[2026] Aichi"Tokoname Pottery Festival" will be held from October 3rd! Here's a look at the highlights!

2026.07.30

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Tokoname Pottery Festival. The venue brings together Tokoname ware kilns, wholesalers, and ceramic artists, offering a wide variety of pottery, from everyday tableware to unique, one-of-a-kind pieces showcasing the individuality of each maker, as well as limited editions and bargain items.

• Table of Contents
• ◆What is the Tokoname Pottery Festival?
• ◆Let's visit three venues!
• ◆How to enjoy the Tokoname Pottery Festival
• ◆Recommended ways to enjoy it
• ◆60th Tokoname Pottery Festival: Event Overview
• ◆Other events you might want to enjoy!

◆What is the Tokoname Pottery Festival?

The Tokoname Pottery Festival originally began as a "production area trade fair" for retailers from all over the country.

In Showa, a sales event where the general public could purchase pottery began, and while evolving over time, it has been passed down as a representative event of Tokoname. This 60th event will be held at three venues: Boat Race Tokoname, Pottery Footpath), and Ceramall. Enjoy the different atmospheres at each venue and find your own favorite piece.

◆Let's visit three venues!

① Boat Race Tokoname Venue

First, let's compare many different Tokoname ware pieces.

The main venue, "Boat Race Tokoname," will be a gathering place for potters, wholesalers, and ceramic artists.

The appeal lies in being able to compare a wide range of Tokoname ware, including tea bowls, plates, cups, teapots, Beckoning Cat , and lucky cat figurines, all in one place.

Even dishes used for the same purpose can vary in shape, color, texture, and weight. Try picking them up in person and find the perfect dish to suit your lifestyle.

If you're unsure where to start, we recommend beginning with this venue.

★This year's recommended event: "Learn, Use, and Enjoy" (Tokoname Boat Race venue)

We welcome Chef Daisuke Watanabe of the French restaurant "Le Cluse" and Yuka Ozu of "TEA & PEACE" to explore the charm of Tokoname ware from the perspectives of "cuisine" and "tea," respectively.

◎Food Lounge (Reservations Required) A plating demonstration and culinary experience by Chef Watanabe. You can take home the Tokoname ware plate. 10/3 11:00~ 12:30~ 10/4 11:00~ ¥7,000 Capacity: 24 people

◎Cooking seminar (reservations required) - Free. The chef will answer your questions! Questions about tableware for cooking.

October 3rd, 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM; October 4th, 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM

◎Tea Seminar (Reservation Required) A workshop by Mr. Ozu on how to brew Tokoname Chinese tea using Tokoname ware teapots. Includes Tokoname ware Chinese teacups. 10/3 15:00-16:00 10/4 14:00-15:00 ¥4,000 Capacity: 24 people

② Pottery Footpath Venue

~Walking through a pottery town while searching for ceramics~

Starting from the Tokoname City Ceramic Art Museum, we head to the "Pottery Footpath," which retains the atmosphere of old-fashioned pottery kilns.

You can enjoy the Tokoname scenery of Tokoname, such as brick chimneys and kilns, and slopes made from clay pipes and shochu bottles, while exploring galleries, workshops, and shops.

There's a giant Beckoning Cat named "Tokonyan," and alleys that are perfect for taking photos.

The joy of visiting the Pottery Footpath venue lies not only in purchasing pottery, but also in experiencing the atmosphere of the town where the pottery was created.

★This year's recommended 60th anniversary commemorative goods will be given away! (Pottery Footpath venue)

●The first 10 customers who spend ¥3,000 or more at designated stores on both days will receive 60th anniversary commemorative goods!

●Photo Submission Prize Draw: Tell us about the "great spots" on your walking route!

If you post a photo of a nice spot along the walking path on Instagram with the hashtag "Tokoname Pottery Festival Walking Path Venue", you could win a Tokoname souvenir in a raffle at the Pottery Footpath parking lot!

③ Ceramall venue

~Take your time to find the perfect piece from our extensive selection~

Tokoname Ceramall is a shopping mall that brings together a variety of unique pottery specialty shops.

The shop features a variety of ceramic items that can be used in various aspects of daily life, including Tokoname ware teapots and tea sets, as well as tableware, vases, flower pots, and garden supplies.

Being able to consult with knowledgeable staff about tableware, including how to use and choose items, is a unique advantage of specialty stores. It's recommended for those who want to take their time and carefully select items, or for families who want to enjoy shopping together.

★This year's recommended event: Outdoor Tea Ceremony

Enjoy the experience of brewing tea in a teapot, even outdoors! A tea time experience led by a Japanese tea instructor who loves camping (advance reservation required).

In addition, there will be plenty of events including a mini bonsai cafe, a Nokishita artist market, a play with soil event, 60th anniversary projects, tent shops, and more!

