This post is part of my 90-minutes-from-Yamanashi series.
For over 40 years, the Matsumoto Crafts Fair has been held on the last weekend of May, and it’s widely regarded as Japan’s largest gathering of craft exhibitors—with more than 260 artisans from across the country. In 2025, I made my second visit to this remarkable event, and once again, it did not disappoint.
If you’re passionate about handmade crafts and Japanese design, this sprawling outdoor fair is a must-see. This year, it ran from 10:00 to 17:00 on Saturday and 10:00 to 16:00 on Sunday. I recommend setting aside at least two hours to explore, though you could easily spend an entire day wandering the booths.
The fair is held in Agata-no-mori Park, where you’ll find food vendors lining the perimeter—perfect for a mid-visit break. And while you’re in town, don’t miss Matsumoto’s other cultural treasures: the city’s iconic original castle, Matsumoto’s Black Castle, and the Matsumoto City Museum of Art, home to an impressive collection of Yayoi Kusama’s polka dot–themed works.
Some of the standout pieces for me included exquisitely crafted Japanese knives and carpentry tools, as well as handwoven bamboo basketry. Many of the items on display are one-of-a-kind and not available anywhere else.
Getting There:
Reaching the craft fair is simple. Hop on an express train from Shinjuku Station to Matsumoto—a journey of about 2 hours and 30 minutes. From Matsumoto Station, it’s an easy 20-minute walk due east to Agata-no-mori Park.
Find the Exhibitors:
Cedar Rice Buckets
Bamboo Basketry
Copperware
Japanese Carpentry Tools
Handcrafted Japanese Knives
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