Japan Matsuri 2026

JAPAN MATSURI, the UK's much-loved and biggest annual festival of Japanese culture and food, returns to Trafalgar Square on Sunday 4 October, from 10am to 8pm.

FREE OF CHARGE.

Showcasing Japanese culture in the UK, Japan Matsuri has attracted a loyal audience of Londoners, the Japanese community and other visitors, families and friends each year since 2009 (at Spitalfields in 2009 and 2010, at County Hall in 2011, and at Trafalgar Square since 2012) and has established itself as a symbol of the long-standing bonds (Kizuna 絆) between Japan and the UK.

STALLS & INFORMATION CENTRE — old favourites and new stalls return for 2026. Food stalls are located in the centre of the Square, on either side of the famous fountains.

MATSURI PERFORMERS — there is plenty to see all day. The programme of stage performance this year features exciting new acts as well as the return of favourites from previous Matsuri.

MARTIAL ARTS — demonstrations run throughout the day.

Please note: to help protect the safety and welfare of visitors and staff, certain items are not allowed into Trafalgar Square — including bags larger than a piece of A4 paper, bikes, scooters, e-scooters and hoverboards, opened bottles or cans of alcohol, animals other than assistance dogs, and any type of weapon or bladed item. When the Square reaches capacity, a one in, one out policy will operate.

Sunday 4 October 2026, 10:00am–8:00pm / Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DS. Organised by the Embassy of Japan, the Japan Association, JCCI UK, the Japan Society and the Nippon Club.

Find out more info or book your tickets on https://japanmatsuri.com/

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