Hello! My name is Takezawa, and I am the owner of ``Uchiru, a pottery market that you can enjoy at home'' that sells pottery made by artists.
Niwanowa Art & Craft Fair Chiba is a craft fair that has been held every year in Sakura City, Chiba Prefecture since 2013.
This year as well as last year, the event has been cancelled, but we would like to share with you our experiences from past visits, the charm of Niwanowa, and how to enjoy it, as well as our recommended recommendations. I also hope to be able to tell you about popular authors.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0824/8413/4185/files/mv2019.jpg)
Niwanowa event summary (Canceled in 2021)
Date and time: June 2021 10:00-16:00
* Rain or shine, rough weather such as typhoons Canceled only if
Venue: Sakura Castle Ruins Park
Admission fee: 300 yen for adults (free for elementary school students and younger)
Organizer: Niwanowa Art & Craft Fair Chiba Executive Committee
Homepage:
a href="https://niwanowa.info/">https://niwanowa.info/
Niwanowa situation
I took the train from Tokyo, and as I rode the train, it started to feel more and more like a local. The feeling was indescribable and irresistible.
You can enjoy it as a day trip, so it might be a good idea to go on a short trip.
It's quite a walk from the station, so if you can go by bus, use the bus.
Detailed access information is provided in the second half.
The venue is Sakura Castle Ruins Park.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0824/8413/4185/files/niwanowa_02_R-1.jpg)
We walk slowly through a lush green area like this.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0824/8413/4185/files/niwanowa_03_R-1.jpg)
Then, there was a banner like this!
It instantly makes it feel like an event.
As you proceed further, you will see the venue.
The garlands hanging between the trees will also get you excited.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0824/8413/4185/files/niwanowa_04_R-1.jpg)
At the venue, you can not only purchase works of art but also enjoy workshops and meals in this natural setting.
Niwanowa has a lot of popular artists, and it's less crowded than large pottery markets, so I think it's easier to visit.
However, in the case of popular authors, you may not be able to buy them unless you obtain a numbered ticket, so if you are interested in an author, it is best to go there first thing in the morning.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0824/8413/4185/files/niwanowa_06_R.jpg)
There are works that give you the feel of earthenware, and works that are popular for their paintings.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0824/8413/4185/files/niwanowa_07_R.jpg)
By the way, Miki Mizutani's work that I encountered here is scheduled to arrive soon. (I waited for 2 years)
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0824/8413/4185/files/niwanowa_08_R.jpg)
It looked fun to see that there were a variety of workshops being held, from those for adults to those for children.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0824/8413/4185/files/niwanowa-09_R.jpg)
If you're going with your kids, it might be fun to do a workshop together.
It will be announced on the official website from time to time, so be sure to check it out as well.
We are also planning to open a ``Niwanowa Post Office'' store where you can get a small stamp designed by illustrator Ayano Kinoshita, which is an annual tradition.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0824/8413/4185/files/niwanowa_10_R.jpg)
Writing and sending a letter in nature felt very fresh and fun.
I once again realized how nice letters are.
Food includes snacks such as hot dogs, pizza, and bread.
We also have curry and bento boxes.
All the shops are nice and the quality is high.
Just going to the venue and eating dinner in the middle of nature is quite satisfying!
I found a video that shows the scenery of Niwanowa, so I am attaching it. It gives you a feeling of lush greenery.
Recommended popular authors
We would like to introduce some recommended artists from among the exhibitors this time. There are many people that we carry in our store, but most of them are popular authors that are sold out.
Shintaro Abe
Made in Kasama, Ibaraki Prefecture, which is famous for its pottery.
Featuring reliefs that have their roots in European antiques, we aim to create items that can be distributed as antique tableware 100 years from now.
He is an artist whose work always sells out no matter what event he goes to.
Akihiro Terada (Studio Terada)
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0824/8413/4185/files/niwanowa_11.jpg)
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0824/8413/4185/files/terada_02_R.jpg)
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 vessel. With its clean and streamlined design, it looks like it will be used for a long time.
Manami Naoi
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0824/8413/4185/files/niwanowa_12_R.jpg)
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0824/8413/4185/files/naoi_02.jpg)
Made in Chiba Prefecture. ``Dignified'' is too strong, but ``warm'' is something else. A quiet appearance with a simple form and color that you won't find anywhere else.
Even if you use it every day, you won't get tired of it and it will easily blend into your daily life.
Kazuaki Shimura
Mr. Shimura, a native of Chiba Prefecture, studied pottery in Kyoto and worked at a workshop in Ishikawa and Mashiko before becoming an independent artist. The texture of the earthenware and the deep blue dyeing create a tasteful piece that looks like an antique.
Ikuo Oyama (Aojin Kiln)
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0824/8413/4185/files/aotogama_R.jpg)
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0824/8413/4185/files/aotogama_02.jpg)
Exhibitor from Niigata. Aotogama creates simple yet richly colored pieces using local raw materials such as persimmon ash and volcanic ash.
