【2,000 Wind Chimes Ring in the Summer Breeze】Nabeshima Domain Kiln Wind Chime Market Begins June 20 in Imari, Saga

The 'Nabeshima Domain Kiln Wind Chime Market' will be held from Saturday, June 20, 2026, in Daikansho Valley, a historic pottery village in Imari City, Saga Prefecture.

Approximately 2,000 wind chimes will greet visitors at the venue, bringing a refreshing coolness to Imari's summer.

At each kiln studio, visitors can discover unique Imari ceramics—from classic items to seasonal exclusives—available only here.

We present all the event plans for this wind chime-themed festival held in the heart of this pottery village.

Latest information on 'Nabeshima Domain Kiln, Daikansho Valley' is available here.

○ Event Overview

The annual 'Imari Wind Chime Festival,' held since 2004, has been renamed the 'Nabeshima Domain Kiln Wind Chime Market.' The porcelain wind chimes, already a beloved summer tradition in the scenic Daikansho Valley, have been dramatically upgraded to 2,000 units. Beautifully crafted wind chimes from each kiln, with their unique designs and soothing sounds, will serenade the summer heat.

Period: June 20 (Sat), 2026 – August 31 (Mon)

Location: Around the Imari Nabeshima Pottery Hall (1806 Otokuchō, Daikansho, Imari City, Saga Prefecture)

Organizer: Wind Chime Market Executive Committee

How about a wind chime as a souvenir? Wind chimes will welcome you throughout the venue.

○ Event Programs

◆ Write Your Wish on a Tanzaku and Decorate the Venue

A participatory project where visitors write their wishes on tanzaku (paper strips) and tie them to bamboo racks at the venue.

Your tanzaku will add vibrant color to the festival space.

Image of bamboo rack

◆ Instagram Photo Campaign

How to enter:

(1) Post photos of the Wind Chime Market or Daikansho Valley scenery on Instagram with the hashtag #鍋島藩窯風鈴市2026

(2) Send a direct message to the account 'Nabeshima Pottery (@nabeshimayaki)' stating your participation

Instagram account here

Selected participants will receive pottery from Daikansho Valley kilns as gifts.

Entry Period: June 20 – August 31, 2026

◆ Explore Daikansho Valley

Gazebos throughout Daikansho Valley will be decorated with wind chimes and bamboo, offering cool resting spots.

◆ Sale of Seasonal Limited-Edition Ceramics

Each kiln will sell new summer-exclusive items. Come and find your own unique piece of pottery.

Image of ceramics

○ About 'Nabeshima Domain Kiln, Daikansho Valley'

Daikansho Valley in Imari City, Saga Prefecture, dates back to the Edo period when the Saga Domain gathered 31 potters to establish a domain-operated official kiln—known as a 'pottery village.' With a history of producing exquisite tribute ware for the Shogun's family, disregarding profitability, its refined techniques and designs have earned it the title of 'Japan's finest porcelain.'

Even after the official kiln closed following the abolition of the han system, the craft was revived as private kilns. For about 150 years since, each kiln has continued ceramic production. Today, 29 kilns carry on this tradition and technique while embracing new challenges.

○ Inquiries about 'Nabeshima Domain Kiln Wind Chime Market'

Imari Nabeshima Pottery Cooperative

Address: 1806 Otokuchō, Daikansho, Imari City, Saga Prefecture

Phone: 0955-23-7293

During the event, wind chimes will be densely displayed at each kiln's storefront—come experience the craftsmanship born from 350 years of Nabeshima kiln history.

○ Finally

How was it?

We've introduced the 'Nabeshima Domain Kiln Wind Chime Market,' an event packed with the charm of Imari ceramics.

You're sure to find the pottery you've been searching for—perhaps even discover a new passion.

Why not take this opportunity to visit Imari, just over an hour from Fukuoka via the Nishi-Kyushu Expressway?

○ About Imari City

Imari City is located in western Saga Prefecture, a town rich in nature and historical culture. In Daikansho Valley, once home to the Saga Domain's official kiln, the techniques of Nabeshima ware—crafted as tribute for the Shogun—are still preserved and highly praised worldwide for their exquisite beauty.

The city also offers culinary treasures like Imari beef, seasonal fruit picking, nature walks, and scenic views where sea and mountains intertwine—truly a town of diverse attractions.

Imari Bay as seen from Takefukaba Park