Visited the Arita Pottery Market: From Popular Pottery Studios and Shops to Limited-Time Gourmet Treats

"Arita Pottery City", a spring wind poem in Arita, Saga, Yakimono-no-machi. One of the events that vessel lovers want to participate in once, such as being able to purchase dishes at a discount price than usual, or being able to meet rare ceramics that have been discontinued. About 1 million people from all over the country visit each year. The whole town reports a pottery city full of ceramics and people!

What is Arita Pottery City?

The "Arita Pottery City", which is held from April 29 to May 5 every year, is a large pottery city with the participation of about 400 houses including the town's shōgen and trading companies. It marked its 121st in 2025. During the period, about 3 km of the main street from Arita Station to Kami-Arita Station becomes a pedestrian mall (9:30-16:30).
One of the attractions is that you can shop while walking through the old streets that have been selected as an important traditional buildings preservation area.

First get the official guide map. It will be uploaded to the official site in advance, but it was distributed free of charge throughout the city during the period.
It is also recommended to get it at the tourist information center "KILN ARITA" near Arita Station, and get pottery city information. Here, we also make reservations and loans for luggage storage service (500 yen per piece) and rental bicycles.
If you do not squeeze the shops to a certain extent, you will not be able to turn around in one day. Also, shoes that are easy to walk are basic!

■ Overview of Arita Pottery City

Address: Arita-cho, Nishimatsuura-gun, Saga
Venues: From Arita Station to Around Kamiarita Station, Alita Serra, Fukagawa Magnetic China on the Park, etc.
TEL:0955-42-4111 (Arita Chamber of Commerce)
Period: April 29-May 5 each year
Open hours: Generally from 9 to 17

Lots of cute items now

When it comes to pottery markets, it is an image that classic patterned vessels and orthodox vessels become cheaper, but there are also many cute shops. We introduce five stores that are popular among the younger generation.

1. Insta popular stores open only during the “Pottery Market”

"Nishitomi (24 to 3)" has 54,000 followers on Instagram. It is a select shop of Arita ware, Hassami ware and Imari ware supported by a wide range of generations. It is usually only for online sales, but it is a special occasion to pick and choose from, not just look, with a physical store only during the "Pottery City" period. Standard products are 2 or 3 discounts from the list price, including dead stocks and sample items with 7-9 discounts. The more I look for it, the more I get excited.

The top-selling item is the original "Kimono Namekara" from Nishitomi. The patterns of the kimono are all hand-painted, and the price varies depending on the pattern.

There is also a rich lineup of chopstick rests. The store's original Kinnikuman chopstick rests are a list price but popular product. In addition, there are colorful and unique items that are familiar with Western foods.

2. Select shop for hometown tax payment

"MARUFUKU" is a popular select shop in the 20 s and 30 s, and is also exhibited at the hometown tax payment in Arita-cho. In the Pottery City, regular products of hometown tax-payable goods are also subject to discounts. Some outlets sold for less than half the price of regular goods, with only a bit of sunspot or a slight distortion of coloring. Lucky bag 1000 yen to 5000 yen with plenty of vessels of more than 1 kg is also sold only during the pottery market. It is a shop where bargains are likely to be found!

3. The fourth-generation sense of a ceramic shop that lasts 120 years shines

We also stopped at "Kaneao" on Tong Bai Fence Street. This is a select shop of Arita-yaki, Hassami-yaki, which is run by two married couples. During the 2024 Pottery City period, first-class items were sold at 301 TP3T off the price tag, and outlet items were sold at 501 TP3T off, which was crowded with many people.

4. Craftsmen sell up-and-coming brand equipment

"Imamura Shitomachiya" is a store directly managed by "Imamura Shitai", which produces an up-and-coming original brand of porcelain called "JICON Magnetic Kon". "JICON Magnetic Now" is distinguished from the crystal clear white magnetic skin characteristic of Arita ware, and the soft white with the texture of the material is impressive. Outlet items with slight distortions, pinholes and other items were sold at discounted prices during the Pottery City period. The craftsman, who is usually built vessels, came to the store, so it was good that I was able to ask you a story.

5. Hundreds of kinds of accessories

"Accessory cocosara" (kokosara), located in Raku-dori, Gu-ku, is a shop that manufactures and sells handmade Arita ware and pottery accessories, one by one, and carries colorful items such as earrings, earrings, brooches, and hair rubber.

