A City of Art and History – Kasama City
Kasama City has flourished as the castle town of Kasama Castle for many centuries. It is rich in historical sites and is also known for its vibrant art scene, attracting many art enthusiasts. The city is famous for its Kasama-yaki pottery, and the spring and autumn pottery markets draw large crowds of visitors.
One notable landmark in Kasama is the Kasama Inari Shrine, one of Japan’s three major Inari shrines. With a history spanning over 1,300 years, it is a well-regarded shrine visited by 3.5 million people annually. Visitors can also enjoy traditional Inari sushi, a specialty of the shrine.
When you visit Kasama, besides exploring the famous sites, you should also engage in a pottery experience to truly appreciate the city’s artistic heritage.
Image credit: On-chan, CC by-sa On-chan, Wikipedia
Head to the Pottery Festival!
Location: Kasama Geijutsu no Mori Park Event Plaza, Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture
Date: April 29th to May 5th, annually
Access: Take the JR Jōban Line to Tomobe Station or the JR Mito Line to Kasama Station. From Kasama Station, you can take a temporary bus, the Kasama Sightseeing Loop Bus, or rent a bicycle. The event site is about a 30-minute walk from the station.
Official Website: Kasama Himatsuri Official Site
The Kasama Himatsuri is held in Kasama Geijutsu no Mori Park Event Plaza every year from April 29th to May 5th. This festival is the largest in Ibaraki Prefecture, featuring exhibitions by potters and shops, as well as food vendors, a mask auction, and musical events.
The festival name, “Himatsuri” (meaning “Fire Festival”), was named by the founder of Isobe Tōen. It was written in kanji to differentiate it from the 190-year-old “Abare Himatsuri,” a film starring Katsu Shintarō set in Kasama.
The Catalyst for Spreading Kasama-yaki Pottery
In Kasama City, young potters began emerging in the 1970s. They aspired to create a festival that everyone could enjoy, separate from the pottery market hosted by wholesalers during the Tsutsuji Festival. This aspiration led to the creation of the “Himatsuri” festival, which first took place from May 1st to 3rd, 1982, in a vacant lot in the art village.
The festival started with just 36 exhibitors, including individual artists, pottery workshops, and retailers. It was a collective effort beyond the boundaries of individual potters and workshops.
The Himatsuri festival helped raise the profile of potters and increased the recognition of Kasama City. The first Himatsuri also featured the ceremonial firing of an Amida statue in appreciation of the ancestors who laid the foundations for modern Kasama-yaki pottery.
Quoted from Kanko Ibaraki
A Display of Artistic Pottery
At the festival venue, over 200 potters, workshops, and local shops come together, welcoming visitors with unique displays and a wide variety of pottery. This festival stands out as an unprecedented pottery event where customers can interact directly with the creators and enjoy participatory events. Each year, tens of thousands of people visit, making it a highly accessible and enjoyable event for everyone.
During the festival, numerous events take place, including the “Mask Auction,” the “Mask Festival” showcasing unique masks made by local elementary school students, and the “Outdoor Tea Ceremony” where visitors can enjoy matcha tea in selected tea bowls from various potteries.
Quoted from Kanko Ibaraki
Enjoy Even If You’re Not Interested in Pottery!
While the main focus of the festival is pottery, there are plenty of food stalls and other attractions that ensure enjoyment for everyone, even those who aren’t particularly interested in pottery. It’s a great opportunity to experience the charm of pottery and appreciate its beauty, so be sure to visit and see for yourself.
Cover image courtesy of Kanko Ibaraki
(Edited by 千八乃)
