Wonder Movie Cafe
2023-04-01 00:00 - 2023-06-25 00:00 (Asia/Tokyo)
The Walt Disney company, a global entertainment giant known for producing animated films, cartoons, and theme parks, was founded in 1923. This year, the company is celebrating its 100th anniversary. To mark this momentous occasion, a special pop-up café called the Wonder Movie Café will be coming to Omotesando for a limited time.
The Wonder Movie Café will offer a variety of themed eats and drinks, including some monochromatic options such as a soy meat burger with a black bun designed to resemble Mickey Mouse’s ears. The first stage of the café is set to run from April 1st until June 25th, with two more phases to be announced on the official event website at a later date.
For those interested in visiting the café, it is recommended to make reservations in advance. The full menu offerings and merchandise available for purchase can also be viewed on the official website. This is an excellent opportunity for Disney fans and foodies alike to celebrate the company’s 100th anniversary and indulge in some whimsical themed treats.

Odawara Oden Summit
2023-04-01 10:00 - 2023-04-02 16:00
Oden is a popular Japanese dish that is traditionally served as a one-pot meal. It consists of a variety of ingredients, such as boiled eggs, daikon radish, fish cakes, and konjac, all simmered in a delicious dashi broth. This comforting and warming dish is usually enjoyed during the colder months and can be found at street stalls or convenience stores.
If you’re a fan of oden and want to try different varieties from around the country, the Odawara Oden Summit is a must-visit event this spring. During the two-day summit, you can purchase oden dishes from various regions and find your favorite. It’s important to note that the event ends at 5 pm on the first day and 4 pm on the second day. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy this delicious and hearty dish!

Lambassador Festival
2023-04-22 11:00 - 2023-04-29 16:00
Lamb meat is a popular ingredient in various cuisines worldwide, and in Japan, it is commonly used in jingisukan (Genghis Khan), a delicious dish that originated in Hokkaido. The dish usually consists of thinly sliced lamb or mutton, along with vegetables like onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms, grilled on a special convex-shaped skillet. If you are a lamb enthusiast, the Lambassador Festival is an event in Tokyo that you should not miss. The festival celebrates Australian lamb, and attendees can savor a variety of lamb-based dishes, including lamb and chickpea stews, lamb-filled nikuman, and even lamb-based hot dogs. While entry to the event is free, you will need yen if you plan to sample the dishes on offer.

Craft Gyoza Festival Hiroshima
2023-04-28 11:00 - 2023-05-07 20:00
The Craft Gyoza Festival is expanding its horizons this spring by bringing its successful event to Hiroshima Gate Park Plaza. Following previous successful turnouts in Tokyo, Osaka, and Saitama, the festival will offer a diverse range of gyoza types for visitors to try, such as wagyu beef-filled gyoza from Saga Prefecture and bite-sized circular gyoza from Hakata in Fukuoka Prefecture. The complete list of vendors will be unveiled on the official event website closer to the event start date. Be sure not to miss this exciting opportunity to experience delicious gyoza and immerse yourself in the festival’s lively atmosphere!

Craft Gyoza Fes at Osaka Castle Park's
2023-05-02 10:00 - 2023-05-07 20:00
If you love gyoza and plan to visit the Osaka area in early May, make sure to check out the Craft Gyoza Fes at Osaka Castle Park’s Sun Plaza (Taiyo-no-Hiroba). The festival will feature a range of gyoza varieties for visitors to try, including wagyu-filled gyoza from Saga Prefecture and bite-sized gyoza from Hakata in Fukuoka Prefecture. The complete menu lineup will be posted on the official event website in the near future. So, don’t miss the chance to indulge in some delicious gyoza while enjoying the festival’s atmosphere!

Odawara Fish Festival
2023-05-07 09:00 - 2023-05-14 14:00
Odawara is a coastal city located in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, and it is well-known for its fishing culture. One of the popular attractions in Odawara is the Odawara Fishing Port, where local fishermen catch a variety of fish, such as sea bream, mackerel, and sardines, which are sold at local markets and restaurants.
Every year, the Odawara Fish Festival is held at the fishing port, which is a family-friendly event that offers a range of activities to enjoy seafood and appreciate marine life. Visitors can purchase freshly caught fish from that morning, participate in fish-boning experiences, and explore a tactile aquarium, which is perfect for kids. Additionally, several local restaurants will be participating in the event, offering various fish-based dishes for purchase to satisfy any hungry visitors.

