Hello! This is Takezawa, the owner of Uchiru.
In recent years, the number of craft fairs has been increasing rapidly across the country, and a survey revealed that there are about 150 pottery fairs and craft fairs each year.
With all this, even if you want to go to such an event, you may not know where to go.
I run a mail-order site for pottery with the concept of ``enjoying pottery fairs while staying at home.'' Because of my job, I often participate in pottery fairs and craft fairs around the country. .
So, from among the craft fairs around the country, I have compiled a ranking of the craft fairs that I think you should go to.
The rankings are based on my personal opinion, taking into consideration factors such as scale, history, and quality of exhibitors.
Although it is somewhat subjective, I hope you find it useful.
Also, you can view the works of the artists I met while visiting pottery fairs and craft fairs around the country from the link below.
If you would like to see the work, please click here.
List of new vessels by artists
1st place Craft Fair Matsumoto
"Craft Fair Matsumoto", which started in 1985, is an event that can be said to be the origin of craft fairs. Name recognition, popularity, and quality of the author.
I think it can be said that any of them is the best.
The atmosphere at the event venue is great, and all of the artists are eager to take their time, so no matter how much time you have, you'll never run out.
There are 1,200 exhibitors out of 250 exhibitors, so it can be said that this is an event where only the selected creators can participate.
It is said that people who sympathized with the ``Mingei Movement'' that took place after the war began to actively create crafts.
With such history, the emotional scenery of Matsumoto, and the tasteful shops and facilities that are influenced by it, you can enjoy the atmosphere of manufacturing throughout the city.
Craft Fair Matsumoto is summarized in the article below, so please check it out as well.
A thorough guide to how to enjoy
Number of visitors: approximately 50,000 people
Number of exhibitors: approximately 300 groups
Size:★ ★★★★★★☆☆☆
Visitor group: 20s to 50s
Date: Around late May every year
Location: 3-2102 Agata, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture -4 (Agata no Mori Park)
Official website: http://matsumoto-crafts.com/craftsfair/
2nd Place: Gathering of Lanterns
The ``Gathering of the Lanterns'' is held in Sakai City, Osaka, which has a deep connection to ``tea ceremony.'' The most famous craft fair in Kansai is the Gathering of Lanterns.
Also, only artists who pass the screening will be able to open a stall, and 100 will be selected out of 500 applicants, which is quite a large number.
There are many artists from the Kansai region and western Japan, and there are also many artists who cannot be found in the Kanto area, so it is worth a visit.
If you want to purchase works by popular artists, the golden rule is to line up as soon as the event starts, as they sell out quickly. Similarly, all of the food and beverage booths are popular, so long lines form as soon as the event starts, and some are sold out by mid-morning.
I would like to carefully search and find something that is not mass-produced but is made with care and is perfect for me.
Number of visitors: approximately 40,000 people
Number of exhibitors: approximately 100 groups
Size:★ ★★★★☆☆☆☆☆
Visitor group: 20s to 40s
Date: Around early November
Location: Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture (Daisen Park Event Plaza)
Official HP: http //tomoshibito.org/
3rd place Field of Craft Kurashiki
``Field of Craft Kurashiki'' is held with the theme of ``Forms born from the palm of your hand.''
The company is characterized by its emphasis on the production process and the background in which the works were created.In addition to exhibiting and selling the works, they also exhibit the charm of manufacturing through demonstrations and workshops, where they can freely interact with each other. You can fully enjoy it.
Kurashiki itself is famous for Kurashiki knotting (a type of cushion placed on a chair), and is a city deeply connected to folk arts and manufacturing. Therefore, although there are not many exhibitors or the scale of the event, it is still an event worth seeing.
In addition to exhibiting products made by craft artists, the bookstore "FOC Bunko", which is open only for these two days, is also popular.
The Bikan Historical Quarter, which is also a tourist destination, is nearby, so it would be a good idea to visit the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter in conjunction with the craft fair before returning home.
Field of Craft is summarized in the article below, so please check it out as well.
