JA
JA

[October 2025] What is the Takaoka Craft City 2025 Craft Exhibition? A Detailed Guide to Highlights, Access Information, and More

Updated:11 Mins Read Traditional Craft Events 5 Views
Source: Takaoka Craft Competition

The “Takaoka Craft City Craft Exhibition” held in Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture, attracts attention every year as a craft event where craft artists from across the nation gather. From works utilizing traditional techniques to contemporary designs, the exhibition offers a wide range of displays that visitors can not only view and purchase, but also enjoy interactions with artists and hands-on crafting experiences.

This article provides an easy-to-understand introduction to the highlights, access methods, and pricing information for the “Takaoka Craft City 2025 Craft Exhibition” to be held in October 2025. This event is recommended not only for craft enthusiasts but also for those who want to discover the appeal of traditional crafts.

What is the Takaoka Craft City 2025 Craft Exhibition?


The Takaoka Craft City 2025 Craft Exhibition is a festival of traditional crafts and contemporary design held in Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture.
In addition to regional crafts including Takaoka copperware and Takaoka lacquerware, diverse craft artists and brands from across the nation gather here.

The event features not only exhibitions and sales, but also live demonstrations by artisans and hands-on workshops, allowing visitors to experience the appeal of crafts with all five senses.
With a wide lineup ranging from everyday tools to art pieces, both first-time visitors and repeat attendees can enjoy new discoveries at this event.

Event Concept and Overview of Highlights

The “Takaoka Craft City 2025 Craft Exhibition” is a comprehensive competition that showcases excellent works by artists and creators from across the nation against the backdrop of Takaoka City’s craft culture, which has been nurtured for over 400 years.

This event began in 1986 and is held as part of the “Takaoka Craft City Craft Competition,” which marks its 37th edition this year.
Aimed at regional promotion and revitalization of local industries, it has evolved as “a place that not only preserves tradition but also creates connections with new markets.”

Takaoka City’s craft culture began in 1609 (14th year of Keicho) when Maeda Toshinaga, lord of the Kaga domain, invited seven casters and other craftsmen during the construction of Takaoka Castle.
Today, Takaoka copperware holds over 90% of the domestic market share, and Takaoka lacquerware’s raden (mother-of-pearl inlay) technique accounts for approximately 90% of the domestic market, making it a representative craft production area in Japan.

At the venue, works from diverse fields including metal, lacquer, glass, textiles, and furniture are displayed, offering everything from practical items that can be easily incorporated into daily life to highly artistic pieces for appreciation. Visitors can also place advance orders for works they like.

Who Should Attend?

For first-time participants, we recommend this valuable experience as a historic national open exhibition that has continued since 1986, where you can appreciate excellent works from diverse genres including metal, lacquer, glass, textiles, and furniture all at once.
With free admission and no reservation required, you can casually discover the appeal of contemporary crafts, and purchase favorite pieces through advance ordering.

For those interested in crafts and traditional arts, this exhibition serves as a comprehensive competition regardless of material or purpose, having discovered and promoted numerous young artists and talents over the years, making it an excellent opportunity to learn about the cutting edge of contemporary crafts.
You’ll also feel the connection to Takaoka’s traditional craft techniques with over 400 years of history.

For artists and creators, this venue offers value as a place to directly appreciate national-level works and gain new inspiration through excellent design pieces that make the most of material characteristics.
Starting in 2025, business meetings connecting artists and companies will provide a pathway to commercialization.

Notable changes include the shift to a biennial format (held every two years) starting in 2025, ensuring sufficient product development time and strengthening collaboration support.
Additionally, a Tokyo exhibition is planned for December in addition to the Takaoka exhibition, improving nationwide outreach.

This exhibition, evolving as a place that not only preserves tradition but also creates connections with new markets, will surely provide valuable experiences for people in all positions related to crafts and traditional arts.

2025 Highlights (Artist-Company Collaboration Support and Hands-on Events)

Source: Takaoka Craft City Craft Competition
The 2025 “Takaoka Craft City Craft Competition” introduces new initiatives including business meetings connecting artists and companies, promoting matching for commercialization of award-winning works. Moving beyond exhibition-focused approaches, the shift to a biennial format ensures sufficient product development time, evolving as “a place that not only preserves tradition but also creates connections with new markets.”