Tokyo Tea Fair
2023-05-14 11:00 - 2023-05-28 17:00
The Tokyo Tea Fair, which will be held at Nihonbashi’s Menshō Kaikan exhibition venue, aims to showcase the diverse appeal of Japanese tea under the theme of “Japanese tea, new discoveries.” The event will feature a variety of tasting and product sales booths, where attendees can sample and compare different tea types. Additionally, there will be various workshop booths for visitors to learn more about tea, and even a booth where tea enthusiasts can connect over their shared interest.
Tea purveyors from several regions in Japan, including Kagoshima, Nagasaki, Fukuoka, Kochi, Kyoto, Shizuoka, and Saitama, will be represented at the event, offering a wide range of tea types such as sencha, hojicha, and gyokuro. Tasting tickets can be purchased in advance for ¥1000 or on the day for ¥1300, which includes five tea tastings. Experience booths range from ¥1500 to ¥2800 depending on the selected option. Tickets for both tastings and experiences can be purchased online.
Chiran Farm, a tea company from Kagoshima, is one of the many vendors that will be participating in the event. The Tokyo Tea Fair is a great opportunity for tea lovers to explore the rich and diverse world of Japanese tea while enjoying a unique and educational experience.

Sapporo Ramen Show
2023-05-15 10:00 - 2023-05-28 21:00
The Sapporo Ramen Show in Hokkaido is a must-visit event for noodle lovers and foodies alike. This annual festival showcases some of the best ramen dishes from all over Japan, featuring rich tonkotsu broths, flavorful miso varieties, and much more. With ten different vendors available during each session, there’s something to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. The ramen show is split into two sessions, with the first half running from May 15th until May 21st, and the second half running from May 23rd until May 28th. Check out the official event website for a sneak peek at the vendors and dishes that will be available. Don’t miss this chance to slurp your way through some of the best ramen in the country!

Kanazawa Coffee Festival
2023-05-27 10:00 - 2023-05-28 17:00
Kanazawa, located in Ishikawa Prefecture, is often referred to as “Little Kyoto” due to its cultural and historical charm. One of its famous areas, the Higashi Chaya district, is renowned for its traditional teahouses. However, the city is also becoming known as a destination for coffee lovers, and the Kanazawa Coffee Festival is set to showcase a number of coffee shops from all over Japan. Some of the featured coffee shops include Coyote Coffee from Kyoto, Kariomons Coffee Roasters from Nagasaki, and Hazeru Coffee from Toyama. The event will also feature food vendors such as Ovgo Baker, a popular vegan bakery with multiple locations throughout Japan. This year’s festival theme is “G’day Mate,” which draws inspiration from Australia’s coffee culture.

Kuwana Craft Beer Hour
2023-05-27 11:00 - 17:00
Craft beer has experienced a surge in popularity in recent years, captivating enthusiasts all around the world. With its artisanal brewing techniques, diverse flavors, and unique blends, it has created a vibrant culture and community of beer lovers. To celebrate this beverage, the Kuwana Craft Beer Hour event offers a delightful experience for both casual sippers and connoisseurs alike.
At the event, breweries from both inside and outside Mie Prefecture will be represented, showcasing their craft beers and providing a wide variety of options to try. This presents a fantastic opportunity to explore different flavors and styles of beer while discovering new favorites. Whether you’re a seasoned beer connoisseur or simply curious about the craft beer scene, this event offers something for everyone.
In addition to the craft beers, the Kuwana Craft Beer Hour event also features a range of hearty food options available for purchase. Attendees can indulge in wood-fired oven pizzas, bagels, curry, and more, ensuring that there are delicious accompaniments to complement the beer-tasting experience. The diverse food offerings enhance the overall enjoyment of the event and provide sustenance for those looking to grab a bite to eat.
While there is no admission fee to enjoy the lively atmosphere of the event, it’s advisable to bring yen if you plan on sampling the craft beers or indulging in the delicious food offerings. This ensures that you can fully immerse yourself in the experience and savor the various flavors on offer.
The Kuwana Craft Beer Hour event is an excellent opportunity to celebrate the artistry and craftsmanship of craft beer while enjoying a festive atmosphere. Whether you’re seeking to expand your beer palate or simply looking for a fun and flavorful outing, this event promises to be an enjoyable experience for beer enthusiasts and food lovers alike.

