Dates confirmedKansai
Tanba Ware Pottery Festival
A ten-day walk around the kilns, billed as an autumn tour of the village. Come on a weekday and you can talk without waiting.
Visit a Pottery Fair. Discover Something New.
Japanese Pottery Fairs
POTTERY FAIRS OF JAPAN
Pottery Fair Calendar
You can search for pottery markets held across Japan using a map, calendar, or list. We've compiled event dates, locations, and links to official websites all in one place. Let's start your journey to discover new pottery here.
- Fairs listed
- 90
- Regions
- 6areas
- Last updated
- Sep 2026
Upcoming pottery fair
- Dates confirmedKanto
Aozora Craft Ichi Autumn
A market of crafts and music on the Art Tower Mito plaza. 10:00-17:00, held rain or shine.
- Dates confirmedChubu & Hokuriku
ARTS&CRAFT Shizuoka Handmade Market (Autumn)
An outdoor market held twice a year in the grounds of Shizuoka Gokoku Shrine. The 33rd edition, with makers set up under the trees.
Dates confirmedChugoku & ShikokuHagi Tamachi Hagi Ware Festival
An autumn fixture hosted by the Hagi Chamber of Commerce, with Hagi ware kilns and dealers lining Tamachi shopping street.
Dates confirmedKantoKasama Roman
An autumn market at Kasama Geijutsu no Mori Park. The 15th edition is calmer than Himatsuri, so you can take your time.
Dates confirmedKyushu & OkinawaKoishiwara Ware Autumn Folk Pottery Village Festival
Koishiwara, home of tobikanna and hakeme. Kilns across the village open for the folk pottery festival, 9:00-17:00.
Find pottery fairs from the map
Click on the map to see the pottery fair schedule for that area.
Annual Pottery Fair Calendar
You can find the annual ceramics markets on the calendar. Click on a month to view details for each market.
- Mori no Miyako Craft FairOct 2, 2026
- Shigaraki Ceramic Art MarketOct 2, 2026
- Yatsugatake Craft Market (Autumn)Oct 2, 2026
- National Pottery Fair (Fukushima)Oct 3, 2026
- Echizen Autumn Ceramic Art FestivalOct 3, 2026
- Tokoname Ware FestivalOct 3, 2026
- Tanba Ware Pottery FestivalOct 9, 2026
- Aozora Craft Ichi AutumnOct 10, 2026
- ARTS&CRAFT Shizuoka Handmade Market (Autumn)Oct 10, 2026
- Hagi Tamachi Hagi Ware FestivalOct 10, 2026
- Kasama RomanOct 10, 2026
- Koishiwara Ware Autumn Folk Pottery Village FestivalOct 10, 2026
- Onta Ware Folk Pottery FestivalOct 10, 2026
- Shigaraki Pottery FestivalOct 10, 2026
- Tajimi Pottery Festival (Autumn)Oct 11, 2026
- Tama Craft FairOct 11, 2026
- Kiyomizu Ware Village Festival (KYOPO)Oct 16, 2026
- Bizen Ware FestivalOct 17, 2026
- Kutani Ceramic Village Festival (Autumn Chawan Festival)Oct 17, 2026
- VillageUsually the third week of October
- Agano Ware Autumn Kiln OpeningOct 23, 2026
- Oiso Utsuwa no HiOct 23, 2026
- Hasami Ware Nakaoyama Autumn Pottery WalkOct 24, 2026
- Kobo kara no KazeOct 24, 2026
- Mino Ware Traditional Crafts Festival (Autumn)Oct 24, 2026
- Mashiko Autumn Pottery FairOct 31, 2026
- Tokyo Flea Market (Autumn)Oct 31, 2026
- Pottery and Daily LifeOct 31, 2026
- Isuzu no Mori Craft FairNov 7, 2026
- Kurasu Tokoro MarketNov 7, 2026
- Otani Ware Kiln FestivalUsually the second week of November
- Tomoshibito no TsudoiNov 14, 2026
- Tobe Ware Autumn FestivalUsually mid-November
- Arita Autumn Ceramics FestivalNov 19, 2026
- Tsuboya Pottery FestivalNov 20, 2026
- Yokohama Handmade Marche (Autumn)Nov 21, 2026
- Shonan Chigasaki Craft Fair Ichi no IchiDec 5, 2026
- Tableware FestivalJan 15, 2027
- National Pottery Fair (Oyama)Usually mid-January
- Yomitan Yachimun MarketFeb 27, 2027
- National Pottery Fair (Expo Commemoration Park)Usually late March to early April
- CERAMIC VALLEY CRAFT CAMPUsually mid-March
- National Ceramics Fair in FukuokaMar 19, 2027
- Moon Beach All-Okinawa Yachimun MarketUsually late March
