Hello! My name is Takezawa, the owner of UTSUWABI, a store.
Here is a roundup of popular Pottery Festivals and craft fairs around the country that will be held in 2024.
I've never been to a pottery market.
I want to go to that craft fair this year.
If you have never been to a pottery market or craft fair in your area, we would be happy to help you find one near you or a venue you would like to visit.
The events are listed in order of the month in which they are held, and the scale of each event and the type of visitors are based on my own personal impressions.
*Scale on a scale of 1 to 10,
★3-5: about half a day, ★6-8: about one day
★9-10: 1 day or more.
*There are some Pottery Festivals for which details have not yet been finalized.
Also, please click on the links below to view the works of artists we have met while touring Pottery Festivals and craft fairs around Japan.
Major Pottery Festivals Information
Mashiko Pottery Festival (spring and fall)
Mashiko pottery has a charming warmth of chubby clay.
The Mashiko Pottery Festival, held in spring and fall, is very popular and easily accessible from central Tokyo.
Bus tours are also available from Tokyo, making it easy to visit.
About 50 stores and 500 tents are set up, and locally grown vegetables and other goods are sold.
The number of stalls does not change between spring and fall, but as the seasons change, so do the artwork and produce, so you are sure to make new discoveries.
If you want to know more about the Mashiko Pottery Festival, please read this article!
Dates : Spring 4/27 (Sat.) - 5/6 (Mon., holiday), 2024
Autumn 11/2(Sat.) - 11/4(Mon., holiday), 2024
Hours: 9:00-17:00
Location ：Mashiko Town, Tochigi Prefecture (centered on the Jouchizaka and Sayad districts)
Size ：★★★★★★★★★★
Visitor demographics : 20s-60s
Official HP :https://mashiko-db.net/toukiichi/toukiichi1966.html
Arita Pottery Festival
Arita Ware porcelain made in Arita Town, a neighbor of Hasami, is characterized by its clear white porcelain and gorgeous paintings.
The Arita Pottery Fair attracts as many as 1.2 million visitors.
The main street is the street connecting Arita Station and Kami-Arita Station, and stalls and stores are opened along the street, which is a pedestrian paradise.
You can read more about the Arita Pottery Fair in this article.
How to get around [2023 Arita Pottery Festival], how crowded is it, and which kilns do you recommend? Summary summary
Dates : April 29, 2024 (Monday, national holiday) - May 5, 2024 (Sunday, national holiday)
Hours : 8:00 - around 17:00
Location : Various locations in Arita Town, Saga Prefecture
Scale : ★★★★★★★★★★
Visitor demographics : 20's to 60's
Official HP :http://www.arita-toukiichi.or.jp/
Hasami Pottery Festival
Hasami Ware pottery has a 400-year history and one of its characteristics is its smooth texture.
About 150 potteries and trading companies will gather at this year's Hasami Pottery Festival!
You can buy B items at a lower price than usual.
Events that can be enjoyed by the whole family, such as hands-on workshops of overglaze painting and dough casting, are also very popular.
It is best to learn the location of the parking lot in advance before you go.
For more information about the Hasami Pottery Festival, please refer to this article.
Dates : April 29, 2024 (Monday, national holiday) - May 5, 2024 (Sunday, national holiday)
Hours: 9:00-17:00
Location : Hasami-cho, Higashisonogi-gun, Nagasaki (Yakimono Park)
Size ：★★★★★★★★★★
Visitor demographics ： 20's-60's
Official HP :https://hasamitoukimatsuri.com/
Craft Fair Matsumoto 2024
The Craft Fair Matsumoto, which has been held for more than 30 years, attracts many people from the general public who love crafts to those involved in the gallery industry.
Visitors can also enjoy a relaxing picnic on the vast lawn in the middle of Agata no Mori Park, the venue of the fair.
You can read more about Craft Fair Matsumoto in this article.
A thorough guide to how to enjoy [2023 Craft Fair Matsumoto], artists, access, etc.!
Date : May 25 (Sat.) - May 26 (Sun.), 2024
Hours : 10:00 - 17:00 (until 16:00 on the last day)
Place : 3-2102-4, Agata, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture (Agata no Mori Park)
Size ：★★★★★★★☆☆☆☆
Visitor demographics ：20s-50s
Official HP : http://matsumoto-crafts.com/craftsfair/
Tokyo Flea Market
You may find your own treasures.
The Tokyo Flea Market is an event filled with such excitement.
In addition to the bean dish and chopstick rest markets, there are also many old tools and miscellaneous goods gathered at the event.
You can read more about the Tokyo Flea Market in this article.
What kind of shops will open at the "Tokyo Flea Market" held twice a year? Summary summary
Date ： Around the end of May, 2024
Time ： 9:30 - 17:00 (ends at 16:30 on the first day only)
Place ： Showa Kinen Park, Yume Hiroba, Green Culture Zone (3173 Midori-cho, Tachikawa City, Tokyo)
Please use public transportation when coming to the exhibition.