Number of visitors: approximately 20,000 people
Number of exhibitors: approximately 80 groups
Size:★ ★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆
Visitor group: 20s to 40s
Date: Around mid-May
Location: Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture (Kurashiki City Geibunkan Square)
> Official website: http://field-of-craft.com/
No. 4 Wind from the workshop
"Kaze from the Workshop/Craft in action" is an outdoor exhibition held at Nikke Colton Plaza in Ichikawa City, Chiba Prefecture.
We are planning and managing this event with the aim of discovering and nurturing new artists.
Thus, although the scale is not that large, due to the high quality of the exhibiting artists, it is said to be a gateway to success for new craft artists.
An increasing number of artists are taking advantage of the opportunity to exhibit at "Kaze from the Kobo" to expand their field of activity, and many of the exhibiting artists have won awards.
Since it is easily accessible from Tokyo, it is a popular event among craft fair enthusiasts.
Number of visitors: Currently undisclosed (10,000 in 2010)
Number of exhibitors: Approximately 50 groups
Size: ★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆
Visitors: 20s to 50s
Date: Mid-October
Location: Ichikawa City, Chiba Prefecture (Nikke Colton Plaza)
Official website: http://www.kouboukaranokaze.jp/
5th place Niwanowa Art & Craft Fair Chiba
``Niwanowa Art & Craft Fair Chiba'' is mainly run by artists with connections to Chiba, and is run with a focus on ``things that can only be done in Chiba.''
Although I think it's interesting that it's called "Chiba Shibari," the committee that selects exhibitors changes every year, so the artists selected are not biased, and it's also said to be an "open-minded craft fair." .
About 2 hours from Tokyo. It's nice to see the scenery becoming more and more rural.
The venue, Sakura Castle Ruins Park, is a venue full of greenery, so it would be nice to go out as if it were a short trip.
We also recommend ``Machinowa'', an event linked to Niwanowa, on the way to Niwanowa.
Niwanowa is summarized in the article below, so please check it out if you like.
Introducing the charm and ways to enjoy "Niwanowa Art & Craft Fair Chiba"!
Number of visitors: approximately 20,000 people
Number of exhibitors: approximately 100 groups
Size:★ ★★★★☆☆☆☆☆
Visitor group: 20s to 40s
Date: Early June
Location: Sakura City, Chiba Prefecture (Sakura Castle Ruins Park)
Official website: http:/ /niwanowa.info/
6th place ARTS & CRAFT Shizuoka Handicraft City
"ARTS&CRAFT Shizuoka Handicraft Fair" is a craft fair held at Shizuoka Prefecture Gokoku Shrine in Shizuoka City.
Held in spring (April) and fall (October), talented artists gather from all over the country.
There are several handicraft fairs run by organizer Tetsu Nagura, including one held in Zoshigaya, Tokyo, and Village in Shizuoka, and the largest one is "ARTS&CRAFT". Shizuoka Handicraft City.
You'll be walking along a path full of nature to the venue, so that alone will change your mood.
There is a worship hall at the very back, and there is a grassy area around it, so I used to laze around and read.
There is no parking space, so I recommend using public transportation.
ARTS&CRAFT Shizuoka Handicraft City is summarized in the article below, so please check it out if you like.
Summary of nature, handicrafts, and gourmet food to enjoy at
Number of visitors: Undisclosed
Number of exhibitors: Approximately 150 groups
Size: ★★★ ★☆☆☆☆☆☆
Visitor group: 20s to 50s
Date: Around mid-April and mid-October
Location: Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture (Shizuoka Prefecture Gokoku Shrine) )
Official website: http://www.shizuoka-tezukuriichi.com/
7th place Aomori Craft Fair A-line
"Aomori Craft Fair A-line" is a craft fair held at a campsite.
I have never been to this event, but it is the largest event in the Tohoku area. If you're coming from Kanto, it's likely to be a one-night, two-day course. I haven't been able to go yet, but I want to go someday!
The venue is Moya Hills Auto Campsite on the north side of Mt. Hakkoda. You can either go by car or by city bus.
