Mashiko Town

Mashiko Town

Mashiko Town is a city located in Haga District, southeastern Tochigi Prefecture, in Japan’s Kantō region. It is world-renowned for Mashiko-yaki pottery, attracting around 2 million visitors from around the globe each year to experience its ceramic culture. Mashiko-yaki is a type of daily-use pottery that originated in the Edo period, known for its exquisite and delicate craftsmanship, and is one of Japan’s renowned traditional ceramic products.

Mashiko Town is home to approximately 350 kilns producing Mashiko-yaki and over 50 shops selling these ceramics. Just walking through the streets, you can feel the deep-rooted ceramic heritage and culture. The town hosts two major ceramic exhibitions each year, one in spring and one in autumn, both drawing ceramic enthusiasts and tourists from across Japan and around the world. During the exhibitions, in addition to the 50 shops in the venue, there are about 500 booths offering traditional Mashiko-yaki as well as everyday items and artworks that blend modern elements. In addition to direct exchanges with emerging artists and craftsmen on topics related to ceramics, visitors can also try their hand at pottery-making, crafting simple pieces such as plates and tea bowls.

Mashiko

Must-visit reason: One of Japan’s most important homelands of ceramic craftsmanship

Continent where the attraction is located: Asia【Asia】

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Japan[Japan]

Prefecture/State where the attraction is located: Tochigi Prefecture [Tochigi Prefecture]