Hello! My name is Takezawa, and I am the owner of UTSUWABI, a store that sells ceramics.
One of the attractions of the Mashiko Pottery Festival, held twice a year in spring and fall, is that there are so many food stalls to choose from that you may be at a loss as to where to go to eat.
We would like to introduce some of the recommended gourmet foods, categorized by genre, that you should try at the Mashiko Pottery Festival, where many famous restaurants in Tochigi Prefecture have gathered.
Recommended for lunch time
AN-RIZ-L'EAU
AN-RIZ-L'EAU” is a restaurant in Kanuma City, Tochigi Prefecture, where French cuisine incorporating macrobiotic ideas is served, and it has a stall at the Mashiko Pottery Festival every year.
Speaking of Henri L'Eau, “fried carrots” is their specialty, and it is a must-try.
The restaurant also serves rice dishes such as roast beef on rice, so it is recommended for those who want to eat a hearty meal.
Location of the restaurant
Old Kiln Iwashita Plaza (may change)
mikumari
mikumari” is a French restaurant located in Haga-gun, Tochigi Prefecture, and is a regular participant in the Mashiko Pottery Festival.
The restaurant serves rice omelets, and its popular drink is homemade ginger ale. The restaurant also sells baked goods such as gateau chocolates, making it a great place to stop by for a snack.
Stall Locations.
Near the Jouchizaka intersection (may change)
Chai Shop Yogi
Chai Shop Yogi” is a store that has opened at various events and also has a stall at the Mashiko Pottery Festival every year.
The menu includes coconut and tomato based South Indian curry and several kinds of chai. The authentic and spicy curry and chai will surely revive your body after a hard day's walk.
Stall Locations
Jonouchizaka Street
Sakya Cafe Maruyoshi
Sakayaka Cafe Maruyoshi is an Italian restaurant in Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture.
The rice menu changes with the seasons, but all of the food is delicious, so it is a must stop by for those from outside of the prefecture. Other than that, the donuts that you can eat while walking around are also very tasty and highly recommended.
Location of store opening
Jonouchizaka Street
Stone oven pizza ceramista
The hot pizza baked in a stone oven has a thin crust, so it can be easily eaten by one person. There are two types of pizza on the menu: margherita and marinara.
It is a bit of a walk from the center of the city, but it is only available at the Mashiko Pottery Festival, so be sure to try it!
Location: Across from the Uchimachi Factory
Great place to eat and drink.
jumbo yakitori
It is grilled over charcoal, and when you pass by the restaurant, you will often see a line of people waiting in front of it, attracted by the smell.
The large pieces of chicken, green onions, and green peppers are very savory and go well with the beer sold with them. There is seating available, so you can enjoy your meal at your leisure.
The jumbo yakitori is a specialty, so be sure to try it when you visit the Mashiko Pottery Festival.
Location of stalls
Jonouchizaka Street
Ipposugi Farm
The store is located in Kanuma, Tochigi Prefecture, and the owner personally grows the flour and vegetables used in the bread, making this bakery a place where one can feel a sense of dedication.
Hard breads and breads are recommended, but the melon bread is very delicious. The store is quite popular, so we recommend getting there early.
Location: Mimoku Tent Village
Nichinichi Sha
Nichinichi Sha is a bakery in Mashiko that uses homemade yeast, domestic flour, and other ingredients that are gentle on the body.
The bakery offers a wide variety of hard breads, bagels, and baked goods, making it hard to decide which to try. The bakery is recommended not only for eating on the spot, but also as a souvenir.
Location of stall
On the premises of Mashiko Clock
A good place for tea time
ANKINOMISE
ANIKINOMISE” is a lemonade specialty store that mainly operates at events in Tochigi Prefecture.
It sells several types of lemonade, including blueberry lemonade and black lemonade. The lemonade made with domestically grown lemons is the perfect refreshing drink.
Location of stall
Near Old Kiln Iwashita Square
5 recommended restaurants in the Mashiko area
There are many stylish and delicious restaurants in Mashiko. Here are five restaurants that you should definitely stop by for lunch or on your way home from the pottery market.
starnet
starnet” is a store that is always named as one of the most fashionable cafes in Mashiko.
The cafe offers tea in a relaxed atmosphere, organic coffee, specialty drinks, cakes, and other items. The store also has a shop corner where you can shop for goods, such as tableware and sundries.
Address: 3278-1, Mashiko, Mashiko-machi, Haga-gun, Tochigi
Inquiries: 0285-72-9661
Closed: Wednesdays and Thursdays (except national holidays)
Business hours: 11:00-18:00
Chaya Amamaki
Chaya Amemaki is a restaurant located in a mountain called Amemaki Mountain in Mashiko.
There are many soups, salads, and other dishes on the menu, but there is also a wide variety of pizzas baked in a stone oven, so it is recommended that several people share and try different kinds.
Surrounded by nature, the atmosphere is pleasant, allowing you to relax and enjoy a delicious meal.
Restaurant Information
Address: 1234 Kami-oha, Mashiko Town
Inquiries: 0285-77-5354
Closed: Monday and Tuesday
Business hours: Wednesday-Friday 11:30-15:00 / Saturday, Sunday and holidays 11:30-16:00 (Saturday only open in the evening from 17:30-21:00)
zophanthi
zophanthi” is a restaurant where you can enjoy Asian cuisine such as Thai and Vietnamese.
There are several menu items such as plates with many side dishes and curries, but we especially recommend the Vietnamese noodle dish called “Bun Bo Hue”. All of the menu items are rich in vegetables and herbs, providing healthy and satisfying dishes.
Restaurant Information
Address: 2455 Kami-ohane, Mashiko-machi, Haga-gun, Tochigi
Inquiries: 0285-72-3606
Closed: Wednesday and Thursday
Business hours: 11:00-18:00
Tonkatsu Yoshikawa
Yoshikawa's tonkatsu has a crispy, light batter and juicy meat that is quite high quality.
The menu is simple, but you can't go wrong with any of the selections: loin, filet, fried shrimp, mixed, and children's lunch. The homemade dressing is also refreshing and very tasty, allowing you to eat more cabbage.
Restaurant Information
Address: 947-1 Hanawa, Mashiko-machi, Haga-gun, Tochigi
Inquiries: 0285-72-1600
Closed: Mon.
Business hours: 11:00-14:00 / 17:00-20:30
Conclusion
There are countless food stalls at the Mashiko Pottery Festival.
In this issue, we have introduced Mashiko Pottery Festival gourmet food and recommended restaurants in the Mashiko area. If you are not sure what to eat, please refer to this article!
We also have a summary article on the Mashiko Pottery Festival, if you would like to read it as well.
Also, last but not least. Let me advertise a little.
Our store is a mail order site based on the concept of “Enjoy the pottery market from the comfort of your home. Our shop is a mail order site based on the concept of “Enjoy a pottery fair at home. We sell pottery from popular artists who exhibit at pottery fairs and craft fairs all over Japan.
Please take a look if you like.
（Takezawa, owner of UTSUWABI)