Selected works will be displayed at the Takaoka exhibition in October and also at the Tokyo exhibition in December, strengthening nationwide outreach.
Advance sales of works will also be implemented, gaining attention as a more practical craft exhibition.

Works by emerging artists can be experienced at the young artists’ art exhibition “Clearing in Takaoka.”
As a group exhibition by young artists connected to Takaoka, visitors can encounter works breathing with contemporary spirit while touring multiple venues including historic traditional houses.

Access and Event Information


The Takaoka Craft City 2025 Craft Exhibition is held in Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture, the center of craft culture.
The venue, where historic streetscapes blend with modern facilities, provides an ideal environment for experiencing crafts.

As the event attracts many visitors each year, understanding access methods and ticket information in advance provides peace of mind. Here, we’ve organized practical information necessary for participation, including basic venue information, event schedule, transportation options, and admission rules.
Both first-time visitors and repeat attendees should prepare in advance to enjoy the event smoothly.

“Takaoka Craft City 2025 Craft Exhibition” Event Overview: Venue, Schedule, and Details

“Takaoka Craft Exhibition”

“Tokyo Craft Exhibition”

The 2025 “Takaoka Craft Exhibition” will be held for three days from October 17 (Fri) to 19 (Sun) at the Otaya Serio 2F Special Exhibition Space (101 Otayamachi, Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture).
Opening hours are listed as “Time: TBD” with details to be announced.

The venue will feature exhibition and sales of award-winning and selected works from diverse fields including metal, lacquer, glass, textiles, and furniture submitted from across the nation.
Excellent design works that make the most of material characteristics will be gathered in one place, and favorite pieces can be purchased through advance ordering.
Admission is free.

The same works will also be displayed at the “Tokyo Craft Exhibition” at GOOD DESIGN Marunouchi from December 18 (Thu) to 27 (Sat).


For workshops and experience programs, the related event “Market Street 2025” (September 20-23) also offers rich hands-on content.
Consider participating in this event as well.

“Market Street 2025”

  • Dates: September 20 (Sat) – September 23 (Tue, Holiday), 2025
  • Venue: Takaoka City Center (centered around Yamomachi-suji area and Otaya area)
  • Craft & art exhibitions and sales, factory and workshop tours, local gourmet sales, traditional industry craftsmen and artist-led making workshops, etc.
  • Admission: Free
  • Official Website: https://ichibamachi.jp/
  • Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ichibamachi

Public Transportation and Car Access with Crowd Avoidance Tips

When using public transportation, the venue at Otaya Serio is approximately a 10-minute walk from Takaoka Station.
It’s also immediately accessible from Manyosen Suehirocho Station and very close to the Suehirocho bus stop.

For visitors from distant areas, take the Shinkansen to Shin-Takaoka Station, then travel to Takaoka Station via local bus (approximately 8 minutes, 160 yen fare), JR Johana Line (approximately 3 minutes).
Alternatively, taking a taxi (approximately 5 minutes) is smooth and convenient.
Local buses between Takaoka Station and Shin-Takaoka Station operate at 15-30 minute intervals.

Car access is also possible, with multiple designated parking lots including the Municipal Otaya Parking Lot (355 spaces).
Particularly from April 1, Reiwa 7 to March 31, Reiwa 9, the Municipal Otaya Parking Lot offers 2 hours of free parking, making it convenient.
However, parking lots may become crowded during events, so early arrival is recommended.

Ticket Types, Purchase Methods, and Pricing

The Takaoka Craft City 2025 Craft Exhibition offers free admission. No advance ticket purchase is required – simply visit the venue directly on the day.
The venue features exhibition and sales of award-winning and selected works, and favorite pieces can be purchased through advance ordering.

For paid experience programs, some are held separately as related events.
Check the official website for regularly updated details and announcements.

Highlights and Ways to Enjoy

The appeal of the Takaoka Craft City 2025 Craft Exhibition lies in the convergence of excellent works from national open submissions and encounters with Takaoka’s traditional crafts.
Understanding the technical background of Takaoka copperware and Takaoka lacquerware with over 400 years of history while appreciating contemporary craft works from diverse genres including metal, lacquer, glass, textiles, and furniture submitted from across the nation is an experience unique to this exhibition.

