Hello! My name is Takezawa and I am the owner of UTSUWABI a store that sells ceramics.
This time, I would like to introduce Craft Fair Matsumoto, which is held every spring in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture.
CRAFT FAIR MATSUMOTO is a pioneer of craft fairs, and is a fairly large scale craft fair with a lot to see and do.
We will introduce our experience when we visited the fair in the past, how to enjoy it, and how to access to the fair.
What is “Craft Fair Matsumoto”?
Craft Fair Matsumoto is held every year at the end of May and is a very large craft fair with over 250 exhibitors.
Exhibits include not only ceramics, but also woodwork, glasswork, metal products such as tin, or even dyed and woven items, making it a great place to encounter a wide variety of crafts.
Below is a list of dates for 2019.
Craft Fair Matsumoto Outline
Date: Saturday, May 27 - Sunday, May 28, 2023
Time: 10:00 - 17:00
Place: Agata no Mori Park 3-2102-4, Agata, Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan
Atmosphere of Craft Fair Matsumoto
The venue has the atmosphere of a quaint forest park, with avenues lined with large cedar trees.
There is a wide variety of items from ceramics to woodwork, glass, bags, and more, so just looking around is enjoyable!
We expect a considerable turnout every year, with approximately 50,000 visitors over the two days, so if there is an artist you want to see, we recommend that you visit in the morning on the first day of the show.
There are also many food booths, so you can enjoy a delicious meal in the pleasant park!
How to enjoy Craft Fair Matsumoto
Craft Fair Matsumoto is quite large, with over 250 exhibitors.
Once you arrive at the fair, it is a good idea to check out the map and prioritize your favorite artists.
Maps are available at the entrance of the fairgrounds and at the “General Reception” in the center of the fairgrounds.
Please refer to the list of artists who will be exhibiting at UTSUWABI if you like.
How to see the map and how to get around
As you enter through the main gate, you will see that each exhibitor has set up a tent where you can view their work.
As for the location of the artists' booths... unfortunately, this is decided by the exhibitors on the morning of the event, so there are many aspects that are not known in advance.
On the day of the event, the exhibitors themselves will post their booth locations on the venue map in front of the “General Reception” located around the center of Agata no Mori Park.
Quote: NPO Matsumoto Craft Promotion AssociationIf there is an artist you really want, check the venue map first.
Food booths will be exhibited in the area of Philosophy Road - Taxi Stand.
Quote: NPO Matsumoto Craft Promotion AssociationThe restaurants are also popular, so if there is something you really want to eat, it is recommended that you secure your lunch ahead of time.
The exhibition is large and there are many exhibitors, so it would be a waste if you find yourself wondering later, “I didn't know such and such an artist existed! It would be a waste if you find yourself thinking, “There are so many artists here!
The organizer has published a list of exhibitors, so please take a look at the list and check it out.
Another attraction of Craft Fair Matsumoto is that a wide variety of genres of crafts are gathered under one roof. I think it is a good idea to go around by genre using the map I introduced as a guide.
Let us introduce you to some of our recommended artists.
Recommended authors
ceramics
Yukimichi Kiyooka
While we often see vessels with subdued and austere colors, Kiyooka's vessels are characterized by uniquely complex and attractive colors.
These vessels make food look more vibrant and make cooking more enjoyable.
The fireproof series of plates are especially popular and always sell out quickly.
Miyuki Koizumi
The artist is also handled by UTSUWABI.
This is a simple and nostalgic-looking dish.
It can be used in the microwave, is neat and easy to store, and shows that it was made with the user in mind.
Michiko Taya
This vessel is characterized by its cute and gentle pattern.
The form is also very beautiful, and just one of Taya's vessels will make your dining table look soft and gorgeous.
Yukio Nakagawa
The artist is also handled by UTSUWABI. You can feel the charm of slipware.
While it is gorgeous and has a strong presence, it is soft and not too assertive, so it fits easily on your dining table.
woodworking
Makoto Hasegawa
A wooden cup with the warmth of wood.
The wooden cups with distinctive handles are said to have different handles for each one. It will be fun to carefully choose the one you like.
Yuki Minami
The artist is also available at UTSUWABI.
These simple and warm wooden vessels are made with an emphasis on ease of use. The more you use it, the more you will love it.
glass
Masaki Teranishi
This walnut glass vessel has a beautiful deep green color. The delicate pattern is very cute and lovely.
You can put fruits or flowers in it. Even a simple object will look good just by putting it in a vessel.
metal
Eimi Morita
This artist is also available at UTSUWABI.
These metal vessels are simple and calm in color. As you use it, the color deepens and it becomes easier to use. You can enjoy the change of color and make your life richer.
Other (basket)
Yukiko Hosokawa
This beautiful bamboo basket shows that it has been carefully crafted.
You can take it with you on a picnic or make it part of your interior design by placing something important in it.
Other (Accessories)
Kazumi Ikeuchi
This accessory has unique designs such as mash and lotus seeds.
The simplicity of the design allows it to fit in with any outfit.
The motif of this work is based on plants, which gives it a sense of naturalness and strength.
lunch
meal
Outdated Western-style restaurant, Okinadoh
A long-established Western-style restaurant that has been a favorite in Matsumoto for a long time. The restaurant is so popular that there is always a line out the door.
You can enjoy eating standard Western-style dishes such as menchikatsu (minced pork cutlet) and curry.
Snacks and desserts
te.to.te
This confectionery is popular for its event stalls.
The shop offers mainly baked sweets, such as tarts and cookies, and other gentle sweets made with domestic ingredients.
Not only do they taste great, but they also look very cute and relaxing.
Access
The main access methods are as follows
By bus
From Matsumoto Station, take the “Town Sneaker East Course”, “Kita City Line East Circular”, or “Yokota Shindai Circular” bus for approximately 10 minutes.
Get off at “Shuho Gakko-mae.
In addition, a temporary shuttle bus will be in service.
For details, please click here.
By car
From the Matsumoto IC of the Nagano Expressway, it is about 15 minutes to downtown Matsumoto via Route 158.
Since there are no parking lots around the venue (*Agata no Mori Park parking lot is not available on the day of the fair), you will have to use paid parking lots in the city.
) Since the roads are expected to be congested during the fair, public transportation is recommended for smoother travel.
The Matsumoto Joint Government Building can be used as a free parking lot.
A shuttle bus will also be available from the joint government office building to Matsumoto Station.
However, there is a possibility that the bus may be full.
Click here for details of parking lots in Matsumoto City.
If you are staying near the station, it is only 20 minutes from Matsumoto Station on foot, and since it is a straight road, you may leave a little earlier and walk to the venue while enjoying the streets of Matsumoto City!
By the way, I always go on foot, but I think you can totally enjoy it.
Finally
It may seem like an ordinary thing, but if you pay attention to it, it can make your life more enjoyable.
We are sure that you will find your favorite piece of artwork in the wide variety of genres exhibited at the fair.
We also have a “Enjoy pottery fairs from the comfort of your own home. We also sell works by artists we have met at pottery fairs and craft fairs around the country.
Many of the artists we met at Craft Fair Matsumoto are here, so please take a look if you like.
Thank you very much for taking the time to read this to the end. We hope that you will be able to find a good work of art!
（Takezawa, owner of UTSUWABI)