Even during the Pottery City period, there were no discounts due to regular-price sales, but there were the most line-ups throughout the year, and there were more than a few hundred kinds of them. The price is affordable for brooches at 700-1700 yen, so it is recommended not only for yourself but also for souvenirs of friends and family.

Saga Prefecture is the place where Asia's largest International Balloon Festa is held. The popular motif is also a balloon, and hair rubber costs from 1300 yen.

The brand of longing is also exhibited!
1. Pay attention to outlet items sold in special stores

With a history of more than 260 years, "Genemon Kiln" is one of the three major Arita ware kilns. You will be dazzled by the impressive design and vivid use of colors. During the Pottery City period, a special store was opened in the Otaru store in addition to the Shōgen store. I was able to buy outlet items at a special price.

2. Held in five venues by level

If you visit the pottery city, you can't remove the "Koran-sha"! It was founded in 1879. It is a well-known store that has exported a number of high-grade ceramics overseas and has been driving Arita ware. It has won many awards at domestic and foreign expositions and continues to produce masterpieces.

"Showroom" to sell regular goods at regular 101 TP3T off, "Courtyard Tent Venue" and "South Parking Tent Venue" to sell outlet items with slight color unevenness and pinholes, etc. "Akasaka Factory Direct Sale Venue" complete with parking lots, five locations of "Akaemachi (Akaemachi) Kobo", which sells luxury second-class products, are at the venue. It's a unique chance to get a reasonably priced "Koransha" china.

3. Reasonable items from the Royal Household Agency

"Fukagawa porcelain", who wants to pick it up once, also participates in the pottery city. It was founded in 1894. It features bright blue dyeing, known as fukagawa blue, and red painting. The history of exhibiting at the Paris Expo and earning the highest honor of Medale d'Or.
Regular products are also at pottery city prices, and set discounts that can be further discounted if you purchase more than the number of outlet products and designated items were also available. Regular happy bags are also developed!

4. Stylish brands are also greatly discounted!

"ARITARORSELAINLAB (Alita Porcelin Lab) Arita flagship store" is a brand that proposes modern and stylish vessels that fit modern life. The long-established first year of Founding Culture (1804), the long-established "Yazakemon Kin", fused the technology that had been cultivated for 200 years with modern design and sublimated it into a glittering vessel.
During the Pottery City period, the outlet vessels were heavily discounted from the price of the price tag, as well as selling lucky bags.

Check out the exclusive gourmet of Pottery City!
1. Freshly made Arita-yaki curry

For lunch, "Arita Yaki Curry", where you can enjoy Arita Rashi, is 1500 yen.
Although it is usually only for Ekiben sales and net sales at Arita Station (Arita Minshinkan), the "Kurashuntei Gallery Small Exhibition Room", located in the town only during the Pottery City, becomes the "Arita Terrace" temporary store "Arita Terrace Riverside Store".
The curry, which is made with a generous amount of 28 spices and ingredients from Saga Prefecture, is rich and full of umami. The rice and water also use Saga.
The curry was served at Arita ware, and I was able to bring a container back after eating (500 yen with the dish).

For an after-dinner dessert, you can choose "Happy Cheesecake" 450 yen with fresh eggs and a selection of cream cheese. It has a mellow flavor and a soft and light texture. It is delicious to be eaten with peroli even if you are full.

* Physical stores are not open except for the Pottery City period. Please check the official site of Arita Terrace for information on locations and hours of operation during the Pottery City period.

2. Kitchen Car Marche comes on

In 2024, "Kitchen Car Marche", a gathering of kitchen cars and stalls near Arita Station, appeared; 15 stores including churros, takoyaki, long tornado potatoes, soft ice cream, yakisoba, sweet potato sticks, and kang-fried; among them, the famous stores that won the Grand Prix at various festivals!
There was an eat-in corner with about 40 seats in the center, not to mention takeout, so I could taste the freshly made food menu on the spot I bought.

3. Delicious coffee with foam insulation cup with the image of Arita ware

During the Pottery City period, "café de ARITA" was opened around the Tombai Fence. Every year four or five POP UP shops gather to serve delicious coffee in foam insulated cups inspired by Arita ware. Tables and benches are also prepared, and the whole area is transformed into a stylish blue sky cafe. It's great when you want to take a break.
By the way, the Donby Fence is a fence made of scrap refractory bricks and disposable kiln tools painted with red soil, creating a unique landscape of the town of Yakimono.

