A Pottery Bonanza in Tokoname City
Looking for a cultural escape from Nagoya? The 58th Tokoname Pottery Festival is being held October 5~6, 2024, in Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture. This annual event is perfect for anyone interested in Japan's ancient pottery traditions. The festival features a pottery market, workshops, and a breathtaking fireworks display, giving you a full day (or two!) of excitement and discovery.
Tokoname-yaki
Tokoname City, located on the Chita Peninsula, is known for Tokoname-yaki (常滑焼), which is one of Japan's "Six Ancient Kilns." Tokoname-yaki is a unique form of pottery with a long history spanning over a thousand years. It is renowned for its simple, functional elegance and distinctive reddish-brown clay.
The clay in Tokoname is rich in iron, giving it a deep, earthy color that enhances its natural aesthetic. One of the most iconic Tokoname-yaki pieces is the kyusu, or traditional Japanese teapot, which has gained worldwide fame for its ergonomic design and ability to enhance the flavor of tea. The smooth finish and minimalist design of these teapots, often without the use of glaze, give Tokoname-yaki a clean, organic feel.
What makes Tokoname-yaki especially unique is its firing technique and the use of the local clay. Tokoname potters often employ a reduction firing method, which controls the oxygen levels in the kiln to create varied color tones, from reddish-brown to black. Additionally, Tokoname-yaki is unglazed, relying on the quality of the clay and the firing process to create a natural finish. This results in pieces that are both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional, particularly in maintaining heat and moisture when used for brewing tea
Festival Overview
The festival is spread across three main venues: Boat Race Tokoname, the Yakimono Walk, and Ceramall. Each location offers unique activities, from pottery markets to hands-on workshops and cultural performances.
On both days, visitors can immerse themselves in the pottery market at Boat Race Tokoname, where local artisans, wholesalers, and pottery makers offer a wide range of ceramics for sale. From traditional tea sets to contemporary art pieces, the market provides a unique opportunity to purchase authentic Tokoname-yaki at discounted prices. Whether you are looking for a practical souvenir or a one-of-a-kind work of art, this is the place to find it.
Visitors can also enjoy pottery workshops at various venues throughout the day. These workshops provide hands-on experiences, such as learning how to plate dishes beautifully or creating your own pottery pieces. For those interested in cultural performances, the festival offers a variety of traditional shows, adding to the festive atmosphere and providing entertainment between your shopping sessions.
At 11:00 on Saturday, there's a special smartphone photography workshop where attendees can learn how to take stunning, Instagram-worthy pictures of the pottery. This workshop is perfect for social media enthusiasts who want to capture and share their festival experience in the best possible light.
Fireworks!
The highlight of the first day is undoubtedly the fireworks display on Saturday, October 5, at 18:00 at Boat Race Tokoname. This spectacular show over the water is the perfect way to end your day of shopping and exploration. Entry to the fireworks event requires a ticket, so make sure to secure yours early for a prime viewing spot.
On Sunday, the festival continues with more pottery shopping from 09:00 to 16:00 and Tokoname Retro Shopping along the Yakimono Walk. With its retro charm and historic kilns, this area offers a more laid-back shopping experience, allowing you to explore the city's rich pottery-making history while browsing local shops. Workshops continue throughout the day, with a special Chef's Plating Workshop at 10:00, during which Chef Watanabe of Le Creuset will demonstrate how to plate food beautifully using Tokoname pottery.
Getting There from Nagoya
By Train:
Take the Meitetsu Tokoname Line from Meitetsu Nagoya Station to Tokoname Station. The ride takes about 35 minutes. From Tokoname Station, free shuttle buses will connect you to the festival venues: Boat Race Tokoname, Yakimono Walk, and Ceramall.
Festival Venues
Boat Race Tokoname (Main Venue)
Address:
4-Chome-111 Shinkaicho, Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture
How to Get There:
After arriving at Tokoname Station, walk about 10 minutes to the venue or take a free shuttle bus from the station directly to Boat Race Tokoname. This venue will host the main pottery market and fireworks on October 5th at 18:00.
MAP
Yakimono Walk
Address:
3-Chome-38-3 Sakaemachi, Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture
How to Get There:
It's about a 15-minute walk from Tokoname Station. You can also use the free shuttle bus that connects Tokoname Station and the other venues. The Yakimono Walk is the best place to enjoy the retro charm of Tokoname, with pottery shops and local food stalls.
MAP
Ceramall
Address:
89-9 Kanayama, Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture
How to Get There:
Ceramall is about a 20-minute walk from Tokoname Station or accessible by the free shuttle bus. This venue focuses on modern pottery, and you can participate in workshops like succulent planting and enjoy tea in the pottery café.
MAP
Free Shuttle Bus Service
To make your visit easier, the festival offers free shuttle buses connecting all the main venues: Boat Race Tokoname, Yakimono Walk, and Ceramall. The shuttle buses will run on both days, making it easy to explore the entire festival without worrying about transportation.
Fireworks Viewing
Fireworks will take place at 18:00 on Saturday, October 5th, at Boat Race Tokoname. You'll need a ticket to enter the venue to secure a good spot. Tickets can be purchased on-site, but availability is limited, so it's best to plan ahead.
More Info:
For more details, visit the official festival website: tokonameyakimatsuri.jp
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