*This article contains promotion.
Hello!
This is UTSUWABI editorial staff.
This time, we will introduce the "Setomono Festival" which is held on the second weekend of September.
In 2023,
it was a popular festival that attracted approximately 360,000 visitors over two days.
In this article, we will explain in detail the charm of Setomono Festival, including the events held at the festival
and benefits for visitors.
Using this article as a reference, why not visit the area while looking for pottery
and sightseeing?
What is Setomono Festival?
The Setomono Festival began in 1932 (Showa 7) as one of the festivals held at Kamagami Shrine, which is dedicated to Tamikichi Kato, the founder of porcelain who brought the techniques of porcelain to Seto.
At the beginning of the event, the Japanese economy was in deep recession due to the World Depression. Therefore, the purpose was said to be to organize the large amount of inventory left in the warehouses of Setomono stores.
Currently, there are about 200 setomono shops along the Seto River, and fireworks displays are held at night.
In
addition, various events such as workshops related to pottery will be held at the same time.
This is a festival
full of things that even people other than pottery lovers can enjoy.
■Setomono Festival Overview
Date and time: September 14th (Sat) and 15th (Sun), 2024 9:00-18:00
(until 17:30 on the 15th)
Meeting Venue: Meitetsu Seto Line "Around Owari Seto Station" along the Seto River, all
around the city
*Fireworks will be launched from 18:25 to 18:45 on the 14th (15th in case of rain)
Click
here for information on ceramic vendors etc.
URL:
https://seto-tosyo.jp/info/2024setomono/
Click here for information on the entire festival
URL:
http://www.setocci.or.jp/setomonomatsuri/
*HP will be updated from mid-August onwards
Train: Immediately from Meitetsu Seto Line "Owari Seto" station
Car:
・Tokai Approximately 10
minutes from the Kanjo Expressway "Seto Akatsu IC"
・Approximately 15 minutes from the Tokai Kanjo Expressway
"Seto Shinano IC"
・About 15 minutes from the Nagoya Seto Road "Nagakute IC" (via Tomei Expressway Nisshin
JCT)
*There is a parking lot, but we recommend using public transportation.
How to enjoy the Setomono Festival
The highlight is the "Setomono Sale Market" - Get pottery at a great price!
At the Setomono Festival, you can get pottery, vases, ornaments, and more.
You can get it at a cheaper price
than the regular price, so if you want to stock up on pottery or are thinking about buying more, check it out.
The main items on sale are pottery made in the area around the venue, such as Seto ware, but there are also stores selling pottery from other production areas, such as Kyo ware and Mashiko ware.
If you refer to the map below and decide in advance which shops you want to visit, you will be able to visit them more smoothly.
Other programs are also listed here here.
Let me explain a little about the pottery that is mainly sold at the Setomono Festival!
What kind of pottery is Seto ware?
Seto ware is a general term for pottery made mainly in Seto City, Aichi Prefecture.
It is also the origin of the
word "Setomono", which means ceramics in general.
Also, Seto ware is characterized by its pottery and porcelain items made using various techniques.
Akatsu ware,
which makes full use of glazes, is known for pottery, and Seto Sometsuke ware, which has beautiful blue decorations,
is known for porcelain. By the way, both Akatsu ware and Seto Sometsuke ware have been designated as traditional
crafts of the country.
Get special benefits only available in 2024!
At the 2024 Setomono Festival, there will also be special benefits for visitors and shoppers.
Both are in
limited quantities and there are conditions to obtain them.
If you are interested, it would be a good idea to
arrive early!
"Setomono Festival Eco Bag" stamp rally held
This year, those who make a purchase of 1,000 yen or more at three stores will receive a "Setomono Festival Eco Bag."
It is an easy-to-use design that uses the typical pattern of Seto ware and the dyed blue motif.
Quantity is
limited to 500 pieces each day!
If you really want it, please finish your shopping early.
〈How to get〉
・Those who wish to receive eco-bags should paste the "Exhibitor sticker" on the back of the map.
・The exchange location is "Seto Ceramics Association Headquarters" on the south side of Partee Set.
・If
the limited number is reached, we will notify you through the in-venue broadcast.
Gift a potter's original salted candy
This year, we made original salted candy to help prevent heat stroke.
There are three flavors, starting from the left: ume salt, pineapple, and salt cider.
We will make 5,000 pieces
of each flavor and distribute 7,500 pieces each day, and 15,000 pieces over 2 days.
In addition, the pineapple flavor is called "Komainu," and the salt cider is called "Kamagaki,(kiln fence)" which are based on items related to setomono.
The distribution location is the "Seto Pottery Association Headquarters" like the Eco Bag, but it can also be obtained
at some stores.
Since the weather is still hot, why not get one to accompany your walk?
Participate in events - enjoy things other than shopping, such as fireworks displays and workshops!
The charm of the Setomono Festival is that there are many events other than shopping for pottery.
A fireworks
display will be held on the opening night. While about 1,000 fireworks go off, you can also enjoy visiting the food
stalls.
In addition to tableware-related events such as tableware and beckoning cat painting, potter's wheel experience workshops, and table coordination exhibitions, there are also a variety of events such as hero shows and gourmet-related events.
Two days full of fun for a wide range of generations, from children to adults.
The content of the event changes
depending on the date, so if you're in the area, it might be fun to go for two days in a row.
Some require
advance registration, so be sure to check out the ones you're interested in early.
"Setomono Festival" has lots to see - you can enjoy more than just choosing pottery
The main feature of the Setomono Festival is the large sale of pottery.
This is an irresistible festival
for pottery lovers, where you can get various styles of pottery at reasonable prices.
What is different from other pottery markets is that there are many events such as fireworks displays and gourmet food
stalls.
There are many events that are not related to pottery, so even if you are not a pottery fan, you can
have fun.
You can go out together with sightseeing in Nagoya, or if you're in the area, you can only attend the events you like.
Would you like to go out and enjoy the festival atmosphere while shopping for pottery on a weekend in autumn?
Also, we sell a variety of pottery online, so if you'd like, please visit UTSUWABI, a pottery market that you can enjoy at home.
Here is the link to the UTSUWABI website
I hope you find your favorite pottery and enjoy your daily table scenes even more!