Things to do in August 2025 near Tokyo
Looking for things to do in August near Tokyo? August is vibrant with summer festivals and outdoor enjoyment, particularly water activities!
Mashiko Pottery Fair in Spring
(Mashiko Haruno Toki Ichi)
益子春の陶器市（益子町）
One of the largest ‘Craft & Pottery Fair’ near Tokyo
Last updated by Angus M
on May 2, 2025
The organizers have confirmed that this event is GOING ahead.
DATE
2025
: 29th April (Tue) to 6th May (Tue)
Days
Hours
Min
Sec
*All dates & activities are subject to change due to weather and/or unforeseen circumstances.
*Information last checked on 2025-02-11
TIME & SCHEDULE
9:00 am - 5:00 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 2025-02-11
COST
Free
*Information last checked on 2025-02-11
How to enjoy the Mashiko Pottery Fair in Spring
Meet local potters
Shop for something Special!
Great girls day out
Traveling solo
Fun for couples
Artisan cafes
Walk around town
Enjoy for 1 whole day!
⚱️Enjoy a unique pottery experience in Mashiko Town⚱️
👀Find your once-in-a-lifetime pottery at one of 🇯🇵Japan’s largest pottery fair❗️
Every year during 🎌Japan’s Golden Week Holiday (Around the end of April-early May), the time-honored Spring Pottery Fair⚱️(Started in 1966) is held in Mashiko Town. A massive variety of pottery from daily necessities to art crafts will be ready in more than 50 shops and 500 outdoor display tents🎪at reduced prices!
Take your time to 🚶wander around, and if you’re a pottery lover don’t miss this chance to talk directly with pottery artists and craftsmen! Share the excitement with Mashiko and lose yourself in a world of pottery❗️
🚶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 Pottery Fair in Spring
- 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)
'Mashiko Town'
(learn more about this area)
Mashiko town is a popular countryside town for travelers seeking an authentic Japanese cultural experience. It is very famous for its pottery.
Places to EAT in Mashiko Town
Places to STAY in Mashiko Town
Hotels (Western Style)
There is a nice historical accommodation as well as small bed and breakfast accommodations available in Mashiko.
Ryokan (Japanese Style Hotel)
There is one Onsen (hotspring) hotel/Ryokan.
Glamping & Camping
Mashiko has a few campsites as well as guesthouses, airbnbs and more.
Access
(How to get to Mashiko Pottery Fair)
How to get there
Public Transport
[Train]
2hrs- 2hrs 30min from Tokyo (via Utsunomiya) by train.
3hrs from Tokyo (via Shimodate) by train.
[Bus]
2hrs 30min from Tokyo (Akihabara) by Highway Bus.
Car
2hrs 15min drive from Tokyo area by car.
Location & Address
Address
Mashiko Town (around Jonaizaka Street)
益子町 (城内坂近辺)
Jyonaizaka, Mashiko-machi, Haga-gun, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan
栃木県芳賀郡益子町城内坂
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.
Highway Bus ‘Yakimono Liner’ from JR Akihabara Sta.
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 Interchange (Kitakanto Expressway)
Travel to Moka IC on the Kitakanto Expressway (Kitakanto Jidoshado) and drive 20 min.
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
Email: Contact Form (External Link)
English Tourist Office Website (External Link)
Japanese Official Website (External, Japanese site)
Mashiko Pottery Fair (Autumn) Page (Internal, English site)
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.