For more details, please check out Ceramall's Instagram page, where updates will be posted regularly!

◆How to enjoy the Tokoname Pottery Festival

~Find your favorite tableware~

Dishes for everyday use, dishes for special occasions, and gifts for loved ones.

The venue features Tokoname ware, each with its own unique character, depending on the maker and kiln. Take your time to choose, considering the weight in your hand, the feel in your mouth, and imagining how it would pair with food.

A piece of tableware that you instinctively feel you want to use might become a cherished item that you'll use for a long time.

~Enjoy conversations with the creators~

When choosing tableware, try talking to the maker or the shop staff.

Understanding the thoughts and intentions behind its creation, what kinds of dishes it pairs well with, and how to care for it—knowing the background of the tableware—will further enhance the enjoyment of using it.

Being able to ask questions directly about things you're curious about is one of the unique charms of festivals held in the production area.

~Focus on teapots unique to Tokoname~

One of the most representative items of Tokoname ware is the teapot.

You can find a variety of teapots, from traditional red clay teapots to those with colors, shapes, and delicate decorations that suit modern lifestyles.

Check the capacity, handle shape, ease of pouring, and other factors to find the perfect teacup for your tea time.

~Enjoy walking around town and trying local cuisine~

While you're searching for pottery, be sure to stop by the cafes and restaurants along the Pottery Footpath, as well as the shops around Tokoname Station.

Restaurants that serve food and sweets in Tokoname ware allow you to truly appreciate the beauty and usability of the dishes when they are combined with the food.

Beyond just shopping, enjoying a stroll through the town and Tokoname local cuisine will make your day in Tokoname even more fulfilling.

Let's enjoy fireworks on the first night!

On the evening of Saturday, October 3rd, the Tokoname Citizens' Fireworks Display is scheduled to be held in conjunction with the Tokoname Pottery Festival.

After a day spent admiring countless ceramic pieces and strolling through the town, enjoy the fireworks that light up the night sky of Tokoname.

The fireworks display is scheduled from 6:00 PM to 6:45 PM. Fireworks can be viewed from the Tokoname Boat Race waterfront (admission fee required). For details on the venue, viewing methods, and other information, please check the latest information on the official website before you go.

◆Recommended ways to enjoy it

~Recommended for first-time visitors~

☆A day to fully enjoy Tokoname pottery and strolling around town☆

morning

At the Tokoname Boat Race venue, I compared the pottery of many different kilns and artists.

noon

We had lunch around Tokoname Station or the Pottery Footpath Path.

afternoon

Take a stroll along the Pottery Footpath, visiting galleries, shops, and the Tokonyan.

From evening to night

On the first day, head to the fireworks display. If you have extra time, enjoy some of Tokoname's Tokoname cuisine as well.

~Recommended for those who want to carefully choose their tableware~

☆A pottery-hunting course visiting 3 venues☆

morning

I searched for works by potters and ceramic artists at the Tokoname Boat Race venue.

afternoon

Visit the shops and galleries along the Pottery Footpath and experience the individuality of the artisans in the heart of the town.

evening

Check out the wide selection of products only a specialty store can offer at Ceramall.

◎A few tips for choosing tableware◎

Thinking about the type and size of tableware you want to buy in advance will make it easier to choose at the venue.

However, the joy of the Tokoname Pottery Festival also lies in the unexpected encounters with Tokoname pottery. Trust your own instincts, whether it's something that looks easy to use, something that would make food look appealing, or something that feels good in your hand.

It would be helpful to bring an eco-bag to put your dishes in, or a towel to wrap fragile items. Since it is expected to be crowded at certain times, please wear comfortable clothing and shoes.

◆60th Tokoname Pottery Festival: Event Overview

Date

October 3rd (Sat) and 4th (Sun), 2026

Event time

October 3rd (Sat) 9:00-20:00

Sunday, October 4th, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Fireworks display

Scheduled for Saturday, October 3rd, 18:00-18:45

venue

Boat Race Tokoname Venue

- Pottery Footpath venue

・Ceramall venue

inquiry

Tokoname Pottery Festival Sponsorship Committee Secretariat

TEL: 0569-34-3200

Details regarding vendors, venue maps, transportation information, and various events will be announced sequentially as they are finalized. Please check for the latest information before you go.

60th Tokoname Pottery Festival Official Website

◆Other events you might want to enjoy!

We're currently hosting a game where you use the hints on the question sheet to find the "Teapot Cat's" hideout, collect the keywords hidden there, and uncover the Teapot Cat's secret (the answer to the question)!

●How to participate●

Purchase the question sheet at the Tokoname Tourist Information Center. Participation fee: 300 yen (includes a souvenir of teapot cat merchandise).

Tokoname Walking Exploration Vol. 1: "The Teapot Cat, a Fairy Living on the Walking Path"