The “Shinise Festival by agataJapan,” where you can experience the craftsmanship and techniques of long-established brands and artisans from across Japan all in one place, will be held again in 2025. This event brings together traditional crafts made using time-honored techniques and regional specialty products, offering not only exhibitions and sales but also numerous hands-on programs including workshops and live demonstrations that visitors can directly experience.
This article introduces the highlights of the Shinise Festival, access information, and exhibitor details, along with insider tips for enjoying the event to the fullest before your visit. Don’t miss this special event where tradition and innovation come together.
Table of Contents
What is the Shinise Festival by agataJapan?
The “Shinise Festival 2025 by agataJapan” is an experiential event that brings together long-established companies from across the country, each boasting over 100 years of history. The event will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, at the Fukutoku no Mori and Naka-dori area in Nihonbashi, Tokyo (2-5-10 Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo).
The 2025 event adopts the theme “Signature x Something Special,” further enhancing experiential content and learning opportunities. As a venue where visitors can discover “the best of Japan” at the intersection of tradition-backed techniques and modern creativity, this festival attracts significant attention every year.
Event Background and Overview
This festival was born from the desire to “revitalize all of Japan by widely disseminating information about Japan’s long-established business culture.” Its purpose is to promote the appeal of traditional techniques and culture from companies with over 100 years of history to a broad audience.
The venue brings together long-established companies and beloved local workshops that have been operating for over a century, featuring diverse exhibitions from crafts to food products. Exhibition booths not only sell products but also feature live demonstrations by artisans, allowing visitors to experience traditional craft techniques up close that they wouldn’t normally see in daily life.
Additionally, various workshops are held, including hands-on experiences in creating Edo kumihimo (braided cords) and kumiko woodwork coasters, where even beginners can engage with traditional crafts under the careful guidance of skilled artisans.
Venue Scale, Visitor Demographics, and First-Time Visitor Tips
The event is held at a large-scale event hall in the Tokyo metropolitan area and attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year, making it a popular event. Visitors range from craft enthusiasts to families and tourists, creating a welcoming atmosphere that anyone can enjoy.
First-time visitors should check the official website for the exhibitor list and event schedule in advance for a smooth experience. Since workshops and limited items may require advance reservations or numbered tickets, it’s recommended to check information early. Bringing comfortable walking shoes and an eco-bag will make shopping and moving around more comfortable.
Shinise Festival 2025 Features Collaborative Development of Custom Products Between Long-Established Companies
At the Shinise Festival 2025 by agataJapan, collaborative development of custom products between traditional long-established companies has been realized. Arita Porcelain Lab, a long-established Arita pottery kiln, has collaborated with Eitaro Sohonpo (founded in 1818), a traditional confectionery shop from the Edo period, and Nihonbashi Saruya (founded in 1704), a specialty toothpick shop, to develop products such as Eitaro Sohonpo’s candies packaged in luxurious Arita porcelain containers and dedicated Arita porcelain toothpick holders for Saruya’s kuromoji toothpicks. These products are proposed as new items that reduce environmental impact while making traditional crafts more accessible in daily life.
The “Shinise and Local Specialty Marché” will feature long-established companies from across the country, including the Toto Noren Association, with each store presenting “exceptional items that are usually hard to obtain.” However, this will be organized by long-established companies and organizations rather than regional production area booths.
The event also plans to feature a “Shinise Summit” in panel discussion format with heads of long-established companies and stage performances by artists active both domestically and internationally, creating comprehensive event content that allows people of all generations to connect with Japanese traditional culture.
Access and Event Information
Before participating in the Shinise Festival by agataJapan, it’s reassuring to thoroughly check venue, schedule, and ticket information. Your preparation will vary depending on whether you use public transportation or drive, so choose the access method that suits you best.
Checking busy time periods and entry rules in advance will help you enjoy the event smoothly.
Event Overview
- Name: Shinise Festival 2025 Nihonbashi / Shinise and Local Specialty Marché / Shinise Summit
- Date and Time: Saturday, October 11, 2025, 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Venue: Fukutoku no Mori and Naka-dori area (2-5-10 Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo)
- Nearest Station: Mitsukoshimae Station
- Activities: Retail, dining, and exhibitions by long-established and local businesses / Traditional craft workshops / Sake tasting corner featuring breweries from across Japan / Sales of original craft gin (Ken Gin Project by agataJapan) / Stage performances
- Shinise Festival Special Page: https://shinisetsuhan.net/collections/shinisefes2025
- agataJapan Feature: https://agatajapan.com/tokyo/edomachimeguri/shinisefes2025_release/
- Official Account Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shinisefestival/
The event runs for 8 hours from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, allowing visitors to enjoy it across a wide range of time slots. The venue is located in the Fukutoku no Mori and Naka-dori area adjacent to Fukutoku Shrine, offering a special space surrounded by rich greenery despite being in the heart of the city surrounded by high-rise buildings.
