【May, June, July, August】14 Must-See Japanese Food Events in the Kanto Area, Including Tokyo and Kanagawa

When you hear the word "fesu" (festival), you might think of music festivals, but in the Tokyo and Kanagawa metropolitan area, a variety of food festivals are held throughout the year. Food festivals bring together trending gourmet foods, so just by attending, you can enjoy dishes and drinks you might not otherwise encounter. This time, we’ll introduce some of the most talked-about food festivals taking place in the Kanto region from May to August.

*All events will be held rain or shine (however, they may be canceled at the organizer’s discretion in case of severe weather).

Recommended Food Festivals in Kanto Held in May

[Tokyo] Tokyo Tokyo Delicious Museum

Packed with the diverse culinary attractions of Tokyo, the "Tokyo Tokyo Delicious Museum" is a popular gourmet festival that attracted approximately 53,000 visitors last year. Now in its fifth year, this event will feature over 40 restaurants, including popular spots featured in the media and long-established Tokyo eateries. One of the unique appeals of this event is that you can enjoy à la carte dishes from popular restaurants that typically only offer set courses, as well as event-exclusive menu items.

You can enjoy not only Japanese cuisine but also flavors from around the world, with vegan and gluten-free options available as well. There will also be workshops and music stages, offering experiences that lets you enjoy food with all five senses.

Tokyo Tokyo Delicious Museum

• Address: Symbol Promenade Park, Stone and Light Plaza / Flower Plaza, 3-7-7 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 1-minute walk from Kokusai-Tenjijo Station / 3-minute walk from Ariake Station / 5-minute walk from Tokyo Big Sight Station
• Dates: May 15 (Fri) – May 17 (Sun), 2026
• Official website: https://tokyotokyo-delicious-museum.jp
  *Cashless payment only
  *Free admission / No advance reservation required

[Tokyo] Craft Gyoza Fes®︎ TOKYO 2026

From April 29 (Wed) to May 6 (Wed), 2026, "Craft Gyoza Fes®︎ TOKYO 2026" will be held for over eight days at Komazawa Olympic Park in Tokyo. You can enjoy more than 30 types of gyoza from 16 vendors, ranging from creative “neo-gyoza” with unique flavor combinations to traditional Chinese recipes crafted by skilled artisans. In addition, there will be booths for fried rice, drinks, and sweets—everything you need to complement your gyoza at this fully loaded gourmet festival.

"Neo Gyoza," which incorporates unconventional ingredients in a fusion of Japanese and Western styles and is finished with innovative sauces and seasonings, is also attracting attention for its vibrant appearance!

From Saturday, May 2 to Wednesday, May 6, 2026 (substitute holiday), "Craft Gyoza Fes®︎ OSAKA 2026" will also be held at Osaka Castle Park in Osaka. The lineup of vendors will differ from the Tokyo event, so Kansai residents should definitely check this out as well.

Craft Gyoza Fes®︎ TOKYO 2026

• Address: Komazawa Olympic Park Central Plaza, 1-1 Komazawa Park, Setagaya-ku
• Access: 15-minute walk from Komazawa-daigaku Station
• Dates: Wednesday, April 29, 2026 (national holiday) to Wednesday, May 6, 2026 (substitute holiday)
• Official website: https://craftgyoza.jp
  *Meal tickets, electronic money, and credit cards accepted
  *Admission is free / No advance reservation required

[Kanagawa] Yokosuka Curry Festival 2026

Yokosuka City in Kanagawa Prefecture has long been famous as a naval town. It is said that, during the Meiji era, the Imperial Japanese Navy introduced curry as a measure against nutritional deficiencies, and the city now uses that historical recipe as part of its community revitalization efforts. The main event in this "Curry Town Yokosuka" is the "Yokosuka Curry Festival 2026."

At the event, in addition to “Yokosuka Navy Curry” and the newly revamped “Yokosuka JMSDF Curry,” the ever-popular "Yokosuka Curry Buffet" and "Yokosuka Curry Bread Festival" will also be held. You can enjoy a wide variety of unique curries from all over Japan, from Aomori in the north to Ehime in the south.

Furthermore, on the second day of the event, Sunday, May 17, there will be a special public opening of the JMSDF Yokosuka District Headquarters, adjacent to Verny Park. This is a rare opportunity to see ships and other facilities inside the base, which is normally closed to the public.