Admission: 1,000 yen for advance tickets / 1,200 yen for at-the-door tickets (free for junior high school students and younger)
Scale ：★★★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆
Visitor demographics ： 20's-40's
Official HP :https://tegamisha.com/
Lamplighters' Gathering
This is the 12th “Lamplighters' Gathering” to be held in Sakai City, Osaka, which has deep ties to the “Chanoyu” tea ceremony.
Only those artists who have passed the selection process are allowed to open stalls, and the event is a gathering of makers of tools for daily life.
This is an event where you can take your time to search for and find “something perfect for you” that is not mass-produced and handmade.
The food is also very popular, and some of it is sold out by lunchtime.
Be careful not to get too carried away with your search for vessels.
Date : Scheduled for early December 2024
Hours : 10:00-16:00
Place ：Event Plaza, Daisen Park (Mozu Yumo-cho, Sakai-ku, Sakai City)
Scale ：★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆
Visitor demographics: 20s to 40s
Official HP : http://tomoshibito.org/
Other Pottery Market Schedule
February 2024
Yomitan Yachimun Market
More than 30 kilns in the village gather at the Yachimun Market, the largest in the prefecture.
The market is crowded with approximately 20,000 visitors from inside and outside of the prefecture over the two days, as visitors can purchase yachimun at a discount from the usual price.
It is recommended that visitors plan ahead to visit the market, as products from popular potteries are likely to sell out soon after the market opens.
Date: Saturday, February 24 and Sunday, February 25, 2024
Opening hours : 10:00-17:00
Location ：Front plaza of Yunta Market
Size ：★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Visitor demographics ： 30's to 60's
Official HP :https://www.okinawastory.jp/event/600009429
March 2024
Moon Beach All Okinawa Island Yachimun City
This is a pottery market where pottery makers from all over Okinawa gather.
In addition to the display and sale of yachimun, the event offers a variety of activities such as a fun raffle, pottery making experience, and coloring of plastered Shi-sa (Okinawan traditional seasar).
In addition to the hotel parking lot, a temporary parking lot is available at Maeganeku Fishing Port near Moon Beach, and a free shuttle bus will be provided between the temporary parking lot and the hotel.
The venue is indoors, so you can take your time and look around in comfort.
Date: Saturday, March 25 and Sunday, March 26, 2023
Hours: 10:00-19:00
Location: 1203 Maeganeku, Onna-mura, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa, Japan
（Hotel Moon Beach Indoor Exhibition Hall (Beach Floor) and in front of MB Gallery)
Size ：★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Visitor demographics : 30's to 60's
Official HP : https://www.moonbeach.co.jp/information/58/
April 2024
ARTS & CRAFT Shizuoka Handcraft Market (Spring)
ARTS & CRAFT Shizuoka Handcraft Market is a craft fair held at a shrine.
Held in spring (April) and fall (October), the fair attracts artists from all over Japan, especially those from Shizuoka.
Walking along the nature-filled path to the venue is a refreshing change of pace in itself.
There are no parking spaces available, so use public transportation to get there.
You can read more about the ARTS & CRAFT Shizuoka Handmade Creation Market in this article.
Date: Saturday, April 13, 2024 - Sunday, April 14, 2024
Hours: 9:00 - around 16:00
Location : Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture (Shizuoka Gokoku Shrine)
Scale : ★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆
Visitor demographics: 20s-50s
Official HP :http://www.shizuoka-tezukuriichi.com/
Shonan Kayagasaki Craft Fair Ichinoichi
Just started in 2023, this craft fair is held in Kanagawa Prefecture, Shonan area.
About 120 groups of clothing, dyeing and weaving, woodworking, leather, ceramics, metal, accessories, plants, and other artists, craftspeople, and food trucks will gather from all over Japan.
The event is larger in scale than other craft fairs held in the Tokyo metropolitan area, and the lineup of stores is extensive, making it an event that is likely to become more popular in the future.
Date: Saturday, April 13, 2024 - Sunday, April 14, 2024
Hours: 9:00 - around 16:00
Location ：2-3-1 Chigasaki, Chigasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture (Chigasaki Central Park)
Size ：★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆
Visitor demographics ：20s-50s
Official HP : https://www.chigasaki-crafts.com/
Green Craft
The Craft Market is held with the aim of creating a more essential place for makers and customers.
The venue, Sayama Inariyama Park, is a famous cherry blossom viewing spot with about 300 Someiyoshino and Yaezakura cherry trees.
Although it is still a new craft fair, it is a hole-in-the-wall event with a fairly high level of both artists and food.