Through “crafts” as creative acts involving human hands and ingenuity that make the most of material characteristics, visitors can simultaneously feel the inheritance of traditional techniques and the possibilities of new expression.
The exhibition of award-winning and selected works allows close examination of artists’ technical skills and high design quality, with the advance ordering system enabling purchase of favorite pieces.

Collaboration Between Takaoka Copperware, Takaoka Lacquerware, and Contemporary Crafts

Takaoka is a production area for traditional crafts representing Japan, including copperware and lacquerware, and the craft exhibition prominently features these techniques and aesthetic sensibilities.
Takaoka copperware, with its substantial casting techniques, shows a wide range of expression from Buddhist implements to contemporary interior items, while lacquerware features works combining durability with delicate decoration.

Furthermore, collaborative exhibitions with ceramics, glass, and woodwork by young craft artists from across the nation allow visitors to experience the fusion of tradition and modernity all at once.
Live demonstrations and talk events are also planned, providing opportunities to learn about the depth of techniques. Through appreciation, visitors can sense how Takaoka’s craft culture continues to evolve toward the future.

Utilizing the Artwork Purchase and Reservation System

The Takaoka Craft City 2025 Craft Exhibition features exhibition and sales of excellent works selected through national open submissions.
Works from diverse genres including metal, lacquer, glass, textiles, and furniture gather in one place, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the appeal of contemporary crafts that make the most of material characteristics.

An advance ordering system is available at the venue, enabling reliable purchase of favorite works.
For confirmation of the latest information, please utilize the official website and official channels. Based on past experience, details of selected works are published on the website, so understanding work trends in advance leads to a more fulfilling appreciation and purchasing experience.

Navigating the Venue: Crowd Management and Time-Saving Tips

The Takaoka Craft City 2025 Craft Exhibition is expected to be crowded, particularly around popular artists’ booths and demonstration corners.
Therefore, considering efficient navigation routes in advance provides peace of mind.

Additionally, avoiding large luggage and preparing convenient items can reduce stress within the venue.
Here, we introduce crowd avoidance routes, advance preparation tips, and luggage management strategies.

Efficient Routes for Early Morning, Afternoon, and Evening

The early morning right after opening is the perfect time to target limited sales and popular artists’ booths.
With fewer visitors present, you can thoroughly examine works and make purchases, so heading directly to pre-selected booths is recommended.

Afternoon represents peak crowding, but it’s the optimal time to utilize hands-on workshops and dining areas.
While exhibition spaces become crowded, there are experience corners where you can participate relatively calmly, making effective use of free time.

Evening sees decreasing visitors, providing another chance to leisurely appreciate exhibitions.
Those wanting to avoid crowds should focus on morning and evening periods.

Essential Items and Luggage Management Tips

To comfortably navigate crowded venues, thoughtful preparation of belongings is important.
First essential items include eco-bags and foldable bags. For purchasing crafts like ceramics and lacquerware, having cushioned bags provides peace of mind.

Additionally, preparing small change and transportation IC cards ensures smooth payments.
Furthermore, keeping numbered tickets and purchase lists as smartphone memos improves efficiency. When luggage increases, utilize coin lockers or delivery services available at the venue to maintain mobility.

For extended stays, carrying water bottles and mobile batteries ensures comfortable enjoyment.

Summary

The Takaoka Craft City 2025 Craft Exhibition is a valuable event where traditional crafts and contemporary crafts converge.
Local techniques including Takaoka copperware and Takaoka lacquerware meet innovative works from across the nation, offering the combined pleasures of viewing, purchasing, and experiencing.

Preparing strategies for efficient navigation while avoiding crowds, utilizing numbered tickets and advance reservations, and preparing belongings like eco-bags and small item storage will enable more comfortable event enjoyment.
This event is recommended for those wanting to deeply understand craft appeal, seeking special one-of-a-kind pieces, or families wanting to enjoy hands-on activities.
Take the October 2025 event as an opportunity to experience the world of crafts where tradition and innovation interweave.

Share.

We are a group of experts dedicated to showcasing the beauty of Japanese traditional crafts to the world. Our exploration of Japan's craft culture spans a wide range, from works by Living National Treasures and renowned artists to the preservation of traditional techniques and the latest trends in craftsmanship. Through "Kogei Japonica," we introduce a new world of crafts where tradition and innovation merge, serving as a bridge to connect the future of Japanese traditional culture with the global community.

Related Posts

Exit mobile version