Yokosuka Curry Festival 2026

• Address: Verny Park, 1-1 Shioiri-cho, Yokosuka-shi, Kanagawa
• Access: 1-minute walk from Yokosuka Station / 5-minute walk from Shioiri Station
• Dates: Saturday, May 16 to Sunday, May 17, 2026
• Official website: https://www.cocoyoko.net/event/curry-fes.html
  *Admission is free / No advance reservation required

[Kanagawa] Yokohama Frühlingsfest 2026

"Frühlingsfest" is a spring festival held throughout Germany to celebrate the arrival of spring. "Yokohama Frühlingsfest" was first held during Golden Week in 2013, inspired by the historical Red Brick Warehouse in Yokohama, which incorporates elements of German architectural style. In 2025, about 390,000 people participated during the event period, making it a beloved event for people both inside and outside the prefecture.

A highlight of Frühlingsfest is the German beer, food, and live performances by German bands, making you feel as if you are actually in Germany. In addition to BBQs and day camping with camper vans, there are more kid-friendly activities than ever before, such as hands-on experiences with fish and a mobile petting zoo.

The ever-popular "SEASIDE CINEMA (Outdoor Theater)" will also be held. Enjoying movies with the night view of Yokohama as a backdrop is a unique experience only available at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse.

Yokohama Frühlingsfest 2026

• Address: Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Event Plaza & Red Brick Park, 1-1 Shinko, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa
• Access: 6-minute walk from Bashamichi Station / 6-minute walk from Nihon-odori Station / 15-minute walk from Sakuragicho Station
• Dates: Friday, April 24, 2026 – Sunday, May 10, 2026
• Official Website: https://www.yokohama-akarenga.jp/yff/
  *Cash, e-money, and credit cards accepted
  *Free admission / No advance reservation required

[Tokyo] Aipaku® Premium TOKYO 2026

"Aipaku®" is an event where you can enjoy carefully selected local ice creams from all over Japan, chosen by the Japan Ice Mania Association, a group of ice cream enthusiasts led by 'Iceman Fukudome,' an ice cream expert. The event features the latest trending products, as well as event-exclusive flavors not usually available in stores, offering a lineup of ice creams you can only taste here.

Another attraction of this event is that it is held at an all-weather venue directly connected to the station, so you don't have to worry about the heat or rain. In addition to ice cream, there are plenty of ice cream-related goods for sale and entertainment content related to ice cream.

Aipaku® Premium TOKYO 2026

• Address: Sankaku Hiroba, Shinjuku Sumitomo Building, 2-6-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 1-minute walk from Tochomae Station / 8-minute walk from Shinjuku Station
• Dates: Friday, April 24, 2026 – Tuesday, May 6, 2026 (substitute holiday)
• Official Website: https://www.i-89.jp
  *Cashless payment only
  *Ticket required: Adults (elementary school students and older) Weekdays ¥600 / Weekends & holidays ¥900 (advance tickets available) / Children (preschool age and under) Free

[Tokyo] OKINAWA FES Milafete

Celebrating its 11th edition this year, "OKINAWA FES Milafete" is an event that shares the charm of Okinawa with people across Japan. In addition to live performances by top artists, there are a variety of booths and content that can be enjoyed by all generations.

The number of visitors over the two days reached 250,000 in 2024 and 210,000 in 2025, making it a huge success. From the island’s soul food and heartfelt crafts to unique municipal and tourism booths that showcase the individuality of each region, you’re sure to discover Okinawa’s food, culture, and lifestyle. Don’t miss the chance to experience a new side of Okinawa.

OKINAWA FES Milafete

• Address: Yoyogi Park Event Square & Outdoor Stage, 2-3 Jinnan, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 9 minutes on foot from Harajuku Station / 13 minutes on foot from Shibuya Station / 11 minutes on foot from Yoyogi-Koen Station / 13 minutes on foot from Yoyogi-Hachiman Station
• Dates: May 16 (Sat) – May 17 (Sun), 2026
• Official Website: https://www.okifes.jp
  *Admission free / No advance reservation required

Recommended Food Festivals in Kanto Held in June

[Tokyo] Niku Matsuri presents Hot Dog Grand Prix 2026

The “Niku Matsuri presents Hot Dog Grand Prix 2026” brings together a selection of carefully chosen hot dogs. From classic favorites to event-exclusive creations, a heated competition unfolds as visitors vote to decide the champion. You can also enjoy meat dishes and sweets unique to Niku Matsuri.

