The much-loved JAPAN MATSURI, the UK’s biggest annual festival of Japanese culture and food, returns to Trafalgar Square on Sunday 1 October for the first time since 2019.

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 (Spitalfields (2009 & 2010), at County Hall (2011) and at Trafalgar Square (since 2012).

This is the 12th occasion that London will host this iconic festival. We look forward once again to performances of traditional and contemporary music and dance, demonstrations of martial arts, Japanese food and drink, gift stalls and more – a fantastic opportunity to experience Japan in the heart of London.

His Excellency Mr Hajime Hayashi, Ambassador of Japan to the UK, together with representatives of the City and some of the boroughs of London, will formally open Japan Matsuri at 10:30am.

Admission is free.


2023 JAPAN MATSURI is organised by Japan Matsuri Ltd, comprising:
Japan Association in the UK
Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the UK
Japan Society
Nippon Club
It is supported by the Embassy of Japan in the UK.