damaged, we will cover the return shipping costs. For other returns, the cost of return shipping will be the customer's responsibility.

>> Product Care Guide

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Ginpo

Founded in 1932 in Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture, Ginpo is a long-established maker of Banko ware that has crafted donabe and other heat-resistant tableware for four generations. Its collections reflect a careful balance of durability, functionality, and thoughtful design. Each piece is made to support reliable cooking and effortless daily use, bringing comfort and enjoyment to everyday life.

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Blue ceramic Japanese donabe on a table surrounded by side dishes and tea cups

Donabe Family Size: The Pot That Brings Everyone Together

This family-size donabe is the one I reach for when we gather around the table for a cozy hot pot dinner. It’s generously sized, beautifully made, and keeps food warm from the first bite to the last. Here’s why I love it:

Nami’s Pick portrait

1. Perfect for a Family-Sized Hot Pot

Product image - Nami’s Pick

This donabe is ideal for feeding a family or a small group of friends. There’s plenty of room for vegetables, tofu, meat, and noodles to simmer together—perfect for nabe, oden, or hearty soups. I love how it naturally brings everyone to the table to share and enjoy the meal at a relaxed pace.

2. Excellent Heat Retention

Product image - Nami’s Pick

The thick ceramic walls retain heat beautifully. Once hot, the donabe stays hot, so the food remains warm even after it’s brought to the table. There’s no rushing and no constant reheating—just slow, comforting meals together.

3. Durable Banko Ware Craftsmanship

Product image - Nami’s Pick

Crafted using traditional Banko ware techniques, this donabe is built to last. The sturdy ceramic handles repeated heating and cooling with ease, and you can feel the quality when you lift it. It’s dependable for everyday use yet special enough for weekend or seasonal gatherings.

Nami (Namiko Hirasawa Chen), author at JOC Goods

— Namiko Hirasawa Chen

FAQ

Can I cook rice in the Ginpo Kikka Family-Size Donabe?

No, the Ginpo Kikka Family-Size Donabe is designed for shabu-shabu, hot pot, stews, and soups — not for rice. For rice, use a dedicated rice donabe with a double lid such as the Ginpo Kikka Lapis 3-Cup Rice Donabe. We do not currently sell a separate ceramic insert for the Family-Size model.

Do I need to season my donabe before the first use?

Yes, we recommend seasoning before the first use. Seasoning seals the porous clay and helps prevent leaks or hairline cracks. There are two simple methods: a 30-minute rice porridge (okayu) cook, or a quick 10-minute simmer with water plus 1–2 tablespoons of cornstarch or potato starch. Cool fully and rinse before storing.

Can I deep fry in this donabe?

No, donabes are not safe for deep frying. They are designed for simmering, steaming, hot pot, soups, and rice — the very high oil temperatures used for deep frying can damage the clay and cause cracking. For frying, use a stainless or cast iron pot.

Is this donabe oven safe?

It depends on the model. The majority of our donabes are not oven safe and are stovetop-only. Ginpo Kikka donabes are the main exception — they are oven safe, but please remove the lid before placing in a preheated oven. If the product description does not mention oven use, email support@jocgoods.com before using it in the oven.

Are donabes microwave safe?

It depends on the model. The majority of our donabes are not microwave safe — uneven heating can cause the earthenware to crack. Ginpo Kikka donabes are the main exception and can be microwaved. If the product description does not mention microwave use, please email support@jocgoods.com before microwaving. For models that are not microwave safe, reheat on the stovetop over low heat.

Why is liquid seeping through the outside of my donabe during cooking?

A little moisture on the outer surface is normal — donabe clay is porous and naturally absorbs broth during cooking. However, noticeable seeping often means the initial seasoning (me-dome) was insufficient. Re-season by cooking a 30-minute rice porridge (okayu), or simmer water with 1–2 tablespoons of cornstarch or potato starch for 10 minutes, then cool and rinse before storing.

Can I wash my donabe with regular dish soap?

Yes, dish soap is fine. The key rules: never soak the donabe in water (the porous clay absorbs it), never put it in the dishwasher, and dry it completely before storage to prevent mustiness. Use a soft sponge — avoid metal scrubbers or abrasive pads, which scratch the glaze and clay.

What size donabe should I choose?

Use serving size as your guide. For 2–3 people, a 25–27 cm (10–11 in) donabe is ideal. For 3–5 people, choose 29–32 cm (11–13 in). When in doubt, size up — extra capacity is more useful than running out, especially for hot pot meals where ingredients build up at the table.

What should I do if food burns or sticks to the inside of the donabe?

Soak the donabe in warm water for 10–15 minutes to loosen the residue, then gently scrape with a wooden or silicone utensil. For stubborn spots, add water plus 1 tablespoon of baking soda, simmer 5 minutes, let cool, and rinse. Avoid metal scrubbers, which damage the clay surface.

Can I add a gift message to my order?

Yes. You may add a personalized gift message of up to 250 characters at checkout — it is printed on a card and included inside the package. Prices and order details are never shown on the card or anywhere in the shipment, so the recipient sees only your message and the gift itself.

Will my order be wrapped as a gift?

Yes. Every JOC Goods order is wrapped in a traditional Japanese furoshiki cloth before shipping at no extra charge — both gifts and personal orders. If your order includes many or large items, the furoshiki may be packed inside the box rather than wrapped around them. Prices are never included in any shipment.
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