Every year during Golden Week, which is from 29 April to 5 May, one of the biggest ceramics fairs in the world takes place in the little porcelain town of Arita in Saga prefecture. In Japanese, it’s called Arita Toukiichi.

There are thousands of shops and stalls full of all kinds of ceramics at all prices. Most ceramics are industrially produced in the area and others handcrafted by local potters. That’s what usually makes the difference in the price. A hand made ceramics vase hand painted by a local potter will be quite expensive as opposed to a mass produced bowl with a design printed on it which might only be 200 yen.

Beware of the Japanese ladies dragging their suitcases on wheels full of ceramics as nothing can stand in their way, and try not to bump into people as everyone is walking around with breakables in their bags.

How to get there

The festival takes place on the main street between Kami-Arita and Arita station (take the Sasebo or the Haiki train line). You can get off at either station and follow the crowds.

A few important advices

• Take the train instead of a car as traffic is heavy and parking is expensive.
• Bring a backpack or a solid bag if you think you’ll buy a lot.
• Bargain away as if you were in a Thai market!