The “Sanjo Craft Fair in Keyaki Forest,” held in Sanjo City, Niigata Prefecture, is one of the region’s largest craft events, featuring approximately 180 craftspeople from across Japan who display and sell their handmade works.
At the venue, you’ll find a diverse range of craft items including pottery, woodwork, glassware, leather goods, and more. Visitors can also enjoy interacting with the creators and participating in workshops, making this an unmissable event for families and craft enthusiasts alike.
This article provides detailed information about the schedule, access methods, highlights of the venue, and tips for making the most of your visit. Whether you’re attending for the first time or look forward to it every year, this guide will be a valuable resource.
Table of Contents
What is the 16th Sanjo Craft Fair in Keyaki Forest?
The “Sanjo Craft Fair in Keyaki Forest,” held in early summer each year in Sanjo City, Niigata Prefecture, is an outdoor craft event where artisans from across Japan showcase and sell their finest works.
Now in its 16th year for 2025, this fair has become known as one of the premier craft events in the Hokuriku region, attracting numerous visitors annually.
Northern Japan’s Largest Craft Event Showcasing Tsubame-Sanjo Craftsmanship
Sanjo City is located in the “Tsubame-Sanjo” area, renowned worldwide for its exceptional metalworking techniques that have supported Japanese manufacturing culture for generations. The region is famous for producing a wide variety of metal products including knives, cutlery, and tools, with craftsmanship highly regarded both domestically and internationally.
At the “Sanjo Craft Fair in Keyaki Forest,” not only do local artisans showcase their meticulously handcrafted items, but approximately 180 craft creators from across Japan also gather to participate. Visitors can see, touch, and purchase diverse works spanning ceramics, woodworking, leather crafts, glasswork, fabric accessories, and more.
One of the fair’s attractions is that many exhibiting artists personally staff their booths, enjoying conversations with visitors. Hearing about the thoughts behind each piece, the selection of materials, and behind-the-scenes stories of the creation process enhances the joy of acquiring not just an object, but “a piece with a story.”
This opportunity to experience the appeal of craftsmanship firsthand and enjoy meeting artisans from across Japan is recommended not only for craft enthusiasts but also for beginners.
An Outdoor Market in the Shade of Keyaki Forest
The fair venue, “Keyaki Forest,” is a lush grassy area within Sanjo City Sports Park, surrounded by nature with rows of large zelkova trees. In this open space, craft artists set up their booths, creating an experience like stumbling upon a handmade market in the middle of a forest.
Many families spread leisure sheets in the shade for a picnic-like atmosphere, and the entire venue is enveloped in a relaxed ambiance. Enjoying crafts while feeling the breeze through the trees and listening to birdsong offers a special experience that indoor events cannot provide.
The venue also features numerous food trucks and dining booths offering cuisine made with local ingredients. With a wide variety of freshly baked bread, curry, sweets, coffee, and more, the food becomes another highlight of the event.
For a special day where art, food, and healing converge in nature, the craft fair in “Keyaki Forest” is truly an ideal location.
Kid-Friendly! Workshops and Live Performances
The Sanjo Craft Fair offers experience programs that children as well as adults can enjoy. Workshops held throughout the venue include “woodworking classes,” “accessory making,” and “paper making experiences” that parents and children can participate in together, allowing them to directly experience the joy of crafting.
Small hands carving wood or selecting colorful beads to create accessories—the sense of accomplishment and smiles upon completion become irreplaceable memories. The ability to take home what you’ve made is another reason for the workshops’ popularity.
Additionally, the special stage hosts music performances and shows by local artists, adding to the venue’s lively atmosphere. Moments spent surrounded by pleasant music in nature, such as acoustic performances or taiko drumming, form one of the fair’s unforgettable charms.
The Sanjo Craft Fair, which combines “seeing, buying, making, and listening,” is truly an event to be enjoyed with all five senses. It’s a hands-on festival that can be confidently recommended for family outings.
Event Details and How to Participate [2025 Edition]
The “16th Sanjo Craft Fair in Keyaki Forest” offers two days to fully experience the charm of handcrafted works in a nature-rich venue. Below is detailed information about the 16th Sanjo Craft Fair in Keyaki Forest’s schedule and how to participate.