- Tsugaru Kanayama Ware Spring Pottery FestivalUsually late April to early May
- Midori no CraftUsually mid-April
- Aozora Craft Ichi SpringUsually the third week of April
- ARTS&CRAFT Shizuoka Handmade Market (Spring)Usually the third week of April
- Seto Toso FestivalUsually the third week of April
- Tajimi Pottery Festival (Spring)Usually the third week of April
- Tobe Ware Festival (Spring)Usually the third week of April
- Agano Ware Pottery Festival (Spring)Usually the fourth week of April
- Arita Pottery FairApr 29, 2027
- Hasami Pottery FestivalApr 29, 2027
- Karatsu Yakimon FestivalApr 29, 2027
- Kasama Himatsuri Pottery FestivalApr 29, 2027
- Mashiko Spring Pottery FairApr 29, 2027
- Hagi Ware Festival (Spring)May 1, 2027
- Mikawachi Ware Hamazen FestivalMay 1, 2027
- Shigaraki Artists MarketMay 2, 2027
- Kutani Chawan FestivalMay 3, 2027
- Toki Mino Ware FestivalMay 3, 2027
- Koishiwara Ware Spring Folk Pottery Village FestivalUsually the first week of May
- Akazu Kiln Village WalkUsually the second week of May
- Yokkaichi Banko Ware Pottery FestivalUsually mid-May
- Field of Crafts KurashikiUsually mid-May
- Mino Ware Traditional Crafts Festival (Spring)Usually May 3-5
- Sanjo Craft FairUsually mid-May
- Village MishimaUsually mid-May
- Tokyo Flea Market (Spring)Usually the third week of May
- Craft Fair MatsumotoUsually the last week of May
- Echizen Ceramic Art FestivalUsually late May
- Niwanowa Art & Craft Fair ChibaUsually the first week of June
- Oseto FestivalUsually the first week of June
- Aizu Hongo Seto MarketUsually a Sunday in mid-June
- Yokohama Handmade Marche (Early Summer)Usually the third week of June
- Aomori Craft Fair A-lineUsually the first week of July
- Yatsugatake Craft Market (Summer)Usually the first week of July
- Ebetsu Pottery MarketUsually the second week of July
- Handmade in Japan FesUsually the second week of July
- National Pottery Fair in MiyagiUsually mid-July
- Kyoto Gojozaka Pottery FestivalAug 7, 2027
See all pottery fair schedules
You can search for upcoming pottery fairs near you by region, season, production area, and more.
90 pottery fairs
CancelledKyushu & Okinawa
Ceramics for Daily Life Fair in Kumamoto
One of the largest ceramics fairs in Kyushu. Kilns from across Japan gather, so you can compare regions side by side.
Dates confirmedHokkaido & Tohoku
National Pottery Fair (Yamagata)
A large-scale sale gathering pottery from kilns across Japan. It runs for 10 days, so you can come on a weekday and avoid the crowds.
Dates confirmedKyushu & Okinawa
Misato Yakimonogatari Station Market
A market inside Hakata Station where you can meet Arita, Mikawachi and Hasami ware. About 1,000 kinds of small plates are on show.
Dates confirmedChubu & Hokuriku
Setomono Festival
One of Japan's largest pottery fairs, with bargain stalls lining both banks of the Seto River. The 95th edition closes out summer in Seto.
Dates confirmedKyushu & Okinawa
West Japan Ceramics Festa
One of Japan's largest fairs, gathering kilns from across the country at Kitakyushu Messe. It runs six days, so you can pick your date.
Dates confirmedChubu & Hokuriku
Takaoka Craft Market Street
A craft market set in the town of Takaoka bronzeware and lacquerware. The whole townscape is the venue, from Yamachosuji to Kanayamachi.
Dates confirmedHokkaido & Tohoku
National Pottery Fair (Iwate)
A nine-day pottery fair at Kitakami Tenshochi Park. Compare wares from kilns across Japan in one place.
Dates confirmedKansai
Iga Ware Pottery Festival
Iga clay is highly heat-resistant, making this donabe country. The 44th edition brings the kilns together at a sports park.
Dates confirmedHokkaido & Tohoku
Mori no Miyako Craft Fair
A craft fair that colours Sendai's autumn. Makers come from across Japan for two days of pottery and woodwork.
