[2024 Mashiko Pottery Fair] Complete guide! Basic information and introduction of recommended authors

Hello! My name is Takezawa, and I am the owner of ``Uchill, a pottery market that you can enjoy at home'' that sells pottery made by artists.

I visit Mashiko Pottery City to meet new artists and to meet artists who regularly introduce their works.

I would like to tell you how to enjoy the Mashiko Pottery Fair, which is something that only I can teach you.

In addition, our store also carries many works by artists who have stalls at Mashiko Pottery Market. If you can't go there, please click here!

List of works by artists opening at Mashiko Pottery Market p>

Now, speaking of Mashiko Pottery Market, it is a very crowded event that attracts over 100,000 visitors every year, partly because it is close to Tokyo. (There were times when there were about 400,000 visitors!!)

Also, compared to other pottery fair events, there are many artists, and it is also attractive that you can meet a variety of artists, from young to veteran.

It may be a good idea to research in advance, such as past experiences, access methods, and information about the artists you are interested in, so we will introduce them in order.

There are quite a lot of articles, so if you are interested in something, please look at the table of contents to see where you want to read.

Overview of Mashiko Pottery City

Spring 2024 Mashiko Pottery Fair
Holding date: April 27th (Sat) - May 6th (Monday/holiday)
Time: 9:00-17: 00
Location: Mashiko-cho, Haga-gun, Tochigi Prefecture
(The venue is large, so if you want to put it in your car navigation system, it's best to go near the Mashiko-yaki pottery sales center.)

This is a trend every year, but I think most of the customers will be concentrated in the first half of the year, so if you have a particular artist in mind, we definitely recommend going early.

 

How to enjoy Mashiko Pottery Fair

Mashiko Pottery Market is large and crowded.
Therefore, the first thing you need to decide is what kind of trip you want to take.
There are three major directions.

① Go shopping for works by popular artists
② Enjoy a day trip to Mashiko Pottery Market
③ Stay overnight and enjoy Mashiko Pottery Market

I will explain each of them.

① Go shopping for works by popular artists

If you want a work by a popular author, we definitely recommend First Day.

Although they are on display during the exhibition period, since they are handmade vessels, it is normal for them to be sold out in the first half and not be available in the second half.

Also, if you are going on the first day, we recommend staying early in the morning (before the doors open) or staying the night before.

The doors open at 9 a.m., but for popular artists and potteries, customers start lining up from 6 to 7 p.m.

Rumor has it that the popular Yoshizawa Kiln is sometimes already late even at 6 o'clock.
Please head there with the determination to “line up!”

② Enjoy Mashiko Pottery Market on a day trip

For a day trip, there are several means of transportation such as bus, train, and car, but we also recommend that you do it in the morning.

If you are driving, you will run into traffic jams and inability to park around 9am when the venue opens, so I think it is better to arrive before the venue opens.

Also, it will take 4 to 5 hours to visit only the main places on the map, so you can either mainly visit the main places or decide in advance which artists you want to see and visit those places. Either one is better.

③Stay overnight and enjoy Mashiko Pottery Market

If you stay overnight, there will be more ways to enjoy your stay.

For example, you can rotate as shown below.
1. On the first day, we went around the center, and on the second day we went to booths a little further away and did some sightseeing in Mashiko.
2． On the first day, we went to Mashiko pottery market, and on the second day we went to Kasama pottery market in the neighboring prefecture.

I will also go to Kasama Pottery Market during the spring pottery market, so 2 I often make a schedule.
We will do some activities in the morning and leave Mashiko before the evening rush. After that, I'll take some time to relax, take a walk around the hotel, go to a cafe I want to go to, and then leave again early the next morning and head to Kasama.

How to read the Mashiko Pottery City map

Mashiko pottery city map can be obtained from Mashiko pottery city official website or at the local venue. I can.

The locations marked with this ★ mark (e.g. B alley back tent) are each venue, and there are about 20 to 40 artists and shops at the venue.

Also, there are many artists between the alphabets, so this map is intended to give you a rough idea of ​​the main venue.

This map will not be handed out at the venue on the day of the event, so it will be easier if you print it out in advance and write down the order you want to go around and the names of the artists you want to see and bring it with you.

How to access?

Go by car

About 25 minutes from Moka IC on the Kita-Kanto Expressway to Mashiko Town.

The parking lot you want to aim for is the parking lot of the Mashiko Ware Sales Center in the center.