For detailed event information and the latest program updates, we recommend checking the Shinise Festival special page, which is regularly updated before your visit.
Public Transportation and Car Access with Crowd Management Tips
The venue for Shinise Festival 2025, Fukutoku no Mori and Naka-dori area (2-5-10 Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo), is extremely accessible from major stations in central Tokyo.
Train Access
The nearest station is Mitsukoshimae Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza and Hanzomon lines, with direct access via exits A7 and A8. It’s also within walking distance from Shin-Nihonbashi Station on the JR Sobu Rapid Line, and about a 7-minute walk from Nihonbashi Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line.
Bus Access
The Metro Link Nihonbashi (free shuttle bus) operates from Tokyo Station Yaesu Exit, with stops at “Nihonbashi Muromachi 1-chome” or “Mitsui Memorial Museum,” just a 1-minute walk away. This bus runs every 10 minutes from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily.
Car Access
Information about dedicated parking for Shinise Festival 2025 could not be confirmed. Since the Nihonbashi area is a central business district, surrounding roads tend to be congested even on weekends, and nearby coin parking lots may become full. Therefore, we strongly recommend using public transportation.
Ticket Types, Purchase Methods, and Entry Rules
Basic admission to “Shinise Festival 2025 by agataJapan” is free. No advance reservations are required, and you can visit the venue directly on the day of the event.
However, paid tickets are required for some special content.
Special Tour of Mitsui Honkan (National Important Cultural Property)
4,400 yen (limited to 20 people per session)
Edo Kumihimo Workshop
4,400 yen (limited to 8 people per session)
Kumiko Coaster Making Experience
3,600 yen (limited to 18 people per session)
Tickets for these paid content experiences are sold on a first-come, first-served basis and are popular, so early purchase is recommended.
Basic activities such as the shinise marché, shinise summit, workshop observations, and stage performances can all be enjoyed with free admission.
For entry rules, re-entry policies, and baggage inspection procedures, we recommend checking the official website for the latest information.
Highlights and How to Enjoy
The Shinise Festival by agataJapan is an excellent opportunity to become familiar with crafts and long-established brands. At the venue, you can feel the depth of craftsmanship and manufacturing through artisan demonstrations and hands-on workshops.
Furthermore, limited-quantity items and pre-release products are available, making it perfect for souvenir shopping. With abundant photo spots and SNS campaigns, the joy of sharing your experience will expand as well.
Demonstration and Workshop Highlights and Participation Methods
A major attraction of the event venue is the ability to experience artisan handwork up close, which is rarely seen in everyday life. At booths featuring live demonstrations of traditional techniques such as lacquerware, dyeing and weaving, and metalwork, visitors express amazement at the finishing processes and intricate skills.
Additionally, numerous workshops are available for visitor participation. Many are designed to be accessible to beginners, making them enjoyable for families with children.
Registration methods include both advance reservations and same-day registration, so it’s reassuring to check official information in advance and take early action for popular programs. In many cases, you can take home your own creation after the experience, providing a lasting memory.
Venue-Exclusive Items and Pre-Release Shopping Checklist
A major source of excitement for visitors to this event is the venue-exclusive items and pre-release sales of new products. Special edition crafts created in collaboration with long-established brands and limited-quantity rare items often sell out shortly after opening.
To shop efficiently, it’s important to check the exhibitor list in advance and narrow down your targets. For large items that are difficult to carry or when planning multiple purchases, using the venue’s shipping service is convenient.
Beyond limited products, the opportunity to have direct conversations with artisans is also appealing. Purchasing items after hearing about their creation background allows you to feel the stories embedded in the products even more deeply.
Photo Spots and SNS Campaign Utilization Tips
The venue features numerous Instagram-worthy decorations and artwork displays that invite visitors to take photos. Special areas that integrate artwork with backgrounds are particularly ideal spots for commemorative photography.
Furthermore, SNS posting campaigns are often held during the event period, and sharing photos with designated hashtags offers chances to win commemorative items or limited goods through lottery drawings. To take photos while avoiding crowds, targeting relatively quiet periods such as morning hours or before closing time works well.
Using SNS not only allows you to share your event experience in real-time but also connects you with other event participants. The ability to enjoy a fusion of digital and real experiences is a major attraction of this festival.
Summary
The Shinise Festival by agataJapan is an experiential event that fuses the appeal of tradition and modernity. By understanding ticket types and pricing structures and skillfully utilizing discounts and special offers, you can enjoy the event more affordably.
Additionally, the ability to experience on-site exclusive value through hands-on programs, limited items, and special venue projects is a major attraction. Checking payment methods and additional costs in advance provides peace of mind and smoother movement on the day of the event. By organizing information before your visit and creating a plan that suits you, you should be able to fully enjoy the event.