Things to do in September 2025 near Tokyo
Looking for things to do in September near Tokyo? It’s a nice time to visit as the summer starts to cool down, and places are less crowded.
Mashiko Pottery Fair in Autumn
(Mashiko Akino Toki Ichi)
益子秋の陶器市（益子町）
One of the largest ‘Autumn Craft & Pottery Fair’ nearby Tokyo
Last updated by Angus M
on July 6, 2025
The organizers have confirmed that this event is GOING ahead.
DATE
2024
: 2nd (Sat) to 5th (Tues) November
Days
Hours
Min
Sec
*All dates & activities are subject to change due to weather and/or unforeseen circumstances.
*Information last checked on 2024-06-17
TIME & SCHEDULE
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
(*Last day ends at 4 pm)
There are hundreds of art stalls throughout the town where artists and local potters sell their work.
*All dates & activities are subject to change due to weather and/or unforeseen circumstances.
*Information last checked on 2024-06-17
COST
FREE
*Information last checked on 2024-06-17
How to enjoy the Mashiko Autumn Pottery Fair
Meet artist and potters
Shop for something Special!
Great girls day out
Traveling solo
Fun for couples
Amazing artisan cafes
Walk around town
Enjoy for 1 whole day!
Pottery in All Shapes, Sizes, and Color!🌈
The ✨Mashiko Pottery Fair✨ is one of the largest pottery fairs in Japan, that brings local artists and art lovers together. It’s a lovely tradition that started in 1966, and has been cherished by people from all over Japan and all over the 🌎 world!
🚶Walk along the 500 or so tents to take a look at the traditional Mashiko pottery, 🎨 artwork, and local goodies! Strike up a 🙋🏼 conversation with the 😃 local artists and people — perhaps the ✨best way to get to know Japanese people and culture!
What to do nearby Mashiko Autumn Pottery Fair
- Culture
- Visit Tonoike sake brewery
- Visit Mashiko Sankokan Museum
- Visit Mashiko Museum of Ceramic Art
- Active
- Cycling
- Walking around town
- Attend a pottery workshop
- Food / Drink
- Good restaurants
- Good cafes
- Sake Tasting at Tonoike sake brewery
Tonoike Sake Brewery
Established more than 80 years ago, Tonoike Sake Brewery is a traditional Sake brewery popular with overseas visitors. Visitors can drop by or book a tasting tour.
(Open 365 days)
Yoshimura Strawberry Park
One of the most popular strawberry picking locations in Japan. Popular with overseas visitors and suitable for children. Online booking available.
(Season is from Dec to early May)
Places to EAT in Mashiko Town
Places to STAY in Mashiko Town
Hotels (Western Style)
Mashiko has a newly refurbished hotel (Yuwakan) that opened in 2020. Before it was moved to Mashiko, foreign diplomats used it 100 years ago as well as being used for the crown prince to escape WW2.
Ryokan (Japanese style)
Mashiko has one Japanese Ryokan with an Onsen.
Guesthouse & Airbnb
Mashiko has several guesthouses and airbnbs which are very affordable. Many artists use them and stay in Mashiko for months to make pottery.
Access (How to get to the Mashiko Autumn Pottery Fair)
How to get there
Public Transport
2 hrs- 2 hrs 30 min from Tokyo (via Utsunomiya) by train.
3 hrs from Tokyo (via Shimodate) by train.
2 hrs 30 min from Tokyo (Akihabara) by Highway Bus.
Car
2 hrs 15 min drive from Tokyo area by car.
Location & Address
Address
Jyonaizaka
城内坂
Jyonaizaka, Mashiko-town, Haga-gun, Tochigi Pref. Japan 321-4218
〒321-4218 栃木県益子町城内坂付近
Access from Tokyo
By Public Transport
From Tokyo via JR Utsunomiya Station (JR Line)
From Tokyo, take the Tohoku Shinkansen (bullet train) to JR Utsunomiya Station. Then take the bus to Jyonaizaka (城内坂 – Mashiko’s high street) a few stops before the end of the line. Approx. 2 -2.5 hours.
From Tokyo via Shimodate Station (Moka Line)
From Tokyo take the Tohoku Shinkansen (bullet train) to JR Oyama Station. Then take the JR Mito line to Shimodate Station and the Moka Line to Mashiko (Steam engines also run on weekends!). Take a bus or taxi from the Mashiko station to Jyonaizaka (城内坂 – Mashiko’s high street) or walk for 17 min. Approx. 3 hours.
From JR Akihabara Station using Highway Bus ‘Yakimono Liner
From JR Akihabara Station take the Yakimono Liner Bus ‘Highway bus ‘ (approx 2.5 hours). Get off at Togeimesse Iriguchi (陶芸メッセ入り口) which is one stop before the station.
We recommend using a travel app like Google Maps or Japan Transit Planner to find train times.
By Car
Via Moka IC on the Kita-kanto Expressway
20 min drive from Moka IC on the Kitakanto Expressway (Kitakanto Jidoshado).
We recommend using a travel app like Google Maps or Japan Transit Planner to find train times.
Contact Details (Event Organizer)
For information about this event, please contact the Mashiko Tourist Office directly.
Tel: +81 (0)285-70-1120
Websites
English Tourist Office Website (External Link)
Japanese Official Website (External, Japanese site)
Mashiko Spring Pottery Fair Page (Internal, English site)
Email: Contact Form (External Link)
Disclaimer: NearbyTokyo.com strives to provide accurate and up-to-date information by researching and contacting event organizers. All information on the page is provided in good faith. We make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, validity, reliability, or availability of any information found here. Readers are encouraged to verify any information with official sources.
