Innovative Technology Alleviates Crowding at Mashiko Ceramic Market for Two Consecutive Years

Innovative Solutions for Crowding Issues at Mashiko Ceramic Market

Located in Tochigi Prefecture, the Mashiko Ceramic Market is Japan's largest ceramic fair, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each spring and autumn. However, the event is notorious for severe traffic congestion, where it can take over two hours to travel just one kilometer to the venue. To address this ongoing challenge and improve visitor experience, the Mashiko Tourism Association has partnered with Vacan, a tech company dedicated to alleviating crowding through advanced AI technologies.

The Collaborative Initiative

The Mashiko Ceramic Market has utilized Vacan's real-time parking availability service, "VACAN," for two consecutive years. This technology allows users to check the availability of parking spaces around the event in real-time, considerably easing the congestion suffered by visitors in the past. The initiative has proven effective, as evidenced by the staggering total of approximately 3,898,128 page views recorded over four events.

Yearly Breakdown

- Spring 2024 (April 27 - May 6): 1,248,262 PV
- Autumn 2024 (November 2 - November 5): 844,176 PV
- Spring 2025 (April 29 - May 6): 1,051,678 PV
- Autumn 2025 (November 1 - November 4): 754,012 PV

The introduction of the VACAN platform allowed for efficient management of parking spaces, leading to increased usage of the parking lots that are a bit further from the venue. This strategic move contributed to a decrease in congestion around the market area, directly benefitting visitors and enhancing their overall satisfaction.

Visualizing Congestion with Technology

The VACAN service employs a combination of outdoor cameras and IoT devices to reliably detect crowd levels without compromising individual privacy. By utilizing AI-powered image analysis, the system can automatically monitor and report real-time congestion conditions. Additionally, the easy implementation of button-type IoT devices allows for seamless integration into the existing infrastructure without requiring extensive construction work to visualize crowd density.

The Role of Mashiko Tourism Association

Under the leadership of Kazumi Ohtsuka, the Mashiko Tourism Association is committed to providing an enjoyable experience for all visitors while actively tackling issues related to overtourism. Alongside the VACAN service, they also operate shuttle buses and facilitate cashless parking solutions, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to managing the influx of guests during the event.

Looking Ahead

Both the Mashiko Tourism Association and Vacan remain dedicated to enhancing visitor experience at future events. Their collaborative efforts will continue to provide safe and enjoyable experiences while addressing regional overtourism challenges. Together, they aim to create a travel experience that is comfortable and accommodating for every guest.