No Car? No Problem! Experience Hasami Porcelain Festival 2026 – One of Kyushu’s Best Golden Week Events

Planning a Golden Week trip in Kyushu? Hasami Town in Nagasaki Prefecture is well worth a stop. Known for its simple, modern, and easy-to-use tableware, including popular brands such as Hasami Porcelain, Maruhiro, and Hakusan Toki, the town comes alive each spring with its biggest annual event, the Hasami Porcelain Festival, held from April 29 to May 5, 2026.

Hasami ware includes anything made in Hasami Town, and its character comes from the wide range of kilns and brands that produce it. Some makers preserve traditional styles, others explore modern forms and colors, while many blend the two. This diversity gives Hasami ware its distinctive balance of craftsmanship and contemporary design, and makes it easy to mix and match pieces to create a table setting that feels uniquely your own. Made for everyday use, it is practical, durable, and designed to fit naturally into daily life.

Many visitors drive to the festival, but it is also accessible by public transport. Shuttle buses run regularly from Arita Station, and some travel companies offer direct bus tours during the event period. Read on for more information on getting to Hasami without a car.

The festival is especially lively during peak holiday dates, and the compact venue can become crowded at times. For many visitors, however, this is part of the appeal, with opportunities to discover limited-edition pieces, deadstock items, and exclusive festival discounts from a wide range of makers and brands.

What is the Hasami Porcelain Festival?

Held annually during Golden Week, the Hasami Porcelain Festival is the largest pottery event in Nagasaki Prefecture.
Around 150 makers, brands, and producers gather to showcase and sell their wares, drawing crowds of pottery enthusiasts and shoppers from across Japan. In 2025, the festival welcomed over 260,000 visitors throughout the week.

The festival runs from April 29 - May 5 between 9:00 and 17:00, with the busiest days being 4/29, 5/2, and 5/3.

Hasami Porcelain Festival Main Article

Access by Public Transportation

Traveling by train and shuttle bus is convenient, with frequent services throughout the festival. Please note that there is an approximate 10 minute walk between Arita Station and the Arita shuttle bus stop. On peak days (April 29, May 2, and May 3), please allow extra time as wait times may be longer.

From Nagasaki City

Take the bullet train Kamome from Nagasaki Station and transfer at Takeo Onsen Station to the Sasebo Line. Get off at Arita Station, and then take the ¥500 Shuttle Bus direct to the main venue - Ceramics Park, Hasami (approximately 1 hour 10 minutes plus a short walk to the shuttle bus stop)
From Fukuoka

Take the Sasebo Line from Hakata Station and get off at Arita Station. Then take the ¥500 Shuttle Bus direct to the main venue - Ceramics Park, Hasami (approximately 1 hour 20 minutes plus a short walk to the shuttle bus stop)

Shuttle Bus Information (Arita Station ↔ Festival Venue) ¥500

Shuttle buses operate between the Arita Station Bus Stop and the Hasami Porcelain Festival Main Venue (Ceramics Park).

The Arita Station Bus Stop is located approximately a 10-minute walk from Arita Station. Please follow the signs and turn right at the intersection near 7-Eleven.

Fare
¥500 (Free for students aged 18 and under)

Operating Hours
First service: 8:30 (Arita Station Bus Stop) → 8:45 (Ceramics Park)

Last service: 17:30 (Ceramics Park) → 17:45 (Arita Station Bus Stop)

Buses run approximately every 30 minutes (two departures per hour).

Please note that this is a continuous shuttle service operating in rotation. Travel times and departure intervals may vary depending on traffic conditions, and delays may occur during peak periods.

Show your wristband (boarding pass) for unlimited same-day travel. Wristband colors change daily.

LINKS -Related Links-

Hasami Porcelain Festival 2026 Flyer

Preparations for the Porcelain Festival

The Hasami Porcelain Festival is primarily held under large tents, but you will be exposed to the elements when walking between bus stops and around the venue.

We recommend bringing:

• Hat and sunscreen for UV protection
• A water bottle in case lines for the vending machines etc. are long
• A backpack to keep your hands free while browsing
• Comfortable shoes for walking around the venue
• An umbrella if rain is forecast (it might also be useful to have a small towel)
• Cash, as not all pottery booths and food stalls accept credit cards or digital payments

Please note: The Arita↔Hasami shuttle bus is cash only.