Explore what Mashiko Town offers near Yoshimura Strawberry Park
Mashiko is full of traditional Japanese activities!
Apart from Strawberry picking, Mashiko is known abroad for its Pottery culture and quality sake brewing.
Mashiko Pottery
Although Mashiko pottery dates back to 1853, it was the master potter Shoji Hamada (1894-1978) who put Mashiko on the map in the 1920s. After meeting Bernard Leach (1887-1979) and living in St. Ives’, England, Hamada moved back to Japan and settled here in Mashiko. Hamada who was one of the center figures of the mingei (folk-craft movement) influenced the style of Mashiko pottery how it is known today.
When visiting Mashiko, you can see the heritage Hamada left behind at the Shoji Hamada Memorial Mashiko Sankokan Museum or visit exhibitions at Mashiko Museum of Ceramic Art. (1 stop by train or 10 min by car)
If you would like to try the potter’s wheel, there are many small studios offering small classes where beginners can enjoy making their own item.
Sake Brewing
Tonoike Sake Brewery is a traditional Sake brewery 10min walk from our strawberry farm. Staff are very friendly and used to having international visitors. Their award-winning Sake is not only popular in Japan, but exported to half a dozen countries including, USA, UK, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, and France. If you visit make sure to visit their sake tasting room and try their Sake Icecream.
Indigo Dyeing
At the bottom of the Pottery street (Jyonaizaka) in the center of Mashiko is an old Indigo Dyeing studio calledHigeta Aizome Kobo. This studio is said to be older than the pottery industry in Mashiko as the pots still used to dye the fabric in were brought from nearby villages before there were potters in Mashiko. Visitors are welcome to visit this two-century-old studio and watch the artist perform their work. (Open 8.30-17.00 Except for lunch time. Closed Mondays)
Steam Train
On the weekends and public holidays, families and rail enthusiasts visit Mashiko to ride the steam train (steam locomotive) that runs between Shimodate and Motegi stations. The train drives past Mashiko Station twice a day at 11:28 and 15:01. Tickets are available at the station.
Timetable (Japanese) http://www.moka-railway.co.jp/jikoku01_sl.php
Thinking of spending the night in Mashiko?
Here are some of our favorites:

A rustic guest house with traditional Japanese-style rooms, a cozy hearth, and friendly staff.
The pottery shops in Mashiko are within a walking distance. Bicycle rentals are also available.

A cozy, family-run bed & breakfast and a perfect getaway surrounded by forests and rice fields.
This B&B is a 10 min drive to Mashiko (pickup available upon request).

Experience true Japanese hospitality in this luxury ryokan-style hotel.
Both Western and Japanese style rooms are available.
Check out the The Mashiko Tourist Association to see what’s on in Mashiko.
The Mashiko Pottery Fair and Sunflower Festival are two of the most exciting events. Alternatively, contact our Ask me! team to get advice from a local!
Find out more here
We’ve created a special online guide for Mashiko to help overseas visitors explore Mashiko. Please click on the image to have a look.

English event guide for Mashiko
Mashiko Spring Pottery Fair
https://nearbytokyo.com/portfolio-item/mashiko-spring-pottery-fair/
Mashiko Sunflower festival
https://nearbytokyo.com/portfolio-item/mashiko-sunflower-festival/
Mashiko Spring Pottery Fair
https://nearbytokyo.com/portfolio-item/mashiko-autumn-pottery-fair/