Golden Week in Arita

It is Golden Week and we joined the throngs of Japanese attending the largest ceramic fair in Western Japan. Ceramics are one of the traditional crafts of Japan and Arita is known all over Japan for producing some of the best the country can offer. The Ceramic Fair is held Annually from April 29th-May 5th. There are around 600 shops filling a 4km long stretch of main street through the city. 

A beautiful way to show off those broken Ceramics

My first time trying Taiyaki. Translating to roughly "baked sea bream" they are fish-shaped pancakes with a filling. I asked the stand owner if I could have chocolate but he gave me the crossed arms no-good sign. So since I knew there could be many different fillings like different beans and sometimes cabbage I was a little stuck because my Japanese is so limited. I figured the best I could do was ask "Oishi (delicious)?" and point at the different offerings. He quickly selected one and enthusiastically stated "Hai Oishi!" and started making fishy noises while swimming the cake toward Eisley and I. It turns out this cake had a sweet custard filling and it was actually really good. 

 Check out these cute "his and hers" wiener dog chopstick rests

This stand was selling Banana and Watermelon "Ice Cream" Which is really more like a fine-grained shaved ice.

I bought these sweet little spoons

The Japanese are masters at creating masterful recreations of beautiful European buildings. Arita Porcelain Park is home to a opulent recreation of the Zwinger, which is a palace in the German city of Dresden including a beautiful European-style garden behind the palace. 

 I just can't believe how big Eisley is getting! She is finally fitting into this super cute 12 month size outfit from Aunt Alicia and Uncle Alan. 

Quick tips for fellow adventurers:
Bring lots of Yen, most places do not take credit (tolls are 410 yen each way from Hario).
Don't bring strollers or pets as it can be very crowded.
Park at the Porcelain Park for free. There is plenty of parking and very convenient free buses that run to Arita and Hasami. The buses run every 20 minutes from 8:30am-6pm.
Here is a MAP to the Porcelain Park with the Palace seen above :)