[2025 Latest Guide] Mashiko Pottery Fair | Complete Guide to Access, Highlights, and Recommended Pottery

The Mashiko Pottery Fair is one of Japan’s largest pottery markets held twice a year in Mashiko Town, Tochigi Prefecture. This event offers a diverse range of ceramics, from traditional local Mashiko ware to modern pieces by young artists, making it an unmissable opportunity for craft enthusiasts and art collectors nationwide.

This article thoroughly explains everything about the 2025 Mashiko Pottery Fair, including spring and fall event information, how to access the venue, highlights, and recommended pottery, so even first-time visitors can enjoy it with peace of mind. Please use this as a reference before your visit to enjoy a journey of finding your own special piece.

A Simple Explanation of the Mashiko Pottery Fair

The Mashiko Pottery Fair is a major pottery event held twice a year in spring and fall in Mashiko Town, Tochigi Prefecture. This fair continues to fascinate many people, backed by Mashiko Town’s rich pottery culture and deep history. Below, we explain in detail about Mashiko Town’s pottery culture and history, the background and purpose of how the pottery fair began, and the biannual events held in spring and fall.

Pottery Culture and History of Mashiko Town, Tochigi Prefecture

Mashiko’s pottery culture began in 1852 (Kaei 5) when Keizaburo Otsuka, who had trained in Kasama domain of Hitachi Province (present-day Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture), established a kiln in Mashiko. Initially, primarily everyday items such as water jars, braziers, and pots were produced.

Later, in 1930 (Showa 5), Shoji Hamada moved to Mashiko influenced by the folk craft movement and began creating works using local clay and glazes. As a result, Mashiko ware evolved from everyday utensils to highly artistic pieces and became known throughout Japan. Currently, about 400 ceramic artists and kilns are active, developing the area into one of the major pottery production centers in the Kanto region.

Background and Purpose of the Pottery Fair

The Mashiko Pottery Fair began in 1966 (Showa 41) as a promotional activity for the Mashiko Pottery Kiln Cooperative Sales Center. Inspired by department store sales, this event initially started as a venue for selling outlet items that didn’t pass inspection for regular sales at discounted prices. It later evolved into a town-wide event, and today has grown into a large-scale event with about 600 tents.

Biannual Events Held in Spring and Fall

The Mashiko Pottery Fair is held twice a year, in spring (during Golden Week) and fall (around November 3). This event, which brings the whole town to life, attracts about 600,000 visitors from across Japan annually. A wide variety of pottery from everyday utensils to art pieces are sold at the venue, and visitors can also enjoy interacting with emerging artists and kiln craftspeople.

Mashiko Spring Pottery Fair 2025 Information and Access Guide

The Mashiko Pottery Fair is a major pottery event held twice a year in spring and fall in Mashiko Town, Tochigi Prefecture. Many pottery fans and tourists visit, bringing bustling activity to the entire town. Here, we will introduce details about the 2025 spring schedule and location, access methods, and tips to avoid crowds.

Overview of the 111th Mashiko Spring Pottery Fair 2025

The 2025 spring Mashiko Pottery Fair will be held for 8 days from April 29 (Tuesday, holiday) to May 6 (Tuesday, substitute holiday). Opening hours are from 9:00 to 17:00, with the final day closing at 16:00. The main venues are throughout Mashiko Town, centered around the Jonaizaka and Sayado districts. The area around Ceramic Messe Mashiko is also a popular spot.

Schedule

April 29-May 6, 2025
9:00-17:00 (Last day until 16:00)

Location

321-4217
Various locations in Mashiko Town, Haga District, Tochigi Prefecture (centered around Jonaizaka and Sayadokami districts)

Number of Visitors

109th Mashiko Spring Pottery Fair: Approximately 410,000 visitors

Contact Information

Mashiko Pottery Fair Executive Committee (Mashiko Town Tourism Association)
TEL 0285-70-1120

Official URL

http://www.mashiko-kankou.org/english/mta1/mashikoyaki/toukiiti/tokiichi.htm

Access Methods (Car, Train, Bus) and Parking Information

Here are access methods by different means of transportation.

