SASAMATSURI 2025
Nestled quietly in the mountains lies Sasama, a small hamlet in Shimada City.
With a population of just about 300, this village connects to the world through pottery and is known as “the village of art.”
This autumn, a special program themed around Japanese culture will be held here.
Listen closely to the ethereal stage, where the breath and movements of a Noh performer unfold—an experience that takes you far away from everyday life.
Amidst a changing era, you can rediscover the beauty of traditions that are fading, while learning and sharing moments with the local community—an experience possible only in Sasama.
In this village where tradition and the contemporary resonate together, we invite you to spend a truly inspiring and unforgettable time.
Date / Location
DATE │ Nov 1st, 2025 (sat)
LOCATION │ Koryu Center Sasama (394, Sasama-kami, Kawane-cho, Shimada city, Shizuoka, Japan 428-0211)
Event Program
Open-Air Performance / Uishizen - Between Flame and Darkness 17:30-19:00
By the Sasama River, under the glow of bonfires in the darkness, you can enjoy traditional Noh music and dance performances.
The evening will conclude with a spectacular display of handheld fireworks (Tezutsu hanabi).
Tickets are available by advance reservation only. Please book your tickets here.
Japanese Workshop 13:30-16:00
Japanese Sweets Workshop
Join us for a hands-on experience making wagashi — traditional Japanese sweets inspired by the beauty of the four seasons.
With guidance from a professional artisan, you’ll shape and color your own delicate nerikiri sweets.
You’ll also learn a bit about the history, tools, and stories behind wagashi.
Enjoy a relaxing and creative moment while discovering the taste and aesthetics of Japanese culture.
Date & Time: Saturday, November 1, 2025, 13:30–14:30
Venue: Koryu Center Sasama – cafeteria
Instructor: Kazuyuki Miura (Wagashi Artisan)
Fee: 3,000 yen
Capacity: 10 participants (first-come, first-served)
What to Bring: Comfortable clothes for making sweets (e.g. apron)
How to Apply: Please apply via the Google Form: 2025 ささまつり参加申込書 Sasamatsuri Reservation Form
Notes: You can take home the sweets you make. Please let us know in advance if you have any food allergies.
Noh Workshop
Join us in the peaceful mountain village of Sasama for a special lecture on Noh—Japan’s oldest performing art.
Through the aesthetic concept of yūgen (mysterious elegance), you’ll explore the deep spirit that flows through Japanese culture.
Before watching “Uisizen – Between Flame and Darkness,” this session will help you better understand and appreciate the world of Noh.
No prior knowledge is needed—everyone is welcome to join and enjoy this unique cultural experience.
Date & Time: Saturday, November 1, 2025, 15:30–16:00
Venue: Shimada City Exchange Center Sasama – Seminar Room
Instructor: Sachiko Umewaka (Umewaka Minoru Foundation)
Fee: 2,000 yen
Capacity: 20 participants (first-come, first-served)
How to Apply: Please apply via the Google Form: 2025 ささまつり参加申込書 Sasamatsuri Reservation Form
AREThé Tea Ceremony 13:00-17:00
This event is held in collaboration with AREThé Biennale 2025, which took place in Paris earlier this year.
Just a 15-minute drive from the Sasama Exchange Center, the tea gathering will be hosted for one day only at the scenic “Tea Garden in the Sky.”
For more details, please visit the link.
CHA・BEYA exhibition 13:00-17:00
A special exhibition will be held in a renovated former
tea room gallery to coincide with the Sasama Festival.
(Free admission / No reservation required)
SASA Market 13:00-17:00
We will host a market offering Sasama’s local specialties, as well as food, drinks, and handmade crafts.