Dates confirmedKansai
Shigaraki Ceramic Art Market
Artists gather at the Ceramic Cultural Park for Shigaraki's most art-focused market, from tableware to sculpture.
Dates confirmedChubu & Hokuriku
Yatsugatake Craft Market (Autumn)
Makers line the lawn at Yatsugatake Nature and Culture Park for the autumn harvest market, set against the turning leaves.
Dates confirmedHokkaido & Tohoku
National Pottery Fair (Fukushima)
Ten days at Azuma Sports Park. Tents fill with wares from kilns across Japan.
Dates confirmedChubu & Hokuriku
Echizen Autumn Ceramic Art Festival
Smaller and quieter than the spring festival. Talk with the makers as you choose a piece with a natural ash glaze.
Dates confirmedChubu & Hokuriku
Tokoname Ware Festival
Tokoname is known for its shudei red-clay teapots. The 60th edition spans three venues, with fireworks on the opening day.
Dates confirmedKansai
Tanba Ware Pottery Festival
A ten-day walk around the kilns, billed as an autumn tour of the village. Come on a weekday and you can talk without waiting.
Dates confirmedKanto
Aozora Craft Ichi Autumn
A market of crafts and music on the Art Tower Mito plaza. 10:00-17:00, held rain or shine.
Dates confirmedChubu & Hokuriku
ARTS&CRAFT Shizuoka Handmade Market (Autumn)
An outdoor market held twice a year in the grounds of Shizuoka Gokoku Shrine. The 33rd edition, with makers set up under the trees.
Dates confirmedChugoku & Shikoku
Hagi Tamachi Hagi Ware Festival
An autumn fixture hosted by the Hagi Chamber of Commerce, with Hagi ware kilns and dealers lining Tamachi shopping street.
Dates confirmedKanto
Kasama Roman
An autumn market at Kasama Geijutsu no Mori Park. The 15th edition is calmer than Himatsuri, so you can take your time.
Dates confirmedKyushu & Okinawa
Koishiwara Ware Autumn Folk Pottery Village Festival
Koishiwara, home of tobikanna and hakeme. Kilns across the village open for the folk pottery festival, 9:00-17:00.
Dates confirmedKyushu & Okinawa
Onta Ware Folk Pottery Festival
In a valley where water-powered hammers still sound, all ten kilns open their doors. Tobikanna-marked pieces at kiln prices.
Dates confirmedKansai
Shigaraki Pottery Festival
Nine days with the whole town of Shigaraki as the venue. Not just tanuki figures: earthy tableware takes the lead.
Dates confirmedChubu & Hokuriku
Tajimi Pottery Festival (Autumn)
Tajimi is the hub of Mino ware. Across the wholesale centre and several other venues, this market spans the widest price range.
Dates confirmedKanto
Tama Craft Fair
Held on the grand lawn of Tama Chuo Park. A craft market of real size that you can reach by train from central Tokyo.
Dates confirmedKansai
Kiyomizu Ware Village Festival (KYOPO)
The kilns and studios of the Kiyomizu-yaki district open together. See the fine brushwork of Kyo ware up close.
Dates confirmedChugoku & Shikoku
Bizen Ware Festival
Bizen uses no glaze at all. The 42nd edition opens the kilns around Imbe Station all at once.
Dates confirmedChubu & Hokuriku
Kutani Ceramic Village Festival (Autumn Chawan Festival)
See the five colours of Kutani gathered at the Ceramic Village. Two days, 9:00-16:00.
Usual timingChugoku & Shikoku
Village
A market of makers from Kochi. Pottery, woodwork and textiles at a scale you can browse piece by piece.
Dates confirmedKyushu & Okinawa
Agano Ware Autumn Kiln Opening
Agano ware, one of the Enshu Seven Kilns. The kilns open for autumn, showing the quiet glazes of tea ceramics.
Dates confirmedKanto
Oiso Utsuwa no Hi
Cafes and galleries around Oiso serve as the venues. Browse pottery as you stroll the town.
Dates confirmedKyushu & Okinawa
Hasami Ware Nakaoyama Autumn Pottery Walk
Two days in Nakaoyama, where the old chimneys still stand, bringing kilns and customers together. Quieter than the spring festival.
Dates confirmedKanto
Kobo kara no Kaze
An artists' market staged in a garden. The number of exhibitors is kept small so each maker's world comes through.