Every year, the parking lot used to fill up around 9 a.m., but as the event becomes more popular, it seems to fill up earlier.

If this place is full, you will have to continue along the road towards the top of the map, but it is a little far away, so I couldn't help but wonder if there was a place a little closer. If there is an empty parking lot, it is better to park there.

Parking in the venue area generally costs 500 yen.
Although there are some places where it is free, I think it is better to park in a paid parking lot considering the distance you have to walk and the need to carry the utensils after buying them.

Go by bus

A limited-time round trip bus "Yakihabara_highway.html">Yakihabara Liner" is available from Akihabara Station. .
It's a little late, but it's nice to know that if you ride, you'll get there.

bound ⇒ 8:20 departure from Akihabara station - 10:50 arrival at Mashiko station
Return ⇒ 16:00 departure from Mashiko station - 19:10 arrival at Akihabara station

The bus ticket costs 2,250 yen one way from Akihabara Station to Mashiko Station, and a round trip ticket costs 2,000 yen one way.

Be sure to look for other tour companies that organize bus tours to the pottery market.

Go by train

If you are coming from Tokyo, there are several routes, but you will need to change trains at Shimodate Station on the JR Mito Line and go to Mashiko Station.
This route has a very local feel and takes about 2 and a half to 3 and a half hours depending on the connection.

JR "Tokyo" Station → JR Mito Line "Shimodate" Station → Moka Railway "Mashiko" Station
(Reference) First train connection from Tokyo Station departs at 6:40 →8:53 Arrive at Mashiko Station

I went there once by train, and I felt like it was a pretty relaxing experience.

If you are walking from the station, you can actually rent bicycles at Mashiko Station.

The store opens at 8:30, and the number of seats is limited, so it's first come, first served, but it's very useful to have.

 

Which authors do you recommend?

There are many wonderful artists at Mashiko Pottery City.

Among them, there are many artists that we have approached because we think they are wonderful.

I would like to introduce some wonderful authors that I would like to recommend.

Be sure to check the Mashiko Ceramic City official website in advance for the exhibition area.

You can also purchase the works of the artists introduced this time from the links below.

List of works by artists exhibiting at Mashiko Pottery Fair p>

Mio Higashamine

Mio Higashimine is one of the artists whose works are always lined up at the Mashiko Pottery Market.
Featuring gentle colors such as the refreshing indigo "Blue Line" series and the pale gray "Incho Series".

The design has a feel of Scandinavian textiles, and has a texture that is unique to handicrafts, such as faded and distorted stamps, and an indescribable taste.
The warm and cute swallows and polar bears are especially popular and adorable.

You can also view Mio Higashamine's utensils here.
Mio Higashamine list page

Aki Murata

Aki Murata's utensils are impressive with their traditional patterns arranged in a modern Japanese style.
The combination of simple and traditional patterns makes it a perfect match with Japanese food. The dyed pattern has a rich shading of Gosu color.

Also, there are a wide variety of small plates and small plates, so it can be hard to decide which one to buy.
You can stack them, so you'll want more than one.

You can also view Aki Murata's utensils here.
Aki Murata list page

Hana Craft　

Hana Craft is a workshop run by a husband and wife in Ibaraki Prefecture.

We offer two types of ware: one with pierced edges and candy glaze, and the other with dyed ware with hand-drawn illustrations.
The crack pattern of each piece is different, giving it an antique-like atmosphere.

You can view Hana Craft's pottery here.
Hana Craft List Page

Masayo Toyota

Toyoda's pottery has an impressive three-dimensional, detailed pattern created using a beautiful glaze with a unique texture and painted with ittin.

You can feel the sense of playfulness in the warmth of the careful handwork.

Users that exude delicate femininity will add a touch of elegance to your dining table.

Masayo Toyota list page

Yumiko Shimoya

Yumiko Shimoya's white is a unique white with a pale gray tinge.
Using traditional techniques such as ``shinogi'' and ``chamfer'', which create scratches on the surface of the ware, the ware is characterized by its matte texture and the shading of color created by carving, giving it a dignified air. .

This is also a popular artist whose work sells quickly as soon as it goes on sale.

You can see Yumiko Shimoya's pottery here.
Yumiko Shimoya list page

Toshiyuki Haramura

Toshiyuki Haramura makes mint-colored and white pottery that will add a refreshing look to your dining table.

The bleeding brown glaze around the edges is an accent that tightens the impression of the vessel.
The one-pointed illustrations of birds and bears will make you smile.
The key point is that porcelain is relatively hard to break and easy to handle.

