Routes at a glance
From Utsunomiya, Kanto Bus runs about hourly from the west exit of JR Utsunomiya station to Mashiko in roughly an hour; get off at Jonaizaka or Sankokan-iriguchi for the pottery district.
The Moka Railway is the scenic option: a one-car diesel from Shimodate to Mashiko station in about 45 minutes — or, at weekends, the SL Moka steam train (see Moka & Motegi).
A highway bus from Akihabara to Mashiko runs a few times a day; check that it is operating and reserve ahead.
| Route | Time | Rough cost (one way) |
|---|---|---|
| Shinkansen to Utsunomiya + bus to Mashiko | about 2 hr 15 min | around ¥6,200 |
| JR to Oyama, Mito Line to Shimodate, Moka Railway | about 2 hr 30 min–3 hr | around ¥3,500 |
| Highway bus from Akihabara (Tokyo) | about 2 hr 30 min | around ¥2,200 |
| Car via Kita-Kanto Expressway (Moka IC) | about 2 hr | tolls + fuel |
Getting around
The pottery district begins about 1.5 km from Mashiko station. Rental bicycles, including electric ones, are available at the station’s tourist office and make it easy to reach Saimyo-ji and outlying kilns. Taxis wait at the station.
During the pottery fairs the roads into town are jammed by mid-morning. Come by train or the special buses, or arrive before 9:00.
