If (like me) you’re desperate to visit Japan but your bank account isn’t quite as on board with the idea, then you’re in luck, my friends. Because for one day (and one day only), Londoners won’t need to hop on a long haul flight to be whizzed to the streets of Tokyo. That’s right, the trusty London Underground will suffice, as one of the UK’s largest festivals for Japanese food and culture returns to London next month.
On Sunday October 6 (yes, that’s this Sunday), Trafalgar Square will once again be jam-packed with the sights, sounds, tastes and talents of Japan, courtesy of Japan Matsuri festival. Showcasing the very best of Japanese culture, the iconic festival has attracted a huge London fanbase (for good reason) and is ready for another year of serving up deliciously authentic Japanese street food and traditional Japanese entertainment.
Inside Japan Matsuri festival
The event kicks off at 10am and the entertainment schedule is bursting at the seams. Visitors will be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing what to see and do, as plenty of traditional and contemporary performances are taking place throughout the day, showcasing everything from music and martial arts to comedy and cosplay.
Visitors can experience the elegance of Nihon Buyo (traditional Japanese dance), the power of traditional and contemporary taiko drumming, and the magnificence of the Japanese Tango. The Green Chorus will be spreading some joy with their beautiful Japanese music, London Okinawa Sanshinkai will be celebrating cultural diversity and Okinawan heritage, and the Wakaba Kendo Club (the largest children’s kendo dojo in London) will be delivering a brilliant Kendo demonstration.
A colourful catwalk is also set to take place on the main stage this year, showcasing some incredible fan-made costumes, inspired by some of Japan’s best-loved animation and games. Japan Matsuri will also be showcasing an impressive collection of contemporary Japanese artwork for visitors to feast their eyes on.
Festival-goers will, of course, be able to stuff their faces with authentic Japanese street food. I would honestly be here all day if I were to name each and every trader but visitors can expect to find all sorts of delicious delicacies from sushi and steamed buns to ramen and rice wine. So, we’d highly recommend going with an empty stomach.
A whole host of other stalls and traders will be taking to the festival, so you’ll be able to get your hands on the likes of homemade soy wax candles, Japanese woodblock prince, Japanese children’s books and so much more.
If all that wasn’t enough, the cherry (blossom) on top is that the festival is completely free to enter. So, get yourself down to Trafalgar Square on October 6 to experience the true magic that this festival (and country) has to offer.
Japan Matsuri 2024 will take place on October 6 from 10am-8pm in Trafalgar Square. Find out more and plan your visit here.