You can also view Toshiyuki Haramura's utensils here.
Toshiyuki Haramura list page

Rie Shoji

You can feel the uniqueness of the pottery with its brown and yellow gradation colors that remind you of the moon and the rough texture of the cracked pattern.

All of Rie Shoji's pottery has the natural, soft warmth that clay pottery has.
By the way, the oval bowl with horizontal stripes in the center left of the photo, named Almond Bowl, is popular at our store.

You can view Rie Shoji's pottery here.
Rie Shoji list page

Woodworking Studio Gen Kazunori Takatsuka

At Kazunori Takatsuka's tent at Woodwork Studio Gen, you can purchase beautifully carved woodwork.

The pattern is called Hachinosu carving, and it is unique to handicrafts where each piece is carved regularly and carefully. The uneven texture is comfortable in your hands, and it has a beauty that makes your food stand out.
It also has the functional role of making it difficult for condensed water to adhere to the food.

Mr. Takatsuka is also one of the artists whose books you can't buy unless you get there early.

You can view Kazunori Takatsuka's pottery from Woodwork Studio Gen here.
Mokkobo Gen Kazunori Takatsuka list page

Yoshiko Shimonaga

Attractive utensils with animal and plant motifs that make the dining table more enjoyable.

I create pottery with the idea that ``I hope people can enjoy watching living things appear and disappear while using the pottery.''

You can see pottery with many different motifs at once, from animals such as bears and birds to plants such as pansies, which is unique to the pottery market.

Yoshiko Shimonaga list page

Sanae Higuchi

Enchanted by the nostalgic all-over patterned pottery.
All of Sanae Higuchi's vessels are hand-painted one by one.
The painting is done on pottery rather than porcelain, giving it a soft impression.

The colors and shapes reflected in Mr. Higuchi's eyes are vivid, soft, and cute.
Even through the container, you can feel his gentle gaze.

Sanae Higuchi list page

Yoshikuni Goto

Yoshikuni Goto's work has a beautiful antique appearance.
The charcoal gray base peeks out here and there under the gentle ivory color.
Using traditional techniques such as honing and chamfering, it is finished with a quaint texture typical of powdered pottery.

The pots that are synonymous with Mr. Goto's work are mostly one-of-a-kind pieces of different shapes and sizes, and the beauty of the careful handwork that shines through the pots has a charm that makes you want to cherish them for a long time. there is.

You can view Yoshikuni Goto's vessels here.
Goto Yoshikuni list page

Regina

Regina is exhibiting in the same tent as Yoshikuni Goto.
Bronze with a dull metal-like luster and a cute custard yellow bowl with a cute atmosphere.

The long square plate is called vanilla bean, and the iron points look like vanilla beans in custard.
The jagged edges are also cute.

Tree

Kinonesan's pottery is the Konfuku series, which has an attractive white that looks like a mixture of beige and brown, and a vaguely reddish texture, and the Caramelized Brown series, which has a rich dark brown color that looks like chocolate. etc. are made.

You can only appreciate the soft texture of Konfuku bowls by placing food on them.

You can view Kinone's pottery here.
Tree list page

Akihiro Terada

Akihiro Terada's vessels are a world of "black and white".
The vessels are made with a simple design that gives a faint feeling of handmade warmth.

A simple yet strong presence.
With a clean and streamlined design, it looks like you'll be able to use it for a long time.

You can view Akihiro Terada's utensils here.
Akihiro Terada list page

Shiho Kurihara

Shiho Kurihara creates glass with the themes of water, light, and stone.
Glass with bubbles sparkles in the light, giving it a fresh feel that resembles flowing water.

This is an attractive work that quietly brings you closer to your daily life, allowing you to feel the power of nature.

You can view Shiho Kurihara's pottery here.
Shiho Kurihara list page

Mitsusuke Teramura

Kosuke Teramura makes pottery using the soil of Mashiko and natural materials and raw materials that are readily available around us, such as apple and pear tree ash.

Utensils are a supporting role that is completed only after serving food.
The vessels themselves are not flashy, but Teramura's vessels have a warm, unadorned feel, so it's no wonder that many chefs love them.

You can view Kosuke Teramura's vessels here.
Kosuke Teramura list page

Kanae Aizawa

Motifs such as stars and balloons on fluffy floating clouds.
The world view that makes you feel like you have slipped into a fantasy world is wonderful.
The pale combination of watercolor painting is popular with women and children.
Azawa -san's feelings that he wants to make a fun vessel that is easy to use, does not get tired, is used.