Date : April 20 (Sat.) and 21 (Sun.), 2024
Hours : 10:30-16:30
Place ：Sayama City, Saitama Prefecture (in front of the municipal museum in Sayama Inariyama Park)
Size ：★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Visitor demographics ： 20s~40s
Official HP : https://midorino-craft.jimdo.com/
Tobe Pottery Festival
The Tobe Pottery Festival is a pottery market held every spring and fall in Tobe Town, Iyo County, Ehime Prefecture.
About 100,000 pieces of Tobe ware are sold at the festival, and visitors can purchase them at a discount of 20 to 80% of the regular price from the pottery makers gathered at the venue.
At the Tobe Pottery Festival, many daily-use tableware such as plates, bowls, teacups, teacups, and mugs are sold.
In addition to sales, events are held, and the pottery market is a great success, attracting more than 100,000 visitors every year.
On the day of the Tobe Pottery Festival, free buses will run between the main venue (Venue 1) and the venue (Venue 2).
The schedule of the tent market will be announced as soon as it is decided, so if you are interested, please check the website of the Tobe Town Tourist Association.
Date : April 20 (Sat.) and 21 (Sun.), 2024
Hours : 9:00 - 20:00 (until 17:00 on the last day)
Place ： <Venue 1> Tobe-cho, Iyo-gun, Ehime Prefecture (Pottery Road Yutori Park)
<Venue 2> Tobe Town, Iyo-gun, Ehime Prefecture (Tobe Pottery Traditional Industry Hall, Tobe Town Hall of Commerce and Industry)
Scale : ★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆
Visitor demographics: 30s-60s
Official HP : http://www.tobe-kanko.jp/
April - May 2024 Golden Week
Kasama's Ceramic Flame Festival
Kasama Ware, which has a long history dating back to the Edo period, is a type of pottery that combines functionality and beauty, as it was originally used as kitchen pottery.
The name of the pottery festival is “Himatsuri” (meaning “festival of fire”).
The event is a great success, with more than 200 potteries and stores lining the streets.
The venue includes grass and cobblestone pavement, so sneakers or other shoes that are easy to walk in are recommended.
There are shuttle buses that connect the Mashiko pottery market and Kasama's Ceramic Flame Festival, as well as buses that go around Kasama City, so you can visit both pottery markets at the same time.
For more information on Kasama's Ceramic Flame Festival, please refer to this article.
Date : April 29, 2024 (Monday, national holiday) - May 5, 2024 (Sunday)
Hours : 9:00-17:00
Place : Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture (Kasama Art Park Event Plaza)
Scale : ★★★★★★☆☆☆☆
Visitor demographics : 30's to 60's
Official HP : http://www.himatsuri.net/index.php
Kutani Teacup Festival
Kutani Ware is a traditional Japanese craft.
It is characterized by the painting based on five colors (green, yellow, red, purple, and navy blue) called Kutani Gosai.
It is made mainly in the southern part of Ishikawa Prefecture, including Kanazawa City and Komatsu City.
The venue is the Kutani Pottery Village, about an hour by bus from Kanazawa Station and a 20-minute drive from Komatsu Airport.
At the Kutani Tea Bowl Festival, about 50 special tents will be set up, ranging from high-end works of art created by traditional craftsmen to pop-up vessels for daily use.
Date: Friday, May 3 - Sunday, May 5, 2024
Hours: 10:00-17:00 (until 16:00 on the last day)
Place ：Kutani Pottery Village, Terai Gymnasium, Neagari Sogo Bunka Kaikan, Nomi City, Ishikawa Prefecture
Scale ：★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆
Visitors: 40s-60s
Official website : https://kutani-shoukumi.or.jp/festival/
Toki Mino Ware Festival
Mino ware has a history dating back to the Heian period.
It is durable, easy to use, and has a wide variety of designs, making it an easy-to-handle vessel that can be matched with any dish.
The venue is Oribe Hills, a place where Mino ware wholesalers gather.
Although the venue is one, since the site is large, tents are lined up for more than 1 km on the road which becomes a pedestrian paradise.
In addition to Mino ware and other vessels, there will be stores selling wooden vessels, brass cutlery, and other household goods.
Date : May 3 (Fri.) - 5 (Sun.), 2024
Hours : 9:00-17:00
Location ：Oribe Hills (Toki Mino ware wholesale commercial complex), Toki City, Gifu Prefecture
Size ：★★★★★★★★★☆
Visitor demographics: 30's to 60's
Official HP : https://www.oribe-hills.com/
Shigaraki Artists' Market
The pottery market attracts Shigaraki ware and artists from inside and outside of the prefecture.
When the market started 14 years ago, there were about 60 artists participating, but this year, 175 artists will participate.
The event was scheduled to be held in April, but was postponed and will be held in July this year.
Since this is a very popular event, traffic congestion is said to be heavy if you drive to the event around noon.
It is recommended to plan ahead and arrive early or use public transportation.
You can read more about the Shigaraki Artists' Market in this article.
