How to Enjoy the Arita Ceramics Fair

This video introduces "The 114th Arita Ceramics Fair" created by the "Arita Chamber of Commerce and Industry."
The fair has 400 years of history and 450 stores takes part in and set up tents during the festival.
It is a very popular festival that more than a million people visit.

In this article we'll introduce sightseeing information and some useful tips when travelling to the Arita Ceramics Fair in Saga prefecture, Kyushu.
In the video, the biggest ceramic festival is shown.
There are crowds of people enjoying the hand crafted ceramics and you'll need to come yourself if you want to fully appreciate the beauty of some of these works of art.

What Is the Arita Ceramics Fair Like?

Source :YouTube screenshot

The Arita Ceramics Fair is held every year during Japan's Golden Week (April 29th - May 5/6th), in Arita, Nishiura, the city of ceramics.
Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, the 2020 fair was postponed.

It is said that the origin of the Arita Ceramics Fair was the ceramic competition held in 1915 by the president of Koransha, and a “clearance sale” that sold inventories of pottery and B-grade ceramics.

On the first day of the festival, morning porridge is served and the opening parade is held by the Saga Prefectural Police Band.
This can be seen at 0:04 in the video.
There are also other events such as the sara kaaburi race, where you balance a plate on your head while running, and the wankin concert.
About 450 stores are lined up around the main street, Sarayama Avenue and the view is overwhelming.
There are a ton of bargains and a lot of tourists visit to buy the best products at great prices.

Source :YouTube screenshot

After bartering for some ceramics, we recommend visiting the "Local Gourmet Fair," buying Godofu, experiencing tea ceremony (0:31), or relaxing at a café (0:39).
The paper cup at "CAFE DE ARITA" has a pattern of Arita-yaki (Arita porcelain) and it was designed by Arita technical high school students.

Information About the Festival

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The Arita Ceramics Fair takes place about 4km from Sarayama shopping street, located between JR Arita and Kamiarata stations.
There are a lot of stores in the area, so check the homepage beforehand to find the stores you want to go. Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes as well.

If you are driving there, it's only a 5 minute drive from Nishi-Kyushu Expressway "Hasami Arita IC" and there are parking lots and free shuttle buses around the venue.
It takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to get to JR Arita station from Saga airport by train or bus.
During the festival, there are bus tours and the rapid train "Arita Ceramics Fair Express" from Hakata station in Fukuoka as well.

Arita Ceramics Fair Summed Up

Source :YouTube screenshot

This video introduces "The 114th Arita Ceramics Fair"; the biggest Ceramics festival in Japan, held in Saga prefecture, in Japan's Kyushu region.
Enjoy the fun atmosphere of the festival.
If you're planning on booking a hotel near the venue, the earlier you do it, the better.

You can enjoy a one-day trip as well, so if you're looking to get a bargain and get out, then you can do that as well.
There's the "Fall Arita Ceramics Fair" as well where you can enjoy the red and yellow leaves of Fall.