To pair perfectly with hot dogs, Asahi Super Dry beer is served ice-cold in tumblers, staying chilled and delicious down to the last sip. There will also be live performances of the official song and DJ sets on stage, making it fun for families, couples, and friends alike.

Niku Matsuri presents Hot Dog Grand Prix 2026

• Address: Central Square, 1-1 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 5 minutes on foot from Daiba Station / 5 minutes on foot from Tokyo International Cruise Terminal Station / 5 minutes on foot from Tokyo Teleport Station
• Dates: June 12 (Fri) – June 14 (Sun), 2026
• Official Website: https://www.nikumatsuri.jp
  *Cash, e-money, contactless payment, and QR code payment accepted
  *Admission free / No advance reservation required

[Kanagawa] JAPAN BURGER CHAMPIONSHIP 2026

The “JAPAN BURGER CHAMPIONSHIP” is a food sports competition where popular gourmet burger shops from all over Japan gather to compete for the top spot under set rules regarding ingredients, cooking equipment, and team formation, all within a time limit. The winning team is awarded the right to represent Japan at the World Food Championships held in the United States every autumn.

At this event, 22 restaurants that have triumphed from among 70 entries nationwide will be participating. From Miyagi in the north to Kagoshima in the south, JAPAN BURGER CHAMPIONSHIP is the only place where you can taste such a diverse range of unique burgers from all over Japan.

JAPAN BURGER CHAMPIONSHIP 2026

• Address: Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, 1-1-1 Shinko, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa
• Access: 6 minutes on foot from Bashamichi Station / 6 minutes on foot from Nihon-odori Station / 15 minutes on foot from Sakuragicho Station
• Dates: June 12 (Fri) – June 14 (Sun), 2026
• Official Website: https://jburgerchamp.com
  *Admission free / No advance reservation required

[Tokyo] Summer Anko Expo®︎

The popular event “Summer Anko Expo®︎” at Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store, known as “Anpaku” among anko (sweet red bean paste) lovers, draws attention every year. Based on a different theme each year, anko sweets from all over Japan gather in one place. The appeal lies in being able to enjoy not only classic anko confections but also innovative anko sweets.

Many limited-edition sweets that can only be enjoyed at Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store will also make an appearance. Some items are available in limited quantities, and the numbered tickets distributed in the morning can run out quickly.

Summer Anko Expo

• Address: Event Hall, 7th Floor, Main Building, Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store, 1-4-1 Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 1 minute on foot from Mitsukoshimae Station / 5 minutes on foot from Nihombashi Station / 7 minutes on foot from Shin-Nihombashi Station / 10 minutes on foot from Tokyo Station
• Dates: To be determined (Held June 25–30 in 2025)
• Official Website: https://www.mistore.jp/store/nihombashi.html
  *Admission free / No advance reservation required

[Tokyo] “Delicious Recipes from Embassy Chefs” presents World Gourmet Festival 2026

Born from the popular BS Nippon TV YouTube content “Delicious Recipes from Embassy Chefs,” the real-life event “Delicious Recipes from Embassy Chefs presents World Gourmet Festival 2026” is a two-day festival where you can enjoy authentic international cuisine and a variety of entertainment all at once.

At the first event in 2025, there were special kitchen cars from “Delicious Recipes from Embassy Chefs,” collaborative menus with Sumida Ward shopping streets, special dishes using American ingredients, Hungarian Tokaji wine, kebabs, Czech bread and baked goods, sake, and more. There were also booths selling South American accessories and other goods. We’re looking forward to seeing what international gourmet delights will be available this year as well.

“Delicious Recipes from Embassy Chefs” presents World Gourmet Festival 2026

• Address: Sumida Park Soyokaze Hiroba, 1-3 Mukojima, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 5 minutes on foot from Asakusa Station / 7 minutes on foot from Tokyo Skytree Station / 4 minutes on foot from Honjo-Azumabashi Station
• Dates: June 6 (Sat) – June 7 (Sun), 2026
• Official Website: https://www.bs4.jp/event/q9wskr2fxf48dnzf.html
  *Admission free / No advance reservation required

[Tokyo] Paella & Tapas Festival 2026

The "Paella & Tapas Festival" is one of the largest Spanish cuisine events in Japan. In addition to the "National Paella Championship," where the Grand Prix is decided by visitor votes, the "National Tapas Championship" and other competitions are also held.

