Kasama Himatsuri

Festival highlights

One of the highlights is the chance to compare pieces by more than 200 pottery studios and artists at a single venue.

Works in a variety of colors, shapes, and styles are displayed, creating a place for makers and users to meet.

Special exhibitions also offer different ways to enjoy pottery, including displays featuring yunomi tea cups and guinomi sake cups, outdoor tea ceremonies, and night festivities with live music.

Source: Official website for Kasama Himatsuri

A pottery fair where makers and users discover the individuality of Kasama ware

What to expect

At the venue, you can browse works by exhibitors and buy Kasama ware that catches your eye.

You can spend time browsing not only for pottery but also the clay-mask competition, music events, and special exhibitions.

In 2026, the program also included an outdoor tea ceremony where visitors could choose and enjoy matcha bowls, as well as an exchange exhibition with the pottery-producing region of Yingge, Taiwan.

How to take part

General visitors can pay the admission fee to enjoy the pottery market and special exhibitions at the venue.

This is not an event where participants exhibit their work for sale; visitors can browse and buy pottery, or enjoy watching the events.

Admission is free for certain visitors, including those aged 18 and under and those with a disability certificate.

In 2026, an admission fee of ¥500 per day is required at the venue entrance.

Admission is free for visitors aged 18 and under (up to high school age). Visitors with a disability certificate may also enter free of charge with 1 accompanying person.

Admission can be paid in cash, or with PayPay or AEON Pay.

Location and access

Venue and address

Kasama Geijutsu no Mori Park Event Plaza (2345 Kasama, Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture).

Train and bus

Shuttle buses run from the north exit of JR Tomobe Station to the venue. The fare is ¥100 one way, and the ride takes about 15 minutes.

Shuttle buses also run from the Ibaraki Prefectural Education and Training Center, with a ride time of about 10 minutes.

By car

Traffic congestion is expected around the venue, so visitors are advised to use public transportation or shuttle buses.

Parking

Parking is available at the Ibaraki Prefectural Education and Training Center and at free temporary parking lots in the city.

The Ibaraki Prefectural Education and Training Center parking lot is unavailable on April 30 and May 1.

Source: 「笠間の陶炎祭」シャトルバスを運行します – ニュースリリース - 茨城交通サイト

Address 2345 Kasama, Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture

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Dates and season

2026 event information (the dates listed have passed)

In 2026, it was scheduled to run from April 29 (Wednesday, a national holiday) through May 5 (Tuesday, a national holiday), with visiting hours listed as 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The venue was Kasama Geijutsu no Mori Park, with special exhibitions, night festivities, live music, and other events planned.

The event has now ended.

Accommodation and hotels PR

Tips for your visit

The venue has grassy areas and stone paving, and some spots can be difficult to walk on, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Wellies are recommended for rainy days, and bringing a folding umbrella or raincoat is also advisable in case of a sudden shower.

Traffic congestion on nearby roads is expected during Golden Week, so visitors are advised to use public transportation or shuttle buses.

Source: 「笠間の陶炎祭（ひまつり）」渋滞緩和にご協力ください／茨城県

Nearby attractions

Castles and historic sitesKasama City

笠間城

茨城県笠間市にあった城

Visit the official page ↗ⓘ Photo and data sources

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写真：by Monado / CC BY-SA 2.5

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Museums and art museumsKasama City

笠間日動美術館

茨城県笠間市にある美術館

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写真：Kiku-zou / CC BY 3.0

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Temples and shrinesKasama City

笠間稲荷神社

茨城県笠間市にある神社

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写真：Dinakarr / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Facility data source

Attractions in the same municipality. Check each attraction’s official website for travel distances from the venue and current opening information.

Origins and History of Kasama Himatsuri

Kasama Himatsuri began when young ceramic artists who came to prominence in the 1970s wanted to hold a free-spirited, welcoming festival organized by the makers themselves.

In 1982, 415 members met repeatedly and collected contributions, and 36 participants held the first festival on an open lot in the Arts Village.

The event then grew in scale while its duration, venue, and organizing structure changed; in 1994, the organizing role was transferred to the Kasama Ware Cooperative Association.

Official information

笠間の陶炎祭（ひまつり）公式サイト：Official website for Kasama Himatsuri↗

Kasama Himatsuri at a Glance

Kasama Himatsuri is a pottery fair where Kasama ware pottery studios and ceramic artists gather, giving visitors a chance to discover each maker’s distinctive style as they choose pieces.

There are also clay-mask competitions, music, and special exhibitions, offering a broad look at pottery culture beyond shopping.

In 2026, it was held from April 29 to May 5, and shuttle buses were recommended to help ease congestion around the venue.