Setomono Festival is one of Seto City’s signature autumn events and is known as one of Japan’s largest ceramic fairs. Held in Seto City, Aichi, the festival attracts many pottery fans and visitors from across Japan each year. In 2026, it takes place over two days, on Sat, September 12 and Sun, September 13.

Around 200 pottery shops and kilns line the festival area, offering a wide range of works at special prices, from traditional Seto ware to tableware with contemporary designs. As an event held in Seto, the city that gave rise to the word setomono, it offers visitors a chance to experience the history and culture behind one of Japan’s best-known pottery traditions.

Walk through one of Japan’s leading pottery towns, where ceramic culture has continued for more than 1,000 years

Seto City is counted among Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns (historic pottery-producing areas with roots dating back to medieval Japan), and pottery has been made here for more than 1,000 years. Its quality and craftsmanship became known across the country, and setomono became widely used in Japanese to refer to ceramics in general.

Setomono Festival offers more than a ceramics market. Visitors can also enjoy demonstrations by ceramic artists, painting and pottery-making experiences, traditional performing arts, and food stalls serving local specialties. It is a valuable opportunity not only to buy tableware and other ceramic pieces, but also to encounter Japan’s craftsmanship and the skills of local artisans.

The area around the venue is also home to atmospheric shopping streets, kilns, cafés, and museums, making it enjoyable to explore the town while discovering Seto’s character. For international visitors, the festival offers an accessible way to experience Japanese traditional crafts and local culture in one place.

Key Details

Dates: Sat, September 12, 2026 – Sun, September 13, 2026
Venue: Central Seto City, Aichi, around Meitetsu Owari-Seto Station
Admission: free attendance

Access

Meitetsu Seto Line: just a short walk from Owari-Seto Station
From Nagoya Station: about 35 minutes to Owari-Seto Station

Inquiries

Setomono Festival Sponsorship Association Office
Tel: 0561-82-3123