Held once a year in Tokyo Dome, the Tokyo Tableware Festival is what it sounds like - a week-long event devoted to dining room goods. There are displays of high-end goods, and scores of stands selling everything you might need: plates and saucers, teapots, cups and glasses, chopsticks and rests, placemats and coasters, trivets, cutlery and utensils, and almost certainly more that I've forgotten. The range of styles is amazing, as is the level of craftsmanship, but much of what's on offer is perfectly affordable. If you need something nice or distinct for your dining room, this is the place to go! For more photos, please see part 2.