Dates confirmedChubu & Hokuriku
Mino Ware Traditional Crafts Festival (Autumn)
Led by Toki's certified traditional craftspeople, with demonstrations, an art exhibition and kiln stalls.
Dates confirmedKanto
Mashiko Autumn Pottery Fair
About 50 shops and 700 tents. From studio pieces to everyday ware, few markets match it for scale and range.
Dates confirmedKanto
Tokyo Flea Market (Autumn)
A festival where antiques and studio pieces mingle. The '26 AUTUMN edition expands to four days.
Dates confirmedKanto
Pottery and Daily Life
A special venue at Kasama Craft Hills. Somewhere between a pottery fair and a craft fair, leaning towards daily life.
Dates confirmedKansai
Isuzu no Mori Craft Fair
A craft fair in the woods along the Isuzu River, close to Ise Grand Shrine. Easy to combine with a walk down the approach.
Dates confirmedKanto
Kurasu Tokoro Market
Makers from across Japan gather at Tokorozawa Aviation Memorial Park. Two days of craft, art, food and farming.
Usual timingChugoku & Shikoku
Otani Ware Kiln Festival
Otani ware from Tokushima, known for its huge jars. A kiln festival of big pieces thrown on a reclining wheel, alongside daily ware.
Dates confirmedKansai
Tomoshibito no Tsudoi
A juried craft market in Sakai. The 16th edition: two dense days with only the makers who made the cut.
Usual timingChugoku & Shikoku
Tobe Ware Autumn Festival
Bold cobalt lines on Tobe's white porcelain. An autumn market of kilns, centred on ware for everyday use.
Dates confirmedKyushu & Okinawa
Arita Autumn Ceramics Festival
Calmer than the spring fair. The 22nd edition gives you five days to work through Arita's kilns at your own pace.
Dates confirmedKyushu & Okinawa
Tsuboya Pottery Festival
Held along Tsuboya Yachimun Street in Naha. Three days of Okinawan clay and glaze, in its 47th edition.
Dates confirmedKanto
Yokohama Handmade Marche (Autumn)
A handmade festival at Pacifico Yokohama. One-of-a-kind pieces span pottery, homeware and food.
Dates confirmedKanto
Shonan Chigasaki Craft Fair Ichi no Ichi
A market of handwork by the Shonan coast. Opening hours differ across the two days, so check before you go.
Dates confirmedKanto
Tableware Festival
A comprehensive tableware show at Tokyo Dome City, bringing together kilns and artists from across Japan.
Usual timingKanto
National Pottery Fair (Oyama)
A nine-day winter sale at Oyama Sogo Park. Compare wares from kilns across Japan in one place.
Dates confirmedKyushu & Okinawa
Yomitan Yachimun Market
The 34th edition, gathering the studios of Yomitan. See the work of the Yachimun village makers all at once.
Usual timingKansai
National Pottery Fair (Expo Commemoration Park)
One of the largest pottery fairs in Kansai, at Expo '70 Commemorative Park. Tents fill with wares from kilns across Japan.
Usual timingChubu & Hokuriku
CERAMIC VALLEY CRAFT CAMP
Held at Ceramic Park MINO, this is the largest craft fair in the area.
Dates confirmedKyushu & Okinawa
National Ceramics Fair in Fukuoka
An annual March fair at Marine Messe Fukuoka Hall A. The 27th edition, 10:00-17:00.
Usual timingKyushu & Okinawa
Moon Beach All-Okinawa Yachimun Market
Kilns from across Okinawa gather at a resort in Onna. The 31st edition is indoors, so rain is no problem.
Usual timingHokkaido & Tohoku
Tsugaru Kanayama Ware Spring Pottery Festival
Tsugaru Kanayama ware, unglazed and wood-fired. The spring fair runs long, making it easy to fit into a trip.
Usual timingKanto
Midori no Craft
A small craft market in Saitama. The makers are close at hand, so you can choose while you talk.
Usual timingKanto
Aozora Craft Ichi Spring
The spring edition on the Art Tower Mito plaza. Many Kasama makers take part, bringing the air of the kiln town with them.
Usual timingChubu & Hokuriku
ARTS&CRAFT Shizuoka Handmade Market (Spring)
The spring edition at Shizuoka Gokoku Shrine. The exhibitors change from autumn, so some people come to both.
Usual timingChubu & Hokuriku
Seto Toso Festival
A festival honouring Toshiro, the founding potter. Market stalls and kiln bargain sales spread across Seto.