The pale and deep green color Uonuma Green Gray is a color that gives you a sense of wabi and rust, which is rarely seen elsewhere.
Chisa Imamura
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0824/8413/4185/files/imamura.jpg)
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0824/8413/4185/files/imamura_02-1.jpg)
You can feel the beauty of transparent glass in Chisa Imamura's works.
The work, made from blown glass, is attractive for its pure transparency, which feels as fresh and vital as flowing water.
Kohei Okizawa
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0824/8413/4185/files/okisawa_R.jpg)
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0824/8413/4185/files/okizawa_02.jpg)
Kohei Okizawa creates many glass works with beautiful silhouettes and high transparency.
Although there are many glass vessels, it is rare to find one with a moist and sexy atmosphere like Mr. Okizawa's glass vessels.
Masayuki Kaga (Semi-Aco)
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0824/8413/4185/files/kaga.jpg)
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0824/8413/4185/files/kaga_02.jpg)
This carved pattern has an uneven surface that feels comfortable in your hands and makes your food stand out.
Everything is carefully hand carved. Not only is it beautiful, but it also has the functional role of preventing condensed moisture from adhering to food.
What is Niwanowa?
The Niwanowa Art & Craft Fair Chiba, which is held once a year, is a craft fair that has been held in Sakura City, Chiba Prefecture every year since its preliminary opening in 2012.
![](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0824/8413/4185/files/fc4a8ae6a875db33aa5e857c9e24c2d2.png)
The biggest feature is that it is created mainly by artists who are attached to the area called "Chiba".
``Niwanowa Art & Craft Fair Chiba'' was created with the desire to get to know the many artists living in Chiba and create a place for them to exchange information.
To deepen ties with the local community, a ``Machinowa'' project is also being planned to connect Sakura's ``town'' and ``Niwanowa''.
Access
The venue, Sakura Castle Ruins Park, does not have its own parking lot. Therefore, you will need to use public transportation. The main access methods are as follows.
Train
Approximately 20 minutes on foot
Bus departs from Keisei Sakura Station, south exit platform 1
Chiba Green Bus bound for Tamachi Shako, Keisei Usui Station, Take either the train bound for Shizu or Yotsukaido Station
Get off at "National Museum Entrance" or "National Museum of Japanese History"
Walk: Approximately 25 minutes
Bus: From JR Sakura Station, North Exit Platform 1
Chiba Green Bus bound for Tamachi Shako, Keisei Sakura Station Get on one of the lines
Get off at "National Museum Entrance" or "National Museum of History and Folklore" (get off at "Miyakojicho", about a 10-minute walk)
Bus
Get off at "National History and Folklore Museum"
Tokyo Station 17:01
Fee: 1,340 yen for adults (1,190 yen in IC)
Rental cycle
Main lending location: Tourist Information Center (Keisei Sakura Station (Sha) Sakura City Tourism Association), JR Sakura Station Tourism Information Center (JR Sakura Station North Exit Stairs), Sakura Furusato Square
Time: 9: 00 ~ 16: 00
Fee: 500 yen per day (1,000 yen per day for electric assisted bicycles)
Niwa nowa linking event "Machinowa"
Machinowa started in 2015 as a linked event that connects Sakura's town and Niwanowa. If you go to Niwa nowa, I think it's a good idea to go to this event.
![alt](https://uchill.xsrv.jp/uchillpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/niwanow_13.jpg)
Sakura Municipal parking lot is the main venue, and various shops will be exhibited here as well.
It's easy to go because you can drop in on the way to Niwa.
The cityscape, which has the atmosphere of the castle town, is only a quaint building and you can enjoy a retro atmosphere.
Niwa Niwa can be re -entered once you buy an admission ticket, so you can get out once, come back, or stop by on the way home.
If you walk, it is good from Keisei Sakura Station, but if you are from JR Sakura Station, you can go on a rental bicycle.
![](https://uchill.xsrv.jp/uchillpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/machinowa_map_r.jpg)
This is a map of 2018, but it's good to go around the venue while enjoying the cityscape, eat various things and come back.
The venue is like this.
![](https://uchill.xsrv.jp/uchillpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/niwanow_15.jpg)
miscellaneous goods and delicious food are on sale.
![alt](https://uchill.xsrv.jp/uchillpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/niwanow_17.jpg)
Coffee and bread, but also yakitori, Thai food, Italian, craft beer, etc.
It seems that you can enjoy this event alone.
![alt](https://uchill.xsrv.jp/uchillpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/niwanow_16.jpg)
Niwa nowa is also very attractive.
Summary
Niwa Nowa Art & Craft Fair Ciba, a unique craft fair that allows you to fully enjoy the charm of Chiba.
At this time when GW has passed and the vent is reduced, why not go?
It is not limited to Utsuwan lovers, but you can enjoy it! I want to go again!
For those who can't go to the event.
Our shop is based on the concept of "you can enjoy pottery cities while staying at home." We handle and sell works by artists who think,
We also handle the work of the writer exhibiting at Niwa, so please take a look if you like.
(Uchuru store owner Takemiwa)