4. Check the mini parfait of Arita ware!

A café is attached to the "ARITA PORCELAIN LAB Arita flagship store" with stylish vessels.
One of the most notable here is the "Arita Waki Mini Parfait" for takeout, which is sold only during the Pottery City period, for 2200 yen. The flavors are three types: Arita Kintan and thick chocolate, Ureshino matcha, and Saga strawberry strawberry. It is also a nice point that the vessel after the meal can be brought back. The instruments of individual color use and artistic design are cute that you want to arrange all three colors.

■ ARITA PORCELAIN LAB Cafe

Address: 1-11-3 Kohei Kami, Arita-cho, Nishimatsuura-gun, Saga
TEL:0995-29-8079
Opening hours: 11-17
Closed: Tuesday

5. Morning porridge is one of the specialties of Arita Pottery City

During the period, the "morning porridge" 600 yen served by the Sarayama Shōkai was limited to 300 cups each day. The vessel containing the morning porridge is an original with a picture of the zodiac that year and can be taken back after meals. In search of this morning porridge, a long line is formed in Arita Kanmae (1-1-1, Arita-machi Kohei), which serves as the venue from within the still unnightfall. In order to collect the vessels, there are not a few regular customers who line up every year. I want to eat it once.

Put it on to Alita Serra.

It is a little away from the central area of the Pottery City, but another venue, "Alita Serra", is also recommended. Alita Serra is a shopping mall with as many as 22 specialty ceramics shops and eateries. During the pottery market, there are stores that sell vessels at special prices, and events such as lottery are held, and there is a lot of fun!

Within Alita Sera, there is a "Chawanjimkoshi", a sacred body of the spirit of "Suyama Shrine" near Kamiarita Station, where worship can be made. In addition, if you bring a patronised tea bowl that has finished its role, and if you write a thank-you word on a tea bowl-shaped picture horse, it will "serve a tea bowl".

The site is fully equipped with a free large parking lot with a capacity of 800 cars, and runs free shuttle buses to the "Arita-cho Lifelong Learning Center", "Arita Elementary School" and "Saga Ceramics Industry Cooperative" during the Pottery City. Toll parking around the main venue, Arita Station and Kami-Arita Station, is sure to be crowded, so it may not be possible to park depending on the arrival time. The transportation means of parking at "Alita Serra" and traveling by shuttle bus is also ant.

■ Alita Serra

Address: 2351-169 Akasaka Hei, Arita-cho, Nishimatsuura-gun, Saga
TEL:0955-43-2288
Hours: 10-17 (depending on some stores)
Closed: No Closed

Online pottery market, pay attention to the autumn ceramic festival!

"Arita Pottery City" in the spring It is good news for those who couldn't go and can't go. Every year in late November, the "Autumn Arita Ceramics Festival" is held with about 180 stores participating. As well as shopping, various events such as the public release of a wood-fired kiln are prepared, and there are many eateries that offer limited-time menus. Why not take a leisurely stroll through the city that is colored in the autumn attire?
Every year, the city is also held online during the Arita Pottery City (from April 29 to May 5, 2025) (Web Arita Pottery City). It is a great opportunity to enjoy Arita's selection of vessels while staying at home. How about a peek?

There are many attractions in Arita, such as the Suyama Shrine, which has a pottery torii, and the Saga Prefectural Kyushu Ceramic Culture Museum, where you can see the history of Arita ware. If you come to the pottery city, please visit it once.

• This article is created based on the contents of "Rurubu & more."
• The data listed is as of May 2025. Prices, business hours, regular holidays, menus, etc. may change or may not be available due to temporary holidays. Please check in advance when using it, as the content may change.
• The holiday of stores and facilities omits the year-end holiday, Obon holiday, Golden Week, and temporary holidays in principle.
• The published fees are in principle the fee including consumption tax that we have confirmed at the time of the interview, and the entrance fee is the adult fee if there is no special mention.
• In principle, the published times are open (hall) to closed (hall). Please note that the last order or entrance (hall) time is 30 minutes to 1 hour before the normal closing (hall) time. The last order is denoted LO.
• For the spring quality and efficacy of the hot springs listed, manuscripts are prepared based on answers from each facility.