Tourists are naturally attracted to Mashiko due to its family-friendly activities, romance, museums and attractions, and food.
Mashiko is known in Japan and around the world as a center for pottery production. Since the trade began in this town, the number of resident potters has continued to grow. Most visitors come to learn more about its history and shop around for their own pottery to take home.
Mashiko Sankohan is a museum located near the Sankokan-mae bus stop. Once the home and workshop of Shoji Hamada, a famous Japanese potter of the 20th century, the place now displays about 30 of his works and his private collection. Near the thatched roof home is also a hug climbing kiln worth a look.
Togei Messe Mashiko is another museum for the ceramic arts that displays much of Hamada's work plus other potters from around Japan. Then there is Zen no Roka, an indoor and outdoor museum of statues and art, displaying works by a Hungarian sculptor named Nandor Wagner who lived in Mashiko for 30 years.
The most popular time during which to visit Mashiko is during the Pottery Markets which occur twice-yearly, one week long each. One is held in April-May, the other in November. During the market week, many workshops set up stalls throughout the town, and all stores hold sales for specially discounted works. These markets are a great chance to pick up some stunning pottery and other crafts including woodwork, leatherwork, glass, jewelry, and textiles. There are also several festivals, or matsuri, held throughout the year-one of the largest and most popular occurring in late July.
Shopping for pottery is one of the major draws to Mashiko. If you are looking for a large selection at bargain prices, Mashikoyaki Kyohan Center is a cooperative sales center that sells works by most kilns in town at reasonable prices. If you are looking for something a little more personal, however, Harvey Young Pottery is a small handmade pottery workshop operated since 1984 by an American who first came to Mashiko in 1969 to study pottery making. Selections include things like tableware, kitchenware, flower vases, and visitations need to be scheduled by appointment.
If you want to get your own hands dirty at the wheel, the Messe Mashiko museum mentioned earlier has a pottery studio on-site where you can try your hand at sculpting and painting pottery yourself.
Shopping:
Shopping in this area is a must-do experience. Local pottery is the main purchase in town, and there are many shops and local vendors who sell locally made pottery.