Usual timingChubu & Hokuriku
Tajimi Pottery Festival (Spring)
Tajimi in spring. The venue gathers Mino ware wholesalers, so prices lean towards buying in quantity.
Usual timingChugoku & Shikoku
Tobe Ware Festival (Spring)
Tobe's kilns turn out in force for the spring market. White porcelain with bold cobalt lines, at kiln prices.
Usual timingKyushu & Okinawa
Agano Ware Pottery Festival (Spring)
The Agano no Sato community hall and nine kilns serve as venues, with a kiln-hopping stamp rally.
Same dates yearlyKyushu & Okinawa
Arita Pottery Fair
Japan's largest pottery fair, drawing about a million visitors. The venue stretches roughly 4 km from Arita Station to Kami-Arita Station.
Same dates yearlyKyushu & Okinawa
Hasami Pottery Festival
The 68th edition at Yakimono Park. Seven days to choose Hasami ware made for everyday use.
Same dates yearlyKyushu & Okinawa
Karatsu Yakimon Festival
Central Karatsu is the venue. In this home of tea ceramics, events pairing food with vessels also feature.
Same dates yearlyKanto
Kasama Himatsuri Pottery Festival
More than 200 booths at Kasama Geijutsu no Mori Park. Admission is 500 yen a day, free for under-18s.
Same dates yearlyKanto
Mashiko Spring Pottery Fair
Mashiko over Golden Week, with about 700 tents. Studio pieces and everyday ware sit side by side.
Same dates yearlyChugoku & Shikoku
Hagi Ware Festival (Spring)
Hagi over Golden Week. The city's kilns and dealers gather for the largest Hagi ware fair of the year.
Same dates yearlyKyushu & Okinawa
Mikawachi Ware Hamazen Festival
Mikawachi captivated Europe under the name Hirado ware. The kiln studios of the Sarayama district open their doors.
Same dates yearlyKansai
Shigaraki Artists Market
A market of Shigaraki's independent artists only. For those after one-of-a-kind work rather than kiln production lines.
Same dates yearlyChubu & Hokuriku
Kutani Chawan Festival
About 180,000 visitors every May 3-5. Some 50 companies set up stalls at Kutani's largest chawan festival.
Same dates yearlyChubu & Hokuriku
Toki Mino Ware Festival
One of western Japan's largest markets, at Oribe Hills. Toki's kilns and trading houses exhibit together.
Usual timingKyushu & Okinawa
Koishiwara Ware Spring Folk Pottery Village Festival
The spring folk pottery festival. Koishiwara's kilns open together, offering tobikanna-marked pieces at kiln prices.
Usual timingChubu & Hokuriku
Akazu Kiln Village Walk
A walk around the kilns of Seto's Akazu district, where Oribe, Shino and other old Seto techniques live on.
Usual timingKansai
Yokkaichi Banko Ware Pottery Festival
Banko ware, known for purple-clay teapots and heatproof donabe. A spring market gathering the kilns at Yokkaichi Dome.
Usual timingChugoku & Shikoku
Field of Crafts Kurashiki
A craft fair set against Kurashiki's white-walled streets. Two days of pottery, woodwork and metalwork.
Usual timingChubu & Hokuriku
Mino Ware Traditional Crafts Festival (Spring)
The spring edition gathering Toki's certified traditional craftspeople. Hear about Shino, Oribe and Ki-Seto techniques first-hand.
Usual timingChubu & Hokuriku
Sanjo Craft Fair
Sanjo, a town of metalwork. A market unlike any other, where blades and smithing tools sit alongside tableware.
Usual timingChubu & Hokuriku
Village Mishima
A small market staged at Mishima Rakujuen Garden. Walk the garden as you visit the makers.
Usual timingKanto
Tokyo Flea Market (Spring)
The spring flea market. One of Tokyo's largest, where antiques and studio pieces mingle.
Usual timingChubu & Hokuriku
Craft Fair Matsumoto
The original Japanese craft fair. Makers from across the country gather at Agata no Mori Park.
Usual timingChubu & Hokuriku
Echizen Ceramic Art Festival
Echizen's largest pottery fair. The 44th edition draws tens of thousands to the Ceramic Village over two spring days.
Usual timingKanto
Niwanowa Art & Craft Fair Chiba
An art and craft fair in Chiba. Exhibitors are selected, so the standard stays high.
Usual timingHokkaido & Tohoku
Oseto Festival
Obori Soma ware kilns gather at Tougei no Mori Obori, showing blue crackle, double-walled pieces and the running-horse motif.