[Shigaraki Writer's City 2023] Complete guide! Basic information, featured authors, etc.
Date : Thursday, May 2 - Sunday, May 5, 2024
Hours : 9:00-17:00 (until 16:00 on the 5th)
Place : Shigaraki Town, Koka City, Shiga Prefecture (The Ceramic Forest)
Scale : ★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆
Visitor demographics : 20s-50s
Official HP : http://www.shigaraki-sakkaichi.com/
Aozora Crafts Ichi Spring in Mito
Aozora Craft Ichi began in 2010 with the idea of “connecting craftspeople in the Mito area with users.
This year, 131 artists and stores will open their stores.
There will also be many events such as a DJ, an acoustic music stage, and the “Aozora Shokudo” food and beverage booth.
This event is also held in the fall.
Date: Saturday, April 20 and Sunday, April 21, 2024
Hours: 10:00-17:00
Location ：To be determined *Last year's event was held at Fureai Plaza by Senba Lake (3081 Senba-cho, Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture)
Size ：★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆
Visitor demographics: 20s to 40s
Official HP: http://www.aozora-craft-ichi.com/
May 2024 (after Golden Week)
Field of Craft Kurashiki
Field of Crafts Kurashiki is held under the theme of “Shapes Born from Palms.
In addition to exhibiting products made by craftspeople, the bookstore “FOC Bunko,” which is open only during these two days, is also popular.
For more information on Field of Crafts Kurashiki, please refer to this article.
Date ： Scheduled for mid-May in 2024
Place ：Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture (Kurashiki City Geibunkan Square)
Scale ：★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆
Visitor demographics : 20s to 40s
Official HP : http://field-of-craft.com/
Village
This craft market is organized by ARTS&CRAFT Shizuoka Tezokuri Ichiba, a group of artists who make their living by making things.
The market is held in a nature-rich park surrounded by dense forests and is popular among citizens in the eastern part of Shizuoka Prefecture.
Since the market is held in May, the weather is pleasant and you can enjoy shopping.
However, it is also the time of year when it rains more often, so you may want to bring a folding umbrella for peace of mind.
For more information about the Village, please refer to this article.
[Village2021] Who is your recommended author? Summary of gourmet food, access, etc.
Date ： May 11 (Sat.) and 12 (Sun.), 2024
Place : Mishima City Park, Rakujyuen 19-3 Ichibancho, Mishima City, Shizuoka Pref.
Size ：★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆
Visitor demographics: 20s to 40s
Official HP : http://village-mishima.com/
Craft Market Spring City
The Craft Market, which used to be held every September, has been powered up to be held twice a year.
In addition to vessels, there will be many stores selling accessories, shoes, and food.
Dates : (on hiatus)
Hours : 9:00-16:00 (until 15:00 on the last day)
Place : Maruyachi, Shizukuishi Town, Iwate County (Donguri Korokoro Koiwai Farm Makibaen)
Size ：★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Visitor demographics ： 30's to 50's
Official HP : https://craftichi2017.wixsite.com/craftichi2019
June 2024
Sanjo Craft Fair
Sanjo City is an area famous for its hardware industry.
Artists from all over Japan will gather in this city to hold a craft fair.
Free shuttle buses will be available from Sanjo City Hall and JR Higashi-Sanjo Station on the day of the fair, so be sure to check the official page and Facebook before heading there.
Date : Saturday, June 15 and Sunday, June 16, 2024
Time : 10:00 - 16:30
Location ：Sanjo City Sports Park (Tsukinomori Undo Koen)
Size ：★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆
Visitor demographics ：20s-50s
Official HP : https://sanjocraft.com/
NIWANOWA Art & Craft Fair Chiva
The Niwanowa Art & Craft Fair Chiba has been held annually since the pre-fair in 2012.
Artists mainly associated with Chiba open stalls, emphasizing “what can be done because it is in Chiba.
The venue, Sakura Joshi Park, has a space where you can rest comfortably.
Bring your own leisure sheets to relax and enjoy the festival.
For more information about NIWANOWA, please refer to this article.
Introducing the charm and ways to enjoy “2021 Niwanowa Art & Craft Fair Chiba”!
Date : Saturday, June 1 and Sunday, June 2, 2024
Hours : 10:00-16:00
Place ：Sakura City, Chiba Prefecture (Sakura Joshi Park)
Admission fee : 300 yen (free for elementary school students and younger)
Scale ：★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆
Visitor demographics : 20s to 40s
Official HP : http://niwanowa.info/
July 2024
Aomori Craft Fair A-line
Aomori Craft Fair A-line is a craft fair held at a campground.
The venue has changed to Moya Hills Campground this year!
Only those artists who have passed the selection process are allowed to open stalls, and there are about 160 groups of artists from all over the country in a variety of genres.
Aomori's local gourmet foods are also popular, so come hungry!
