Countries
Banko Festival
17
May
Date
17 May (Sunday)
Time
Sun, May 17 – Mon, May 18
Venue
Yokkaichi Dome, Ko-5169 Hazu
Yokkaichi, Japan
📝 Useful Information
The 65th Yokkaichi Banko Ware Pottery Festival is scheduled to take place from Saturday, May 16, to Sunday, May 17, 2026. This annual event is the largest ceramic festival in Mie Prefecture, held to celebrate and promote Banko-yaki, a traditional local craft known for its durable earthenware and teapots.
The festival is primarily split between two main venues:
For the most current updates on specific workshop schedules or new event additions, visit the Banko no Sato Center Official Website.
Event Highlights
Key Locations
Practical Information
•Pottery Market: Over 40 shops, including manufacturers and wholesalers, offer a wide variety of Banko-yaki products—such as donabe (earthen pots), teapots, and colorful tableware—at 20% to 70% off market prices.
•Hands-on Workshops: Visitors can participate in pottery painting and other ceramic art experiences.
•Stage Events: The festival typically features live entertainment, such as the Mie Junior Orchestra concert.
•Regional Markets: Past editions have included guest events like the "Wajima Morning Market".
•Yokkaichi Dome: The central hub for the massive pottery market and special bargain booths.
•Banko no Sato Kaikan: A community center that hosts historical displays, workshops, and additional exhibits.
•Time: Typically held from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (ending slightly earlier on the final day).
•Cost: Entry to the main market area is free.
•Public Transport: A 15-minute walk from Kintetsu Kasumigaura Station. During the event, free shuttle buses often run from Kintetsu Yokkaichi Station (East Bus Stop No. 14).
•Driving: Approximately 20–30 minutes from the Higashi-Meihan Yokkaichi-Higashi or Yokkaichi Interchanges. On-site parking is available but often crowded.
•Banko no Sato Center Official Website
Updated at 18 Mar 2026