Usual timingHokkaido & Tohoku
Aizu Hongo Seto Market
Aizu Hongo ware, made here for 400 years. The market opens at 4:00, an early-summer ritual for bargain hunters.
Usual timingKanto
Yokohama Handmade Marche (Early Summer)
The early-summer edition at Pacifico Yokohama. A large indoor handmade festival on a par with the autumn one.
Usual timingHokkaido & Tohoku
Aomori Craft Fair A-line
Aomori's craft fair at Moya Hills. Local makers take part, including Tsugaru Kanayama ware.
Usual timingChubu & Hokuriku
Yatsugatake Craft Market (Summer)
The summer market at Yatsugatake Nature and Culture Park. The altitude keeps the venue comfortable even in summer.
Usual timingHokkaido & Tohoku
Ebetsu Pottery Market
About 260 stalls in front of Ebetsu City Hall. A summer fixture in Hokkaido, drawing makers from inside and outside the prefecture.
Usual timingKanto
Handmade in Japan Fes
One of Japan's largest, with 3,000 exhibitors at Tokyo Big Sight. Plenty of genres beyond pottery.
Usual timingHokkaido & Tohoku
National Pottery Fair in Miyagi
About 200 kilns and artists from across Japan at Yume Messe Miyagi. A summer fixture in Sendai.
Same dates yearlyKansai
Kyoto Gojozaka Pottery Festival
A summer fixture with about 400 stalls along Gojo-dori. The kilns of Kyo ware and Kiyomizu ware gather here.
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Tips for Enjoying the Pottery Fair
Here are five tips to help you enjoy a pottery fair. By preparing beforehand, you can make your experience even more enjoyable.
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Things to bring
It's a good idea to bring an eco-bag, newspaper, and cushioning material. Many pottery fairs offer simple packaging, so you'll need to be prepared to carry fragile items home. Don't forget cash either (many shops still don't accept cashless payments). -
Walking order
The earliest part of the morning is generally the least crowded, both with traffic and people at the venue, making it a relatively good time to browse. Popular artists' pottery tends to sell out by noon on the first day. If you prefer to take your time, toward the last one or two days of the pottery fair, while some booths may have fewer items, you can enjoy a more relaxed viewing experience and conversations with the artists. -
How to buy
If something catches your eye, go ahead and pick up the piece. Touch it, look at it, and imagine it on your dining table. Always check the weight, too. The joy of a pottery fair is being able to choose from a wide variety of options based on your direct experience. -
Speaking with the author
Try asking, "What concept or ideas were you trying to express when you created this?" Most artists are happy to share the story behind their work. When you know the story, you'll remember it when you use the piece, and your affection for it will grow beyond just its function as a tool. -
Traffic
The pottery fair often coincides with Golden Week, leading to severe congestion on roads and in parking lots. Temporary trains and shuttle buses are usually available, so please be sure to check the official website for transport information.
When are the pottery fairs held in 2026 and 2027?
They are most concentrated in Golden Week (late April to early May) and in October. In autumn 2026, the Shigaraki Pottery Festival, Tanba Ware Pottery Festival, Bizen Ware Festival, Kiyomizu Ware Village Festival (KYOPO), Tajimi Pottery Festival and others are concentrated in October. For Golden Week 2027, the Mashiko Spring Pottery Fair starts on April 29, the Hagi Ware Festival (Spring) and the Mikawachi Ware Hamazen Festival on May 1, and the Shigaraki Artists Market on May 2. The Arita Pottery Fair is also held from April 29 to May 5 in a typical year. Check the individual dates in the monthly calendar on this page.
Where do you recommend for a first-time visit?
First, we recommend visiting the pottery market closest to you. There, you can see what kind of artists participate in the market, observe the foot traffic, and then gradually increase the number of pottery markets you attend each year, or even take a trip to a distant one, which will add to your enjoyment.
Can I buy them cheaply at the pottery fair?
Many booths offer products at lower prices than regular retail because they are sold directly by the kilns and wholesalers. Additionally, many artists and kilns sell "imperfect items" (pieces with slight distortions or uneven coloring), which adds to the unique charm of the pottery market.
Do you need cash?
It is necessary. In recent years, cashless payment options have increased, but many stalls, especially those of independent artists, still accept cash only. ATMs near the venue can get crowded, so it's a good idea to prepare cash in advance.
How do I return the dishes?
As artists typically use simple packaging, please bring your own cushioning material and an eco-bag. If you purchase a large quantity, many pottery markets have shipping services available for home delivery (for a fee).
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