Date : Scheduled for the end of June to the beginning of July, 2024
Time ：10:00-17:00 (9:00-16:00 on the second day)
Location ：Moya Hills Campground, Aomori City
Size ：★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆
Visitor demographics ：20s-50s
Official HP : http://aomori-line.com/
Yatsugatake Craft Market Summer 2024
The Yatsugatake Craft Market is held twice a year, once in summer and once in fall.
What a rare system it has in place, with all staff members being artists.
The event brings together more than 100 craft studios dealing in woodwork, cloth, glass, ceramics, and other items, attracting not only local artists but also those from Tokyo and other parts of Japan.
As the name “Refreshing Summer Market” suggests, the venue is surrounded by the greenery of the Yatsugatake Mountains, making it a very pleasant place to visit.
Date: July 5 (Fri.) - 7 (Sun.), 2024
Hours: 10:00-16:00
Place ：Suwa-gun, Nagano Prefecture (Yatsugatake Nature Park)
Scale ：★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆
Visitor demographics：20s-50s
Official HP : https://yatsugatakecraft.com/
Ebetsu Yakimono Market
This is the largest pottery market in Hokkaido, where more than 200 ceramic studios and artists gather.
Ebetsu is a town where the ceramic industry developed with the establishment of brick factories in the Meiji era (1868-1912), and even today there are many ceramic studios.
In addition to the wonderful vessels, visitors can also enjoy other activities such as playing dominoes with bricks and experiencing pottery making.
Date : Scheduled for mid-July, 2024
Time ：10:00-17:00 (until 16:00 on 16th)
Location ：Green space on the north side of Ebetsu City Hall (7 min. walk from JR Takasago Station)
Size ：★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆
Visitor demographics ： 30's to 50's
Official HP : http://www.yakimono21.org/ichi/
Handmade Japan Fest
Handmade in Japan is a new creators' festival held by Creema, one of the largest handmade marketplaces in Japan.
As the popularity of the event has grown, the venue and the number of exhibitors have been increasing, but this year, the organizer dares to return to the scale of the first year of the event.
This year, however, the scale will be returned to that of the first year of the festival, so visitors will be able to enjoy the works of the creators at a closer distance.
Tickets are required for admission.
One-day ticket: 1,300 yen in advance / 1,500 yen at the door
Advance tickets can be purchased at play guide companies, so those who plan to go should check the official website to confirm how to purchase tickets.
Date : Scheduled for mid-July, 2024
Time : 11:00-19:00
Place ：Koto-ku, Tokyo (Tokyo Big Sight)
Scale ：★★★★★★★☆☆☆☆
Visitor demographics ：20s~40s
Official HP : https://hmj-fes.jp/
August 2024
Kyoto Gojozaka Pottery Festival
More than 400 pottery stores will gather in Kyoto in summer.
The area around Gojozaka, the birthplace of Kiyomizu Ware pottery, is the venue.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple and other tourist attractions are within walking distance, so it is a good idea to walk around while taking a break for a cold snack.
In the past, the festival was cancelled due to a typhoon.
If you are worried about the weather, please check the official website or SNS before visiting.
Date : August 7-10, 2024
Hours : 9:00-22:00
Location ：Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture (Gojozaka)
Size ：★★★★★★☆☆☆☆
Visitor demographics : 30's to 60's
September 2024
Setomono Festival
The Setomono Festival, which began in 1932, will be held for the 88th time this year.
As many as 200 stores are lined up along the Seto River, where visitors can see artists' works and ceramics.
Fireworks will be displayed on the night of the first day of the festival.
There are many free parking lots, so if you are driving to the festival, it is recommended to check the parking lot in advance to ensure a smooth trip.
Date : Scheduled for early September 2024 *usually the second Saturday and Sunday of September
Time ：9:00 - 18:00 (until 17:30 on the last day)
Place ：Seto City, Aichi Prefecture (both banks of Seto River, etc.)
Scale ：★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆
Visitor demographics ：40s to 60s
West Japan Ceramics Festa
Potters from as far north as Hokkaido and as far south as Kagoshima will be gathered under one roof to sell their wares.
Of course, visitors will be able to talk directly with the potters and choose the items they would like to buy.
Last time, a special roll cake festival was held next to the exhibition, and there was also a food court and other events.
The last time, a special roll cake festival was held next to the exhibition, and there was also a food court and other events.
Date: Mid-September, 2024 (tentative)
Time ：10:00-17:00 (until 16:00 on the last day)
Location ：Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture (West Japan General Exhibition Center, New Annex)
Scale ：★★★★★★☆☆☆☆
Visitor demographics ： 30's to 60's
Official HP : http://www.toujiki.jp/
Ceramic Art Market in Ceramic Cultural Park 2023
This is an event where ceramic artists and other artists who live and work in the prefecture gather under the theme of “Meet the Artworks and Artists.