There will also be an official selection event to choose the Japanese representative for the "World Paella Day Cup 2026," one of the world's largest international paella competitions held in Valencia, Spain. Witness the historic moment when the chef who will represent Japan and compete with chefs from around the world is chosen.

Paella & Tapas Festival 2026

• Address: 1-6 Hibiya Park, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
• Access: Right next to Kasumigaseki Station / Right next to Hibiya Station / 5-minute walk from Sakuradamon Station / 8-minute walk from Yurakucho Station
• Dates: June 5 (Fri) – June 7 (Sun), 2026
• Official Website: https://www.ptfes.info
  *Cash, e-money, contactless payment, and QR code payment accepted
  *Free admission / No advance reservation required

[Tokyo] YOKOCHO WONDERLAND in TOKYO

This event offers a chance to experience “snack bars,” a unique aspect of Japanese nightlife culture. Snack bar mamas from all 47 prefectures, who actually run their own establishments mainly in Tokyo, gather together, allowing you to enjoy a "yokocho" (alley-style) space where the warmth and culture of different regions of Japan intersect.

At each snack booth, you can enjoy drinks carefully selected by the mama, such as local sake from her hometown or the most popular drinks from her actual bar. Snack experience tickets are limited in quantity for each session, and in addition to advance online sales, a limited number will also be available on the day of the event.

YOKOCHO WONDERLAND in TOKYO

• Address: Tokyo Square Garden, 3-1-1 Kyobashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
• Access: Directly connected to Kyobashi Station
• Dates: May 14 (Thu) – May 16 (Sat), 2026 / June 18 (Thu) – June 20 (Sat), 2026
• Official Website: https://yokochowonderland.tokyo
  *Payment methods vary by booth, so cash is also required
  *Ticket required: 3,000 yen

Recommended Food Festivals in Kanto Held in July

[Tokyo] Summer Spicy Grand Prix

The "Summer Spicy Grand Prix," which was held last year and gained popularity, will be held again this year. Various spicy dishes will be available at restaurants in Ark Hills and Atago Green Hills in Roppongi, Tokyo. To ensure everyone can enjoy the event, spicy dishes are offered in five levels of heat.

These spicy dishes, made with generous amounts of spices such as chili peppers, Japanese pepper (sansho), and habanero, blended uniquely by each restaurant, are a highlight of this event. The ever-popular "Secret Spicy Menu" features dishes using some of the world's hottest chili peppers, such as the Carolina Reaper and Trinidad Scorpion, so even those who find regular spicy dishes too mild will be satisfied!

Summer Spicy Grand Prix

• Address: Ark Mori Building, 1-12-32 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 1-minute walk from Roppongi-itchome Station / 1-minute walk from Tameike-Sanno Station / 10-minute walk from Kamiyacho Station / 9-minute walk from Akasaka Station / 10-minute walk from Kokkai-gijidomae Station
• Event Dates: To be determined (last year: July 11 – August 31)
• Official Website: https://www.arkhills.com

Recommended Food Festivals in Kanto Held in August 

[Chiba] Summer Sweet Potato Expo 2026

The "Summer Sweet Potato Expo," held in the summer—which is the opposite of the usual sweet potato season—attracts many visitors. The event features a variety of summer-exclusive sweet potato desserts and chilled roasted sweet potatoes that are especially delicious in the heat, offering menus you can only enjoy in summer.

This year, a "New Menu Contest" will be held with participation from all vendors. Over 200 different menu items with a wide variety will be available at the venue, making this a must-visit event for sweet potato lovers. In addition, the "Night Sweet Potato Expo" will be held from Thursday, August 6 to Saturday, August 8, featuring special night-only menu items.

Summer Sweet Potato Expo 2026

• Address: Makuhari Messe Hall 3, 2-1 Nakase, Mihama-ku, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture
• Access: 5-minute walk from Kaihin-Makuhari Station
• Event Dates: August 6 (Thu) – 9 (Sun), 2026
• Official Website: https://imohaku.com/2026summer/
  *Tickets required (various tickets go on sale in early June)

Enjoy both domestic and international cuisine to your heart’s content at gourmet festivals

Many gourmet festivals are held in the Tokyo metropolitan area, bringing together popular local specialties that are usually only available in distant regions, as well as authentic international cuisine typically found abroad. Whether you go alone, with family, a partner, or friends, feel free to visit and enjoy the atmosphere as if you were traveling there.