Ebi Festival
2023-06-06 - 2023-06-12
The Ebi Festival in Osaka is a week-long event dedicated to promoting the consumption of shrimp, or ebi, in Japanese cuisine. Despite a decline in the consumption of shrimp in recent years, this festival aims to reignite interest in this seafood delicacy. Taking place from June 6th to 12th, the festival offers a range of shrimp-based dishes that cater to the preferences of both locals and visitors.
One of the highlights of the festival is the All Japan Shrimp Championship. This competition allows attendees to sample various shrimp dishes and vote for their favorites. The dish that receives the most votes will be crowned the overall winner of the championship.
The festival offers a diverse selection of shrimp-based dishes for attendees to enjoy. From shrimp lasagna to spicy shrimp wonton noodles and shrimp cutlet sandwiches, there is something to suit every palate. These mouthwatering offerings are sure to tantalize the taste buds of seafood enthusiasts.
In addition to the culinary delights, the Ebi Festival also aims to raise awareness about important environmental issues. Various talks will be held, focusing on reducing marine litter and food loss. This reflects the festival’s commitment to sustainability and responsible consumption of seafood.
The festival caters to families as well, with activities such as an aquarium touch tank for children. This provides an interactive and educational experience where children can learn about marine life and the importance of conservation.
The Ebi Festival in Osaka promises to be a vibrant celebration of shrimp and Japanese cuisine. Whether you are a seafood lover or simply curious about Japanese culinary traditions, this event offers a unique opportunity to explore the world of ebi and indulge in a variety of shrimp-based dishes.

Sake Fair 2023
2023-06-16 - 2023-06-17
If you have a passion for sake or are interested in learning more about this popular Japanese beverage, the Sake Fair 2023 at Sunshine City in Ikebukuro is an event not to be missed. Dubbed as the world’s largest sake event, it will feature an astounding 1,700 alcoholic beverage makers from 45 different prefectures.
At the Sake Fair, you’ll have the opportunity to explore and taste a remarkable variety of sake, allowing you to discover new flavors and expand your knowledge of this traditional Japanese drink. Additionally, there will be other traditional beverages available for sampling, such as awamori, shochu, and hon-mirin, providing a comprehensive experience of Japan’s diverse drinking culture.
To enhance your understanding of sake, experts and lecturers from esteemed institutions like Niigata University’s Sakeology Research Center and the National Research Institute of Brewing will be present. They will share fascinating insights, stories, and research findings related to sake, adding depth to your appreciation of this beloved beverage.
It’s important to note that the Sake Fair is a paid event, and admission tickets are sold for specific two-hour time slots during the two-day event. To attend, you can visit the official website to obtain detailed information on ticket purchasing.
Whether you’re a sake connoisseur or a curious newcomer, the Sake Fair 2023 offers a unique and immersive experience, showcasing the rich diversity and craftsmanship of sake production in Japan. Prepare to indulge in the flavors, learn from industry experts, and immerse yourself in the world of sake at this remarkable event held in Ikebukuro’s Sunshine City.

Shibushi Summer Soba Festival
2023-06-30 - 2023-08-31
Summer Soba in Shibushi is an annual event held in Shibushi City, Kagoshima, Japan, where soba noodles are celebrated and enjoyed during the warmer months. As the temperature rises and humidity increases, soba noodles become a popular choice for a refreshing and light meal that provides nourishment while helping to combat the summer heat.
Shibushi City, located in a region of Japan with a suitable climate, allows for the cultivation of buckwheat. The buckwheat used to make the soba noodles is sown in late March and harvested from late June to early July. The local water used in the noodle-making process is renowned for its high quality, adding to the overall excellence of the dish.
To participate in the Summer Soba in Shibushi event, you can visit any of the over a dozen businesses listed on the official website. Although the website is in Japanese, you can use Google Translate in your browser to translate the page to English for easier understanding. It’s important to note that the event dates are simply listed as starting from June 30th and lasting until late August, with availability dependent on stock.
If you’re looking to enjoy the deliciousness of soba noodles while experiencing the unique flavors of Shibushi City, the Summer Soba in Shibushi event is an excellent opportunity to do so.

Edamame Speed Eating Championships
2023-07-16 10:00 - 16:30
The Edamame Speed Eating Championships in Nagaoka, Japan, have become a popular event for edamame enthusiasts. The snack itself is not only delicious but also offers various nutritional benefits, making it an ideal choice for this kind of competition. Edamame beans are known for being a good source of protein, fiber, antioxidants, and various vitamins and minerals like Vitamin K.
The competition revolves around how fast participants can consume 650 grams of edamame. The event is currently in its sixth year and features both individual and group categories. However, there are some ground rules that participants must follow. One of the main rules is that competitors must bring the edamame pods to their mouths and cannot pop the beans out beforehand to eat in bulk. This rule ensures a fair and equal playing field for all participants, as it prevents any potential advantages that could be gained by pre-shelling the beans.
The challenge of the competition lies not only in the sheer quantity of edamame that must be eaten but also in the skill and technique required to consume the beans efficiently and quickly. As a result, the Edamame Speed Eating Championships have likely gained attention and participation from both local and international edamame fans who relish the chance to showcase their eating prowess and share their love for this beloved Japanese snack.
