In fact, that's exactly the reality of Okawachiyama today, if you go there on a weekend, let alone a long weekend encompassing a holiday.
But if you can afford the luxury of traveling there in the late morning of, say, a regular Tuesday, the place will be all yours and you will be easily able to talk to the actual makers of the porcelain you buy. They will be happy to explain all the intricate details of their precious ware.
Read more: http://www.japanvisitor.com/japan-city-guides/okawachiyama#ixzz3f78hHUWq