You can see Kanae Aizawa's container here. Kanae Aizawa list page

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Nana Goto

Nana Goto, who has a modest, gentle, soft, yet strong feeling of air.
























It is a depression that you can feel the warmth of handicrafts even in a simple manner.

You can see Nana Goto's containment here. Nana Goto list page

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Shintaro Abe

Shintaro Abe's work reminiscent of a western antique depression.
There are one one who is fascinated by the relief on the rim.

The popularity is accelerating year by year, and it is now possible to get a numbered ticket, and it is almost sold out on the first day, so if you are worried, please in the morning.

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Enokida kiln

Enokida kiln's vessel is characteristic of dot patterns, grids, plants, etc. as motifs.

The secret of the cuteness is not only a pattern, but also a thick and warm texture.
This hot and warm feeling is a characteristic of Mashiko ware, and has the softness unique to the earth.

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Ryoko Kasahara

Ryoko Kasahara's nudto with a gentle appearance reminiscent of antiques.

Using the soil of Mashiko, the traditional glaze of Mashiko, the depression that is finished in a design that suits the modern lifestyle while leaving the uniqueness of Mashiko is wonderful.
The plenty of deflection and plenty of glaze are warmly warm.

You can see Ryoko Kasahara's containment here. Ryoko Kasahara list page

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Kaoru Sakurai

Kaoru Sakurai's depression is applied to the fine sculptures applied to the old nostalgic old tools, and the glaze of a pale blue mat is applied.
They are gently and beautiful vessels that seem to gently snuggle up in their daily life.

By the way, I write it by area, but it takes a lot of time to take a closer look at each area.

Also, since the writer is not always in the same place every year, information such as whether or not there is an exhibition or where it is in the area will be checked on the writer's website or Instagram. Is good.

What is good for lunch?

There are restaurants and booths in various places in the venue, and it's not a problem to eat something.

Lunch in Mashiko Pottery is summarized in the following article.
Please refer to it if you like.

 

During lunchtime, restaurants are particularly crowded, so I always take it at 11 o'clock.

There is also a delicious restaurant a little off the main venue, but it is difficult to get out, and after getting out, I become a parking refugee, so I can finish it at the venue. There are many.

The shops I often go to are Chai Yaogi, who is opening a store on Jonaizaka street.
The authentic Southern Indian curry is delicious, and some writers are looking forward to the curry here.

Chai sold together is also exquisite, so it is also recommended for supply for the time being.

Recommended for a strong group is Anriiro, located in n square square .

Capritis fries are a specialty, but when you are tired of walking, you can restore your physical strength by drinking bowl (omelet or steak bowl) and lime squash.

When you have time, go a little far away and eat soba to eat soba. It is thin noodles and delicious. However, it is a little far away, so if you eat it, you will lose your energy to return anymore ... lol.

What about accommodation?

If you want to stay before or stay overnight for one night, you'll probably have an inn, but this is surprisingly difficult.

There are not so many inns in the Mashiko area itself, and in the season, not only those who go sightseeing, but also many writers can come from afar. It is almost buried and I can't get an inn.

If you want to get an inn around Mashiko, I think it is better to check it about 2-3 months.

Also, except for the Mashiko area, it is a little away from Maoka area close to Mashiko, but the Utsunomiya area is recommended.

Moka area

Route -in Moka was relatively easy to use.
It is relatively close to Mashiko, about 30 minutes to 1 hour to Mashiko pottery.
I think that it is easy to use for cars because there are many restaurants.

Utsunomiya area

Utsunomiya has a large station, so beautiful hotels can stay at a relatively reasonable price.
It takes a little time to Mashiko Pottery City, about 1 hour and a half, but it is attractive that you can enjoy tourism, such as walking around Utsunomiya and eating Utsunomiya gyoza.

Recommended spots around Mashiko pottery

Shoji Hamada Memorial Mamwayi Reference Museum

This is an art museum established by potter Shoji Hamada, one of the central people who promoted the folk art movement.
Shoji Hamada's works and works such as Kanjiro Kawai, Bernard Reach, etc. are also included, so if you know the history of Mashiko ware, you want to stop by once.
It is a space that makes you feel beautiful even if you do not know history, such as the atmosphere of the traditional building, the state of the workplace, and the big climbing kiln.
Congratulations are expected in the pottery city season.

Roadside station Masako