Japan food and culture festivals scheduled for October 2026

Two distinct food and culture festivals are scheduled to take place in Japan on October 17 and 18, 2026.

In Kyoto, the ‘Japan-Thailand Culture Fair in Kyoto 2026’ will be held at Umekoji Park. The event features over 50 booths offering authentic Thai cuisine, such as Pad Gapao and Tom Yum Goong, alongside traditional Thai crafts and accessories. The program includes stage performances by Thai artists, traditional dance, music, and Muay Thai demonstrations. Visitors can also participate in workshops for traditional crafts like ‘Tung Yai Meun Mun’ and compete in a raffle for prizes including round-trip flights to Thailand.

In Tokyo, the ‘Tokyo Meat Market Festival 2026’ will take place at the Tokyo Central Wholesale Market Meat Market in Shinagawa. The festival highlights Kumamoto Black Wagyu beef and Kumamoto pork, offering free tastings of shabu-shabu and offal stew (motsu nikomi) on a first-come, first-served basis. The event will also feature food trucks, specialty meat sales, and various stage performances, including appearances by Kumamon and guest performers.