Access by Train

[Train] About 20 minutes on foot from “Mashiko Station” on the Moka Railway
Take the Tsukuba Express to Moriya Station, transfer to the Kanto Railway Joso Line to Shimodate Station (about 62 minutes), then transfer to the Moka Railway for about 45 minutes to reach Mashiko Station.
“Mashiko Station” on the Moka Railway is the nearest station, and it takes about 15-20 minutes on foot from the station to the venue.

Access by Bus

[Bus] About 60 minutes from JR Utsunomiya Station on Kanto Bus bound for Mashiko, get off at either “Mashiko Sankōkan-mae,” “Sayadokami,” “Ceramic Messe Entrance,” or “Jonaizaka”
[Express Bus] About 2 hours and 30 minutes from Akihabara Station on the Kanto Pottery Liner express bus, get off at “Ceramic Messe Entrance”

Take the Kanto Bus bound for Mashiko from JR Utsunomiya Station and get off at “Mashiko Sankōkan-mae” or “Jonaizaka” (about 60 minutes).
There is also a route using the express bus “Kanto Pottery Liner” from Akihabara Station, which takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach “Ceramic Messe Entrance.”
Please note that delays may occur due to road congestion.

Access by Car

About 20 minutes from Sakuragawa-Chikusei IC on the Kita-Kanto Expressway
About 25 minutes from Moka IC on the Kita-Kanto Expressway
Parking is available at various locations.
Both paid and free parking are available during the fair period.

Using the Kita-Kanto Expressway, you can reach Mashiko Town in about 20 minutes from Sakuragawa-Chikusei IC or about 25 minutes from Moka IC. There are multiple town-operated and free parking lots around the venue, but as congestion is expected, early arrival is recommended.

Tips for Avoiding Crowds by Time and Day

Since the Mashiko Pottery Fair attracts many visitors, please refer to these points if you want to avoid crowds.

Weekday Mornings or Afternoons

Weekdays are relatively less crowded, especially from 9:00-11:00 AM or 2:00-4:00 PM.

Early Morning or Afternoon on Weekends and Holidays

Weekends and holidays are crowded, but early morning (around 9:00-10:00 AM) or after 2:00 PM tend to be relatively less crowded.

Avoid the First Day

The morning of the opening day is particularly crowded, so it’s recommended to avoid it. Also, be aware that many products may be sold out on the final day.

Types of Attractive Pottery Available at the Mashiko Pottery Fair

At the Mashiko Pottery Fair, a wide variety of pottery gathers to fascinate visitors. Here, we introduce the characteristics of traditional Mashiko ware, contemporary designed vessels by young artists, and the rich lineup from everyday items to art pieces.

Traditional Mashiko Ware and Its Characteristics

Mashiko ware is pottery produced in and around Mashiko Town, Tochigi Prefecture, which began in 1853. Its characteristics include the use of local clay, thickness, and a simple, warm texture. Glazes such as persimmon glaze, rice bran white glaze, and celadon glaze are used to create various colors. Its shapes and designs that fit comfortably in the hand have made it familiar as everyday utensils.

Contemporary Designed Vessels by Young Artists

In recent years, modern and distinctive designed vessels by young artists have also gained attention at the Mashiko Pottery Fair. For example, Yasuhiro Sasaki creates colorful striped pattern vessels using traditional Mashiko clay and glazes. His works convey the new charm of Mashiko ware through a fusion of tradition and modernity.

Rich Lineup from Everyday Items to Art Pieces

At the Mashiko Pottery Fair, a wide variety of pottery from everyday tableware to highly artistic pieces are displayed. Besides tableware, craft works such as vases and accessories are also abundant, giving visitors the joy of finding their favorite pieces.

Thus, at the Mashiko Pottery Fair, you can encounter diverse pottery from traditional Mashiko ware to contemporary designed vessels, and from everyday items to art pieces. When visiting, please handle various works to directly feel their charm.

Mashiko Pottery Fair Guide for Beginners

The Mashiko Pottery Fair is an event that even first-time visitors can thoroughly enjoy. Here, we introduce how to navigate the areas, a list of items to bring, and how to take home or use shipping services for purchased pottery to help beginners fully enjoy the pottery fair.

How to Navigate Areas Even for First-Timers

The Mashiko Pottery Fair venue covers a wide area, but the following areas are especially recommended.

Jonaizaka Street and Satoyama Street

Many kilns and shops line these main streets. First, stroll along these streets to feel the atmosphere of the pottery fair.