Aiming for “more art on display, more artistic works,” 135 booths were exhibited last year.
Date : Scheduled for mid-September 2024
Hours : 9:00-17:00 (until 16:30 on the last day)
Location : Shiga Prefectural Ceramic Cultural Park (2188-7 Teshi, Shigaraki, Koka, Shiga 529-1804, Japan)
Scale : ★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆
Visitor demographics : 30's to 60's
Official HP :https://www.sccp.jp/park/market/
Iga Pottery Festival
The Iga Pottery Festival is a historic event, now in its 40th year.
Visitors can talk directly with Iga potters and artists, and a friendly atmosphere prevails.
The sight of earthenware pots and vessels lined up in various places is a spectacular sight.
The New Meishin Expressway and Meihan National Highway are located near the venue, making it easy to access from Osaka, Kyoto, Shiga, and Aichi.
A large parking lot is also available next to the venue.
Date : Scheduled for mid-September, 2024
Hours: 9:00-17:00 (until 16:00 on the last day)
Location ：Spark Ayama in Ayama Fureai Park, Iga City, Mie Prefecture
Size ：★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Visitor demographics ： 20's-60's
Official HP :https://igayakimatsuri.com/
SNS ：https://www.instagram.com/igayakitoukimatsuri/
October 2024
Tajimi Pottery Festival
The Tajimi Pottery Festival is a biannual big bargain market of Mino ware.
In the fall, the festival is famous for its large bargain street with about 40 vendors.
The garage sale-like warehouse market, where visitors can enjoy shopping in warehouses that are normally closed to the public, is also a unique feature of the autumn Tajimi Pottery Festival.
There will also be a kitchen car and other food and beverage stalls in the central plaza of the venue.
Date : Scheduled for early 2024
Hours: 8:30 - 17:30
Place ：Tajimi Mino Ceramic Ware Wholesale Center
Scale ：★★★★★★★☆☆☆☆
Visitor demographics ：30's to 60's
Official HP : https://tajimi-ceramicfes.jp/
Sendai Mori-no-Miyako Craft Fair 2023
We want to think about craftsmanship from Tohoku.
With this in mind, the Sendai Morinomiyako Craft Fair was launched.
The venue is the Sun Mall Ichibancho shopping arcade.
It is within walking distance from Sendai Station, so you can visit while walking around downtown Sendai.
Date : Scheduled for early October, 2023
Time ：to be determined
Location ：1-3-1 Chuo, Aoba-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture （AER Atrium 1F & 2F)
Size ：★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Visitor demographics ： 30's to 60's
Official HP :http://morimiya-cf.raindrop.jp/
Instagram：https://www.instagram.com/tajimi_toukimatsuri/
Aozora Craft Ichi Autumn in Mito
The pottery market in Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture, is held in spring and fall.
For those traveling by train, it is convenient to take a bus from Mito Station. It takes about 10 minutes to the venue.
Date : Scheduled for early October, 2023
Hours : 10:00-17:00
Location ：to be determined* in Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture (Fureai Plaza by Senba Lake last year)
Scale ：★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆
Visitor demographics: 20s to 40s
Official HP : http://www.aozora-craft-ichi.com/
Hagi Tamachi Hagi Ware Festival
The Hagi Tamachi Hagi Ware Festival will be held on Tamachi-dori Street, which used to be a “road of visiting dignitaries” when Lord Mori would come to Hagi.
For the first time in three years, the festival will be held at the Hagi Meirin School Building.
Various events will be held centering on Hagi ware sales, and participants in the stamp rally will receive Hagi specialties at each venue.
Date: Scheduled for early October, 2024
Hours: 10:00 - 17:00
Location ：Inside the Hagitamachi Shopping Arcade and Hagi Meirin School Building
Size ：★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Visitor demographics ： 20s-60s
Official HP : http://hagicci.or.jp/hagiyakimaturi/index.html
Yatsugatake Craft Market Autumn 2022
The Yatsugatake Craft Market in 2022 is scheduled to be held twice, in summer and autumn.
The Minori Autumn Market will be held in October.
The temperature is expected to drop, so be sure to bring warm clothing.
Date: Scheduled for early October 2024
Time ：10:00-16:00
Place: Suwa-gun, Nagano Prefecture (Yatsugatake Nature Park)
Scale ：★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆
Visitor demographics ：20s-50s
Official HP : https://yatsugatakecraft.com/
ARTS & CRAFT Shizuoka Handcraft Market
ARTS & CRAFT Shizuoka Tezokuri Ichiba is a craft fair held at a shrine.
Held in spring (April) and fall (October), the fair attracts artists from all over Japan, especially those from Shizuoka.
Walking along the nature-filled path to the venue is a refreshing change of pace in itself.
There are no parking spaces available, so you will want to use public transportation to get there.
