Things To Do
in Seto

Seto occasionally hosts morning markets and regular weekend markets where local produce, snacks, and pottery-themed treats (like ceramic-packaged sweets) are sold; festival days bring yatai stalls with takoyaki, yakitori and sweet treats.

During the big pottery festivals you’ll find food stalls lining the festival routes — a good chance to try regional street food while browsing ceramics.

Bowing and polite language are common; a slight bow and saying 'arigatou gozaimasu' is appreciated. Be courteous in shops and studios.

Remove shoes when entering traditional workshops, some ryokan, and certain restaurants; watch for signage or follow the host’s lead.

Handle pottery only when invited; many shops use displays for fragile items—ask before photographing or touching an artist’s work.

Queue patiently for trains and counters, keep noise low on public transport, and avoid loud phone conversations in public spaces.

Tipping is not customary in Japan and can even cause confusion; excellent service is part of the culture, so simply saying thank you is standard.

Cash (JPY) is widely used, especially at small shops, markets and some workshops. Credit/debit cards are accepted at larger museums, hotels and many restaurants, and IC transit cards (e.g., manaca, Suica, Pasmo) are convenient for trains and buses. Mobile payments are increasingly available but do not rely on them everywhere.

Mild weather and cherry blossoms make this a pleasant time to visit; pottery festivals and outdoor markets often begin in late spring. Expect comfortable daytime temperatures and occasional rain.

Hot and humid, with July–August being warm; afternoons can be uncomfortable for walking long kiln routes but mornings are pleasant for outdoor activities. Festivals and evening events are common; stay hydrated and seek shade.

Cooler temperatures and clear skies make autumn ideal for hiking and photography, with colorful foliage in the nearby hills. Harvest festivals and pottery sales are common.

Winters are relatively mild compared with northern Japan but can be chilly; snowfall is infrequent but possible in the hills. Indoor pottery studios and museums are cozy alternatives to outdoor exploration.

The region’s main international airport on an artificial island near Nagoya; typically 45–75 minutes from Seto by train and transfers depending on route. Offers international and many domestic connections.

Closer to Nagoya and used for some domestic and corporate flights; reachable by car or regional transport and useful for domestic arrivals.

Many residents commute to Nagoya for work, creating a weekday flow of people into and out of the city.

Like many regional Japanese cities, Seto has a significant proportion of older residents, reflected in local services and community activities.

A notable community of pottery artisans, studio owners and craft-focused businesses form a key part of Seto’s social and economic fabric.

Seto is home to families who appreciate a quieter suburban lifestyle with access to local schools and parks.