Utsuwa Matsuri (open house)
13th Annual Utsuwa Matsuri (open house)
What: Join us at our studio and take your pick of regular items, new items, and seconds! See our tools and machinery, taste some Japanese and other foods, and chat with Nishi! Consider making it a getaway weekend with friends or a partner; recommended things to do and places to eat are below.
Extra fun: We're doing a giveaway this year, so be sure to come for a chance to win!!
When: November 6 - 8, 2026
Time: Friday: 12:00 - 5:00 p.m.; Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; Sunday: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Place: Nanten Pottery Studio
Address: 7064 Harlem Road in Loves Park, IL 61111
Phone: (815) 209-6725
Things to Do in The Area
Places to Go
*Anderson Japanese Gardens (AJG)- if the weather is warm, AJG stays open another week. https://andersongardens.org/
*Laurent House- a Frank Lloyd Wright house specially designed for a person in a wheelchair. Book a tour here: https://laurenthouse.com/visit/
*Valley Orchard- a family-owned, quaint orchard with apples for picking or buying as well as many other fall treats.
*Chocolat by Daniel- the best dark chocolate in the region with subtle and creative flavors!
*Nicholas Conservatory- an indoor tropical paradise. www.nicholasconservatory.com/
*Burpee Museum of Natural History- see a baby T-Rex skeleton, rocks and minerals, Native American items, and live animals!
*Rock Cut State Park- great hiking, wildlife, a large lake, and of course picnic areas.
*Discovery Center- a top-rated children's museum, sure to keep kids happy for hours!
T
Our Favorite Restaurants
(All have gluten-free and
dairy-free options)
**Our eldest's (Yuri's) recommendations are
in caps!**
*SISTERS THAI- fantastic Thai food; mild options available! (We recommend the red curry and the pad thai.) www.sistersthaicafe.com/
*Benedetti's Supper Club- We have no idea how the food is, but we LOVE the gigantic grasshoppers! Share this with a few people -they are NOT for the individual! Check hours before going, and note that it's in Beloit.
https://benedettis.restaurant/
*Yugen Authentic Japanese Restaurant- If you can't go to Japan to eat ramen, you can be satisfied here!
*Rock Pho'd- mouth-watering Vietnamese food (We recommend the shrimp fried rice and the brisket pho.) www.facebook.com/rockphod/
*TAVERN ON CLARK- delicious American food (We recommend the burgers and fries, and their specials do not disappoint!)
www.tavernonclarkrockford.com/
*VANAKKAM INDIA- simply divine Indian food; mild options available! (We recommend the Mughlai chicken, Butter chicken, and any of the Tikka masalas...the goat is great, too...it's all fabulous!)
*SWEETS N' EATS- Get the best ice cream here! You'll never have a more delectable chocolate ice cream (that actually tastes chocolatey) than Sweets N' Eats' Zanzibar!
https://www.sweetsneatsrockford.com/
*Plaza los Panchos- excellent Mexican food (Fajitas are our favorites!)