Cooperative Sales Tent Village

This tent area where many artists set up shop offers encounters with diverse works.

Back Alley Tents

This area with a hidden gem atmosphere may reveal unique works. Checking the venue map on the official site in advance and picking out areas and artists you want to visit will help you navigate efficiently.

List of Useful Items to Bring

To comfortably enjoy the pottery fair, it’s good to prepare the following items:

• Eco-bags or sturdy bags
• Cash
• Towels or cloth
• Comfortable shoes and clothing
• Hat and sunscreen

Since many places don’t accept credit card payments, it’s recommended to bring sufficient cash as well as credit cards.

How to Take Home Fragile Items and Shipping Services

Here are tips for safely taking home purchased pottery and information about shipping services.

Wrap with Towels When Packaging

Although stores will package your purchase, for added security, you can further wrap them in towels or cloth.

Package Individually

To prevent pottery from hitting each other in your bag, create dividers or wrap each piece individually.

Using Delivery Services

Temporary delivery service reception desks are set up at the venue, allowing you to send purchased pottery directly to your home.

How to Use

Some shops where you purchase offer shipping services, but you can also use the delivery service reception desks at the venue.

Enriching Your Shopping Experience at the Mashiko Pottery Fair

The Mashiko Pottery Fair offers a precious opportunity to closely appreciate the charm of traditional Japanese pottery. Every year, many people, including pottery enthusiasts and professional buyers, visit this event to acquire diverse ceramic works.

However, finding a valuable piece among the abundant choices is not easy. Here, we introduce tips to maximize your shopping experience at the Mashiko Pottery Fair. By understanding the market characteristics, information about artists, and points to consider when purchasing, you can find your own favorite piece.

Points for Selecting Pottery and Maintenance Methods for Long-Term Use

To enhance your shopping experience at the Mashiko Pottery Fair, it’s important to understand pottery selection and maintenance methods. When selecting pottery, pay attention not only to the beauty of Mashiko ware’s unique glaze colors and patterns but also to weight, texture, and balance of shape. Choosing sizes and designs according to purpose allows for more convenient use in daily life.

After purchase, treating pottery with a sealing process can make it last longer. Specifically, place rice-washing water in a pot, submerge the pottery, simmer on low heat for 30 minutes, then let it cool before removing and lightly washing with water. This process forms a protective film on the pottery surface that prevents absorption and stains. For daily care, gently wash with mild detergent and a soft sponge, thoroughly wipe off moisture, and completely dry. Also, avoid sudden temperature changes to prevent cracking.

Enhancing Your Home with Mashiko Ware!

Mashiko ware purchased at the pottery fair can add rich color to everyday home life. The soft colors characteristic of Mashiko ware bring a calm atmosphere to the dining table and enhance the appearance of dishes. Also, combining vessels of different sizes and shapes allows for beautiful table coordination.

Furthermore, Mashiko ware is attractive as interior decor. By displaying it on shelves or using it as planters, you can incorporate uniquely Japanese aesthetics into your living space. These ideas enable personalized, story-rich usage, enriching your daily life.

After-Purchase Care and Recommended Storage Methods

Proper aftercare and storage methods are important for enjoying pottery purchased at the Mashiko Pottery Fair for a long time. After use, gently wash with mild detergent and lukewarm water, immediately wipe off moisture, and dry. When storing, wrap individually in cloth or cushioning material to reduce the risk of damage from impact. Also, choosing well-ventilated shelves that don’t trap moisture prevents mold and odors.

Additionally, inserting soft cloth or paper between pottery pieces that directly touch can prevent scratches. These care methods will allow you to enjoy your favorite Mashiko ware pieces for many years.

Summary

The Mashiko Pottery Fair is a popular large-scale pottery market in Japan. Here, you can purchase unique style pottery called Mashiko ware. To enjoy the pottery fair, it’s good to visit early, avoid crowds, and secure items you’re interested in. Also, setting a budget beforehand and prioritizing desired items can prevent impulse buying.

When searching for items, it’s good to have a purpose. Choose pottery that matches your lifestyle, whether for everyday use or as interior decor. Also, don’t forget to enjoy conversations with artists. Directly hearing about their thoughts on their works and the production process deepens your attachment to the purchased pottery.

Prepare and plan thoroughly to enjoy a memorable shopping experience.