Arts and Crafts fair Matsumoto Japan
THIS IS NOT A FLEA MARKET! Its a Matsumoto tradition and a fine craft fair known across Japan! I have to say: There are no resellers here its all original hand made and one of a kind stuff.
The Annual Craft Fair in Agata-no-mori on its traditional last weekend in May is always a really nice event with a pleasant atmosphere. Its a real family affair and child-friendly. There is plenty of space to sit down on the grass and have a picnic, and watch the world go by. This event seems to be getting bigger every year. There are many more vendors and the park is positively bulging with visitors looking for something special to take home.
The stalls here offer everything you could possibly imagine at a craft fair and then some. Some things you might expect: the knick-knacks and trinkets, beads and bracelets, from toys to furniture, cloth, clothes and fabrics, incense, candles and one of kind hand bags and shoes. Would you expect to find a working metal smith or a glass blower? Right there! Need a straw brush or bamboo works, hand made fabrics and beautiful Japanese pottery, ceramics, glass and fine carpentry. I even saw a clock maker and some one of a kind hand made watches! Theres a tent for everyone. Not sure what to get for that impressive birthday gift? Look no further! Wander about and have a look around. You will need some yen though, bargains are few & far between. All of the craft workers here are professionals not hobbyists. Cash baby cash!
As for food there are a few tents that offer coffee, beer, ice cream and awesome curry! There was even a person making candy sculptures that were quite amazing and a shame to eat.
To get there: Head away from Matsumoto station on the main street (eki mae dori) and keep walking for about 20mins – until you can go no further. Its a strait shot right out of the main exit at the station.
Check out the city website here its super gaijin friendly and packed with whats up in Matsumoto:
http://welcome.city.matsumoto.nagano.jp/
Duration : 0:10:4
Suz on July 29th 2009 in arts and crafts at home
toddatron responded on 29 Jul 2009 at 8:34 pm #
John the vlogger I …
John the vlogger I met referred to Matsumoto as a jewel of Japan
APOKALYPSE34 responded on 29 Jul 2009 at 8:34 pm #
Matsumoto look …
Matsumoto look like a great place to be and visit. Maybe next year ill go there.
toddatron responded on 29 Jul 2009 at 8:34 pm #
You have plenty of …
You have plenty of time and its also growing every year. Matsumoto is such a friendly town with much art and music and culture. You will have a good time.
nihonjohnny responded on 29 Jul 2009 at 8:34 pm #
I almost missed …
I almost missed this vid. You know, when you announced your trip to Matsumoto I did some research on it and discovered that it had an annual Arts Fair so I figured you would be visiting it when you got there. I would very much like to visit it myself once I am settled in Japan.
toddatron responded on 29 Jul 2009 at 8:34 pm #
Perhaps I will …
Perhaps I will visit a studio next time. I didn’t have much time this visit between the onsen and this vid. I have a life time for the opportunity though thanks !
toddatron responded on 29 Jul 2009 at 8:34 pm #
Yea its a must …
Yea its a must visit for family reasons for me so maybe I will see yea there next year.
Limastudent responded on 29 Jul 2009 at 8:34 pm #
Love to see these …
Love to see these studio crafts people displaying their many talents!
The fair is as good as any here in the states.
LordBalto responded on 29 Jul 2009 at 8:34 pm #
Crafts are my main …
Crafts are my main interest in Japan. There used to be an antique shop outside Washington, DC, called Arise. It was quite fascinating. As for beer, well, nothing can touch Sapporo.
ElevenColors responded on 29 Jul 2009 at 8:34 pm #
Huh, trippy. Almost …
Huh, trippy. Almost went there a year ago with my gf at the time, but we broke up mid April.
Marnox responded on 29 Jul 2009 at 8:34 pm #
Ah, cool. This is …
Ah, cool. This is what I would like to buy if I ever visit japan, not normal tourist crap made in china, but something handcrafted, that has a story to it so that I can tell when people ask “where did you get that?”.
toddatron responded on 29 Jul 2009 at 8:34 pm #
Ha ha ha that’s …
Ha ha ha that’s classic dude!
ccr1965 responded on 29 Jul 2009 at 8:34 pm #
Great Vlog Todd. …
Great Vlog Todd. That craft fair would definitely be cool to attend. Curry and beer as well! You can’t get that combo in the States-that’s for sure. I tried making the candy animals once at the ramen museum in Yokohama. I messed it up and sqwashed it and told the candy maker dude it was a rabbit hit by a car, so he laughed and put red food coloring on it for me.
ccr1965 responded on 29 Jul 2009 at 8:34 pm #
My wife cooks a …
My wife cooks a mean curry as well. J-Curry ROCKS!
toddatron responded on 29 Jul 2009 at 8:34 pm #
My wife likes a …
My wife likes a particular artist. We use his bowls so she got a dressing bowl with the little spout to match our small collection. We use them every day for natto and such
Marnox responded on 29 Jul 2009 at 8:34 pm #
Did you get …
Did you get anything?
toddatron responded on 29 Jul 2009 at 8:34 pm #
Yea man Japanese …
Yea man Japanese curry is the best! and the beer just sings with it… have a nice dinner!
MicknFumi responded on 29 Jul 2009 at 8:34 pm #
Great stuff/vid …
Great stuff/vid there man, especially the stonework & pottery which I really apreciate…luckily my wife just happens to be cooking J curry as I type & I have beer in the fridge or my stomach would be grumbling, rather than growling haha…cheers : )
toddatron responded on 29 Jul 2009 at 8:34 pm #
Thanks. My little …
Thanks. My little nieces ate them. I had beer.
murasakiryu responded on 29 Jul 2009 at 8:34 pm #
Another great video …
Another great video! I would not want to eat such amazing sweets! Keep them coming!
toddatron responded on 29 Jul 2009 at 8:34 pm #
I have had sweet …
I have had sweet sake. Its wonderful and there are many kinds like regular sake. I have only had it a few times but it was delicious. Yea we have bowls and cups from this festival at home. Its a family tradition to go once a year and get our chopsticks and bowls and have a family party.
Eszra responded on 29 Jul 2009 at 8:34 pm #
I would want to buy …
I would want to buy so much from there. I a good girl with money, so knowing me I’d go home with a vase or maybe some cups. I’d eat my heart out thats for sure. I don’t drink right now even though I turn 22 this past Aril. I’m hoping to try sweet sake for this one company I know. I like sweet things and I’ve heard that sweet sake is actualy very sweet.
Oh and that live metal casting was so cool!