Enjoy One of Japan’s Largest Craft Events
Date : End of May (Weekend)
Matsumoto and its surrounding region are well known throughout the country as a center for craftsmen and creatives alike. Each year at the end of May, vendors come from all over Japan to display their works in the Matsumoto Annual Craft Fair. For those who won’t be here on the days of the event, this region is home to some of the best craftsmanship anywhere in Japan. And if you know where to look you can enjoy it any time of year.
The Matsumoto Annual Craft Fair is one of Japan’s largest and longest running craft events featuring around 300 artists. The main categories that the vendors fall into include: Ceramics, Woodworking/Lacquer, Textiles Dying and Weaving, Glass, Metal, Leather, Food, and more.
Historic Agatanomori Park and Naraijuku
Agatanomori Park is conveniently located just down the street from the Art Museum, Aeon Mall, and Fukashi Shrine. This picturesque nature park is laced with walking paths centered around a serene pond home to several species of birds and fish. With its abundance of shade trees, Agatanomori is a perfect place to relax and unwind during your travels.
Even if you won’t be in Matsumoto on the days of the fair, nearby Naraijuku Post Town is renowned for its highly skilled craftsmen. And plethora of shops displaying wood and lacquer works. Naraijuku was once the 34th of 69 post towns along the Edo-period Nakasendo road, making it the midpoint for people journeying between Kyoto and Tokyo. In 1978 the town was designated as an Important District for Groups of Historical Buildings. Naraijuuku is a must see stop for anyone visiting Matsumoto, or anyone interested in Japanese craftsmanship.
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