Arita Hina Pottery Festival 2026

• February 1, 2026 at 9:00 am
  Event date:
• March 10, 2026 at 5:00 pm
  Event end:

History

Arita is the birthplace of Japanese porcelain, where Korean potter Yi Sam-pyeong discovered high-quality kaolin clay in 1616 and began producing the country’s first true porcelain. For over 400 years, Arita-yaki has been prized for its pure white body, delicate painting, and durability—exported worldwide via the Dutch East India Company from nearby Imari Port.

The Hina Pottery Festival launched in 2006 to celebrate this legacy alongside Hinamatsuri (March 3). Local kilns began crafting full sets of hina dolls from porcelain—emperor, empress, attendants, and musicians—showcasing masterful glazing and hand-painting techniques. The event also highlights Arita’s sister-city relationship with Meissen, Germany, displaying European porcelain dolls.

Now in its 20th year, the festival transforms the entire town into a living gallery of ceramic art, with over 100 shops, kilns, and museums participating.

Overview

The Arita Hina Pottery Festival 2026 will run from early February to early March across Arita’s historic pottery district. Over 100 venues—including kilns, galleries, shops, and the Aritakan Cultural Plaza—display thousands of porcelain hina dolls, from traditional seven-tier sets to whimsical modern interpretations.

Many exhibits are free, and the town’s compact layout makes it easy to explore on foot. Free shuttle buses run on weekends, connecting major sites. The fusion of 400-year-old ceramic tradition with delicate doll artistry creates a uniquely elegant spring celebration.

Highlights

• Porcelain Hina Doll Masterpieces: Full imperial court sets handcrafted in Arita-yaki—some with 24k gold accents and intricate kinrande designs.
• Meissen Porcelain Display: Rare European hina dolls from Arita’s sister city, Germany, shown at select venues.
• Kiln & Workshop Tours: Watch artisans paint and fire porcelain dolls in real time (weekends).
• Special Sales & Markets: Limited-edition hina porcelain, tea sets, and tableware at festival-only prices.
• Historic Town Stroll: Wander 400-year-old streets lined with active kilns, climbing kilns, and white-walled storehouses.

Why Jasumo Recommends?

• Porcelain Hina Doll Masterpieces: Full imperial court sets handcrafted in Arita-yaki—some with 24k gold accents and intricate kinrande designs.
• Meissen Porcelain Display: Rare European hina dolls from Arita’s sister city, Germany, shown at select venues.
• Kiln & Workshop Tours: Watch artisans paint and fire porcelain dolls in real time (weekends).
• Special Sales & Markets: Limited-edition hina porcelain, tea sets, and tableware at festival-only prices.
• Historic Town Stroll: Wander 400-year-old streets lined with active kilns, climbing kilns, and white-walled storehouses.

If you’re coming to Japan or already in Japan, Jasumo can help with custom Kyushu pottery tours, private kiln visits, porcelain shipping, shuttle arrangements, and more. Just contact us using the contact page.

Schedule

Early February to early March 2026 (typically ~4 weeks)

• Venue Hours: Vary by location—generally 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Free Shuttle: Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays only

Pricing

• Entry: FREE to town and most exhibits
• Some Museums: ¥300–¥500 (e.g., Aritakan, Kyushu Ceramic Museum)
• Workshops: Small fee for hands-on pottery painting (optional)

Location

Various venues throughout Arita Town Main hubs: Aritakan Cultural Plaza & Arita Sera Shopping Plaza 1-1-1 Kobira, Arita-cho, Nishimatsura-gun, Saga 844-0005, Japan

How to Get There

• By Train: JR Sasebo Line to Arita Station → 10–15 min walk to main venues.
• From Fukuoka (Hakata): ~90 min by limited express “Midori” train.
• From Nagasaki: ~80 min via JR.
• By Car: 15 min from Takeo-Onsen IC (Nagasaki Expressway); parking at major venues.

Accommodation Options

Arita and nearby Takeo Onsen offer pottery-themed ryokan and modern hotels from ¥15,000–¥40,000 per person with kaiseki meals. Many include kiln visits or ceramic gifts.

Budget business hotels in Arita or Imari start at ¥7,000–¥12,000. Book early for the opening weekend when ceramic collectors arrive.

FAQs

When exactly does the 2026 festival start and end?

The festival typically runs for about one month, starting the first or second weekend of February and ending just after March 3. Exact dates are announced in late 2025.

Are all the hina doll displays free?

Yes—the vast majority are free in shops, kilns, and public spaces. Only a few museums (like Aritakan) charge a small entry fee.

Does the free shuttle run every day?

No—only on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays. On weekdays, venues are easily walkable or a short taxi ride apart.

Can I buy the porcelain hina dolls?

Yes—many are for sale, from ¥10,000 miniature sets to ¥1,000,000+ museum-quality pieces. Shops can arrange overseas shipping.

Is Arita worth visiting outside the festival?

Absolutely—over 100 active kilns operate year-round. Combine with the Arita Porcelain Park or a climb inside the historic Tozan Shrine kiln.

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