Japan’s Must-Visit Pottery Markets in 2025
Written by Team MUSUBI
For lovers of Japanese tableware, there’s nothing quite like the joy of discovering unique, handcrafted pieces straight from the source. Every year, pottery fairs pop up across Japan, turning towns into a lively celebration of craftsmanship. Whether you're hunting for rare finds, everyday pieces, or simply looking to experience the authenticity of local kilns and artisans, regional events offer a glimpse into the rich world of Japanese ceramics. In 2025, many iconic markets are set to welcome pottery enthusiasts, and we've gathered the best of them for you to explore.
Table of contents
The Big Three: Japan’s Largest Pottery Fairs
Japan’s three biggest pottery markets—Arita, Mino, and Seto—attract thousands of visitors every year, turning entire towns into lively marketplaces filled with stalls showcasing everything from traditional masterpieces to contemporary ceramic works.
Arita Ceramic Fair (Saga Prefecture)
The modern Arita Ceramic Fair traces its roots back to 1896, when local merchants held a warehouse clearance sale, offering surplus and discounted pottery to the public.
Today, the fair is held annually from April 29 to May 5, transforming Arita from a quiet pottery village into a bustling marketplace. Visitors from across Japan come to explore countless stalls and immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere of one of Japan’s largest pottery events.
Toki Mino-yaki Matsuri (Gifu Prefecture)
Held in Toki City, Japan’s largest pottery-producing area, this event is one of the country’s three major pottery fairs. As the biggest market in the Tokai region, it draws over 150,000 attendees annually, offering an extensive selection of Mino ware at special event prices.
Venue: Oribe Hills (Mino Yaki Wholesalers Association)
Dates: May 3 to May 5
Information: @oribehills
Seto-City Pottery Festival (Aichi Prefecture)
Starting in 1932, the Setomono Matsuri (pottery fair of Seto ware) began as an industrial celebration honoring Kato Tamikichi, who played a key role in introducing porcelain production. Now in its 93rd year, the two-day event features various festivities, with the highlight being a large-scale pottery sale, the main event of the festival, where hundreds of vendors offer discounted pieces to visitors.
Venue: Around Owari Seto Station (Meitetsu Seto Line) and various locations across Seto City
Dates: September 13 and 14
Pottery Markets by Region
Beyond the big three, pottery markets across Japan celebrate regional traditions, offering visitors a chance to experience the unique characteristics of local ceramics.
[Kyushu Region]
Hasami Porcelain Festival (Nagasaki Prefecture)
Held outdoors at the Ceramics Park in Hasami Town, this weeklong festival is the largest pottery event dedicated to Hasami ware, attracting a total of 250,000 visitors last year. Around 150 vendors gather in the park, offering everything from great bargains to rare, festival-exclusive pieces you won’t find anywhere else.
[Shikoku region]
Tobe Yaki Festival (Ehime Prefecture)
Tobe ware is valued for its handcrafted quality and practicality, with many pieces featuring the iconic thick-walled porcelain. Around seventy kilns participate in this festival, offering visitors the chance to meet artisans and carefully select their favorite pieces.
Venue:
- Main venue: Tobe Town Tokaido Yutori Park
- Second venue: Tobe Town Commerce & Industry Building/Tobe Pottery Traditional Industry Hall
Dates:
- April 19 (Sat), 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Note: The second venue closes at 5:00 p.m. - April 20 (Sun), 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
[Kinki Region]
Shigaraki Ceramics Festival (Shiga Prefecture)
Shigaraki ware offers more than just tableware, with a diverse range of ceramics such as umbrella stands, planters, and tea ceremony utensils. During this time, over twenty kilns and shops throughout Shigaraki Town welcome visitors to explore the rich variety and craftsmanship that define this traditional pottery.
Venue: Participating stores throughout Shigaraki Town
Dates: Scheduled for mid-October; dates to be announced in August
Official Instagram: @shigaraki_festa
[Hokuriku Region]
Kutani Chawan Festival (Ishikawa Prefecture)
Held annually during Japan’s Golden Week from May 3 to 5, this vibrant festival attracts around 180,000 visitors from across Japan and abroad. This festival is a paradise for fans of Kutani ware, famous for its vivid colors and intricate hand-painted designs. Collectors and casual buyers alike will find plenty of one-of-a-kind bowls and decorative pieces here.
Venue: Multiple locations, including Neagari Sogo Bunka Kaikan, Nomi Furusato Museum, and Kutani Pottery Village
Dates: May 3 to 5
Official Website: kutani-shoukumi.or.jp
From the historic kilns of Arita and Seto to the vibrant markets of Hasami and Shigaraki, Japan’s pottery fairs are a celebration of artistry, tradition, and everyday beauty. Whether you're exploring these markets in person or discovering handcrafted pieces from afar, the love of Japanese ceramics transcends borders.
For those who can’t travel far from Tokyo, the Mashiko Spring Pottery Fair is a fantastic option. Just a three-hour train ride from Tokyo Station, this event runs from April 29 to May 6 across multiple venues in Mashiko Town, primarily in Jonaizaka and Sayado.
We hope this guide helps you discover new favorites and appreciate the deep traditions behind each piece. Happy pottery hunting!
Note: All dates are subject to change. Please check official websites or contact the event organizers for the latest information.
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