Date : Scheduled for early October 2024
Hours : 9:00-16:00
Location : Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture (Shizuoka Gokoku Shrine)
Size ：★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆
Visitor demographics: 20s-50s
Official HP : http://www.shizuoka-tezukuriichi.com/
Tama Kuraruto Fair
The Tama Kurafu Fair is being held for the 13th time.
The year before last, approximately 25,000 people visited the fair over a two-day period.
Artists from all over Japan also gather to exhibit their works.
The venue, Tama Chuo Park, is a very large park with lots of lawn space.
When the weather is fine, there is even space for a pleasant picnic.
Date: Scheduled for early October 2024
Hours: 10:00-17:00 (10:00-15:00 on the last day)
Location : Rooftop of Cross Garden Tama parking lot
Size ：★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Visitor demographics ： 20s~40s
Official HP : https://www.tama-craftfair.com/
[Canceled] Autumn Folk Pottery Village Festival
Koishiwara Pottery of Tombo Village is characterized by patterns expressed by techniques such as hakeme, and has been popular as household goods.
While respecting tradition, the village is also trying out new techniques.
The Minto-Mura Festival is held twice a year, in spring and fall.
About 50 kilns in the village open their kilns at the same time and sell their products at a lower price than usual.
At the Koishiwara Pottery Traditional Industry Hall, events such as the sale of rice balls made from newly harvested rice and painting workshops are also held, creating a lively atmosphere.
Date ：The event will be canceled in 2023 due to the heavy rain disaster.
Place ：Tomine Village, Fukuoka Prefecture (Koishiwara Pottery Traditional Industry Hall)
Size ：★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆
Visitor demographics : 30's to 60's
Official HP : https://toho.main.jp/akimura/#gsc.tab=0
Shigaraki Pottery Festival
This festival is usually held in the Shigaraki Town area centered in front of Shigaraki Station on the Shigaraki Kogen Railway.
In 2022, the festival will be held at 29 cooperating stores instead of the traditional tent sales.
Shigaraki ware is famous for its raccoon dog figurines, but there are also many tableware, pots, and flower vases available at low prices.
Especially on the last day of the event, there are amazing discounts, but many items are sold out.
If you have something in mind, the first day is recommended.
Date : Scheduled for early October, 2024
Hours: 9:00-17:00 (until 16:00 on the last day)
Location ：Shigaraki Town, Koka City, Shiga Prefecture (at 29 cooperating stores)
Scale ：★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆
Visitor demographics ：40s-60s
Official HP : http://www.shigaraki-matsuri.com/
Village - Saturday and Sunday Market of Goods, Food and Sound
Kochi Prefecture, where the Village is held, has the highest percentage of self-employed craftspeople in Japan.
The Village is a crafts fair that is attracting a great deal of attention, as more and more craftspeople are moving to Kochi Prefecture.
As the subtitle of the event suggests, the Village brings together high quality products made by craftspeople with pleasant music.
Date: Mid-October 2024 (tentative)
Hours: 10:00-17:00
Place ：Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture (Kagamigawa Green Plaza, Takasho Park, Yamauchi Shrine)
Scale ：★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆
Visitor demographics: 20s-50s
Official HP : http://village-kochi.com/
Isuzu Forest Craft Fair
The venue is Isuzu Park on the banks of the Isuzu River near Ise Jingu Shrine.
A total of 100 tents will be lined up, selling ceramics, woodwork, accessories, food, and other items, mainly by artists active in Mie Prefecture.
It seems that many people go out every year prepared for the cold, so make sure to stay warm and enjoy the event.
Date ： Scheduled for mid-October 2024
Time ：10:00-16:00 (rain or shine)
Place ：Ise City, Mie Prefecture (Isuzu Park)
Scale ：★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆
Visitor demographics ：20s-50s
Official HP : http://ichishina.com/iszm/
Wind from the workshop
Winds from the Studio: Craft in Action is an outdoor exhibition held at the Nikke Colton Plaza in Ichikawa City, Chiba Prefecture.
About 70 craft artists from all over Japan gather at this event, which is said to be a gateway to success for new craft artists due to the high quality of the exhibiting artists.
There are also food booths where visitors can enjoy not only crafts but also food and drinks.
Date ： Scheduled for the end of October 2024
Location ：Ichikawa City, Chiba Prefecture (Nikke Colton Plaza)
Scale ：★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆
Visitor demographics : 20s-50s
Official HP : http://www.kouboukaranokaze.jp/
Kawaguchi Craft
This is a craft market where makers from all over Japan who are dedicated to handcrafts open stalls to exhibit and sell their works.
There will be crafts, food, and music, so you can enjoy the event all day long.