Dates, Hours, and Venue Map (Sanjo City Sports Park)
- Dates and Hours: June 21, 2025 (Saturday) 10:00-16:30 | June 22, 2025 (Sunday) 9:00-16:00
- Venue: Grassy Plaza in Sanjo City Sports Park (36-1 Tsukioka 4-chome, Sanjo City, Niigata Prefecture)
Access
- About 10 minutes by bus from JR Shinetsuhonsen Line “Higashi-Sanjo Station” (Free shuttle bus service planned)
- About 30 minutes by car from Hokuriku Expressway “Sanjo-Tsubame IC”
Sanjo City Sports Park, the venue, has extensive grounds with facilities including a grass plaza and multi-purpose area.
You can enjoy craft works leisurely in this nature-surrounded environment.
Admission Fee, Advance Ticket Purchase Procedure, and Same-Day Reception
- Admission Fee: Free
- Advance Tickets: Not required
- Same-Day Reception: Not required
This event is free to enter with no advance tickets or reception required. Anyone can participate freely. However, as crowding is expected during certain hours, it’s advisable to arrive with plenty of time to spare.
Weather Contingency Plans and Latest Announcements on Official Social Media
The 16th Sanjo Craft Fair in Keyaki Forest will be held even in the event of rain. However, some programs may be modified or canceled in case of severe weather. The latest information will be posted on official social media channels, so it’s advisable to check before attending.
Latest Information, Official Social Media
Official Website: https://sanjocraft.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sanjo_craftfair/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064653641521
First-Timer’s Guide: How to Enjoy the Fair and What to Bring
The Sanjo Craft Fair is Northern Japan’s largest craft event, bringing together approximately 180 craft artists from across the country. By preparing well to efficiently navigate the expansive venue and ensuring a comfortable visit, you can fully enjoy the charm of this craft fair.
Efficient Booth Touring Routes and Tips for Avoiding Crowds
The venue, Sanjo City Sports Park, is vast with booths scattered throughout. To tour efficiently, it’s important to check the venue map published on the official website in advance and familiarize yourself with the locations of artists and workshops you want to visit.
Key points for avoiding crowds include:
Additionally, the official social media accounts update real-time information about crowding and recommendations, so it’s convenient to follow them.
Recommended Items to Bring
To enjoy the event comfortably, we recommend bringing the following items:
Preparing these items will help ensure a comfortable day at the event.
Photography Etiquette and Guidelines
At the event, you’ll likely want to capture beautiful craft pieces and attractively decorated booths in photographs. However, exhibited works are precious creations of the artists, and certain etiquette should be observed when taking photos. Following these points will help you avoid conflicts with artists and other visitors, allowing everyone to enjoy the event pleasantly.
Confirming Photography Permission
Not all works may be freely photographed. Particularly for highly designed pieces or prototype products intended for commercialization, many artists prefer that their work not be photographed without permission. If you want to photograph an interesting piece, first ask, “May I take a photo?”
Many artists will respond favorably when asked. This can also become an opportunity for communication and deepen your understanding of the work.
Consideration for Other Visitors
Avoid blocking pathways or obstructing other visitors’ views while engrossed in taking photos. Especially during crowded periods, be mindful of your timing and positioning for photography, and check whether others are waiting behind you.
Also, ideally, confirm with people nearby if your composition might include families with small children or those concerned about privacy.
Flash Photography
Flash photography can potentially alter the colors of artworks and may startle or disturb other visitors and artists. Particularly in outdoor settings with abundant natural light, beautiful photos can be taken without using flash.
If possible, adjust your smartphone or camera brightness settings to take advantage of natural light.
Considerations When Posting on Social Media
When posting photos on social media, it’s important to ask artists not only for permission to take photos but also whether “it’s okay to post on social media.”
Some works may be pre-release items or intended for limited viewing, and the artist may prefer to avoid online exposure.
Additionally, including the artist’s name, brand name, or booth number in your post provides valuable information to viewers and shows respect for the artist. By being mindful of these etiquette points, you can show respect for the works and artists while enjoying the event comfortably yourself.
Conclusion
The “16th Sanjo Craft Fair in Keyaki Forest” is Northern Japan’s largest craft event held in Sanjo City, Niigata Prefecture. Its appeal lies not only in experiencing the craftsmanship of Tsubame-Sanjo artisans but also in meeting diverse craft creators from across Japan and enjoying the comfort of relaxing in nature.
Even first-time visitors can participate with peace of mind through advance information gathering and preparation, making this an excellent opportunity to deeply enjoy the world of crafts. We encourage you to visit the Sanjo Craft Fair, where nature, handicrafts, and regional culture come together as one.