The system is such that only artists who pass the screening from around 250 applicants each year can open a stall, and about 150 artists from various genres from all over the country are opening a stall.
Aomori's local gourmet food is also popular.
Number of visitors: approximately 10,000 people
Number of exhibitors: approximately 150 groups
Size:★ ★★★★☆☆☆☆☆
Visitor group: 20s to 50s
Date: Early July
Location: Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture (Moya Hills Auto Campground)
Official website :http://aomori-line.com/
8th place Sanjo Craft Fair
Sanjo City is an area famous for its hardware industry. Craft fairs are held in the city where artists from all over the country gather. The scale of the event was approximately 180 exhibitors. It is estimated that there will be as many as 40,000 visitors.
In addition, Tsukinomori Park, which will be the venue, is full of facilities that children will enjoy, such as a baseball stadium, sports field, dog run, and "Trim Forest" with play equipment, so it's a good place to have fun with your children as well. is not it.
Also, please be aware that if you don't go to the parking lot first thing in the morning, there will be traffic jams.
Free shuttle buses from Sanjo City Hall and JR Higashi Sanjo Station will also be in operation on the day of the event, so please check the official page and Facebook in advance.
Number of visitors: approximately 40,000 people
Number of exhibitors: approximately 180 groups
Date: Mid-June
Location: Sanjo City, Niigata Prefecture (Sanjo Pearl Metal Stadium)
Size: ★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆
Visitor demographic: 20s to 50s
Official website :http://www.sanjo-craft.jp/
9th place Isuzu no Mori Craft Fair
The venue is Isuzu Park, on the banks of the Isuzu River near Ise Shrine.
There are shops selling items such as ceramics, woodwork, accessories, and food, mainly by artists active in Mie Prefecture.
There seems to be a bus leaving every 10 minutes from the nearest station, so it seems easy to access by public transportation. Ise Jingu is nearby, so it's a good place to stop by on your way home.
It seems like many people take precautions against the cold when going out every year, so it's best to be well-protected from the cold and enjoy your time here.
Number of visitors: Undisclosed
Number of exhibitors: Approximately 110 groups
Size: ★★★ ★☆☆☆☆☆☆
Visitor group: 20s to 50s
Date: Around late October
Location: Ise City, Mie Prefecture (Isuzu Park)
Official website: http ://ichishina.com/iszm/
No. 10 Pottery and Life
The 7th "Ceramics and Living (commonly known as Tokura)", which was renamed from "Kasamayaki Fair", will be held in Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture, where Kasamayaki is made.
One of the characteristics of the festival is that it is not sponsored by local governments or tourism associations, but rather has an executive committee made up of Kasama ware artists.
Although it is smaller than the Toen Festival held in spring, you can see works mainly by young artists. It's held at the same time as the Mashiko Pottery Market, so I think it's a good idea to make your way down and stop by.
Number of visitors: Undisclosed
Number of exhibitors: Approximately 50 groups
Date: November Around the beginning of the year
Location: Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture (Kasama Ceramic Hill)
Size: ★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆
Visitor demographic: 20s to 50s
Official website: https:/ /toutokurashi.com/
Finally
I really like the sense of time passing at craft fairs compared to pottery fairs. This may be natural, as many people visit the venue because they like the lush greenery and the laid-back view of the world.
There are many wonderful pottery fairs all over the country that I haven't been to yet, so I'm sorry I can't introduce them all, but I'm sure you'll enjoy the craft fairs I'll be introducing this time wherever you go.
If you have any plans, please come visit us.
For those who can't go to the event.
Our store is based on the concept of ``Enjoy the pottery fair while staying at home.'' We have selected ``This person!'' from pottery fairs and craft fairs all over the country. We handle and sell works by artists who think,
We also carry works by the artists who will be exhibiting at the craft fairs introduced here, so please take a look if you'd like.
Thank you for reading until the end. I hope you all find good works!
Home Enjoy the pottery market at Uchiru
(Uchiru shop owner Takezawa)