Discover Traditional Japanese Craftsmanship in Okawa During the 2025 Osaka Expo

Are you planning a trip to Japan for the 2025 Osaka Expo? Why not enrich your journey by exploring the historic city of Okawa in Fukuoka Prefecture, renowned for its high-quality furniture and centuries-old woodworking traditions? Okawa isn’t just another tourist destination; it’s a hub of artisanal mastery where you can experience woodworking techniques that have been refined since the 1600s.

Experience Okawa Woodworking Workshops

Okawa is home to over 100 woodworking shops, and by arranging visits through local contacts, you can gain exclusive access to these workshops on weekdays (excluding public holidays). Witness firsthand the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into every piece of furniture.

Biannual Okawa Woodcraft Festival

The Okawa Woodcraft Festival, held in April and October each year, coincides beautifully with the start and close of the Osaka Expo. These festivals showcase not only furniture but also fittings and a wide array of other products, making it a vibrant scene of local culture and craftsmanship. The festival dates are set for the second weekend of April and October, offering a perfect timing for Expo visitors.

Accessing Okawa

During the festival, a free shuttle bus from Nishitetsu Yanagawa Station makes it easy to reach the main venues. Outside festival times, the same station offers regular bus services to Okawa. For those driving, the Kyushu Expressway and Nagasaki Expressway provide easy access, and Saga Airport is the nearest airport, with economical car rentals available thanks to local subsidies.

Integrating a visit to Okawa with your Osaka Expo itinerary offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Japanese aesthetics and the spirit of its craftsmen. Okawa isn’t just a place to visit; it’s an experience to be lived, offering a deep dive into the art of Japanese furniture making that every furniture enthusiast should not miss.