Date : Last Saturday in October
Time ：10:00-16:00
Location ：1-1 Namiki-Motomachi, Kawaguchi-shi, Saitama Art Park (in Namiki-Motomachi Park)
Size ：★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Visitor demographics ： 20s-50s
Official HP : http://k-kurafuto.com/
November 2024
Living with Pottery 2024
The name was changed from “Kasama Pottery Festival” to “Living with Pottery” (a.k.a. “Tokura”), which is held in Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture, where Kasama Pottery is produced.
One of the features of this event is that it is not hosted by the local government or a tourist association, but by an executive committee made up of artists of Kasama Ware.
You can see many new works made after the usual pottery market.
Date : Scheduled for early November 2024
Hours : 9:00-16:00 (until 15:30 on the last day)
Place : Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture (Kasama Ceramic Hill)
Scale : ★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆
Visitor demographics : 20's to 50's
Official HP : https://toutokurashi.com/
Autumn Tobe Pottery Festival
The autumn Tobe Pottery Festival is an event where about 70 potteries open their stalls and sell their wares face to face.
The tents lined up on both sides of the road in the park make for a spectacular event.
Each kiln exhibits prototypes and other items, making it possible to purchase pottery at a more reasonable price than usual.
Date: Usually the first Saturday and Sunday in November
Hours: 19:00-17:00 (until 16:00 on the 6th)
Place ：Tobe-cho Pottery Road Yutori Park
Size ：★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Visitor demographics ： 30's to 60's
Official HP : https://www.iyokannet.jp/event/6112
Tsuboya Yachimun Street Festival
This festival is held once a year in Tsuboya, the hometown of Yachimun where time is usually leisurely.
During this period, visitors can purchase yachimun at a special price.
You can eat “māsamun*” in tsuboya Ware bowls, and events such as the “Tsuboya Mai” tour of the potteries in Tsuboya are held, as well as performances of eisa and Okinawan folk songs.
Maasamun is the Okinawan word for “delicious food.
Date ： First Saturday and Sunday in November every year
Time ：10:00-18:00 (Traffic control 12:00-17:00)
Place ：Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture (Tsuboya Yachimun Street and Suji Ko-dori Street)
Size ：★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Visitor demographics ： 30's to 60's
Official HP : http://www.tsuboya-yachimundori.com/
Living Tokoro Market
The market attracts around 100 exhibitors and performers and 10,000 visitors every year.
Under the theme of “Connecting, Interacting, Living and Handcrafts,” the event blends crafts, art, food, agriculture, and music.
The market features Tokorozawa's unique crafts, food from local stores, and local agricultural products.
The event started in 2015 and is gaining popularity every year.
Date : Scheduled for mid-November 2024
Time ：10:00-16:00
Location ：Tokorozawa City, Saitama Prefecture (in Prefectural Tokorozawa Aviation Memorial Park)
Scale ：★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆
Visitor demographics : 20s to 40s
Official HP : https://www.kuratoko.com/
Online Pottery Market
Due to the effects of the new coronavirus, many Pottery Festivals and craft fairs have been canceled.
As a result, there has been a trend to hold online Pottery Festivals, and online pottery market events are being held in various locations.
For the year 2023, online events have also been announced, so please check to see if there is an online pottery market for the event you wanted to go to.
Arita Pottery Festival
The Arita Pottery Market, which bustles every year, also hosts an online pottery market.
There are more than 100 participating stores.
Popular stores will also be lined up.
Date：April 22, 2023 (Sat) 9:00 - May 5, 2023 (Fri)
Site URL:http://www.arita-toukiichi-web.jp/
Hasami Pottery Festival
The online “Hasami Pottery Festival” offers a fun and economical pottery market experience.
You can find items discounted 30% or more off the regular price, bargains up to 80% off, and complete sets of vessels that you would like to have as a set for this occasion.
In addition to Hasami Ware, Arita Ware will also be sold at the online pottery market held in the fall to coincide with the opening of the West Kyushu Shinkansen bullet train.
Dates: [Spring] Tuesday, April 25 - Monday, May 15, 2023
*To be determined [Autumn] October 17, 2022 (Monday) 11:00 - November 9, 2022 (Wednesday) 18:00
Site URL:https://www.ennichi-japan.
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At Pottery Festivals and craft fairs, you can enjoy not only pottery, but also local specialties and delicious food.
You can go out to the nearby area or enjoy a trip away from the city.
For those who can't make it out to the pottery market: ......
If you have been unable to go to a Pottery Festival because of conflicting schedules, or if the one you wanted to visit has already ended, we would be happy to give you a chance to find your favorite vessels. We would be happy if we could help you find your favorite vessels.
We hope that you will be able to find your favorite vessels at our store. We are selling works we think are the best from Pottery Festivals and craft fairs all over the country. We are proud to be able to offer the best of the best from all over the country.
We also carry works by artists who exhibit at the Pottery Festivals and craft fairs introduced here, so please take a peek if you like.
Thank you very much for taking a look at this page. We hope that you will be able to find a good piece of work!
(UTSUWABI Takezawa)