Events Calendar | Media & Travel Trade | Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau

January

Sankeien Garden New Year Event

“Kakushokaku,” the historic building located in the Garden will be open for public during the New Year’s holidays. The traditional Japanese cultural performances will be held during this period.
Dates: Jan. 1 - Jan. 3
Venue: Sankeien Garden
Contact: Sankeien Garden045-621-0634

Chinese New Year

The countdown of Chinese New Year starts with exploding firecrackers, followed by the boisterous pomp of Chinese lion & dragon dance, parade, Chinese acrobats, and a classic Chinese opera.
Dates: Jan. or Feb. (*Chinese New Year)
Venue: Yokohama China Town
Contact: Yokohama China Town045-681-6022

Photo Yokohama

“PHOTO YOKOHAMA” is a series of events that is related to photos and images and it is held from January to March all over Yokohama. Yokohama, being the birthplace of commercial photographs in Japan and rich in attractive photo spots, is the best place for providing opportunities to get familiar with the culture of photos and images.
Dates: Early Jan. to Late Mar.
Venue: Various places in Yokohama City
Contact: Early Jan. to Late Mar.03-3545-8131 (Weekdays only 10am to 5pm)

February

Yokohama Film Festival

The Film Festival chooses the top 10 and individual award winners from Japanese movies released the previous year. The selected films will be shown all day and an award ceremony will take place.
Dates: First Sunday of February
Venue: Kannai Hall
Contact: Yokohama Film Festival Executive Office045-430-1845

Sankeien Garden Plum Blossoms Viewing

Sankeien Garden is well known for its magnificent plum blossoms. During this season, Shiraume (white plum blossoms) and Koubai (light pink plum blossoms) reach their full bloom. The “Garyobai” plum blossoms are an exceptional sight to see. On Sundays and holidays, there are Koto (Japanese harp) performances and other special events.
Dates: Early Feb. to Early Mar.
Venue: Sankeien Garden
Contact: Sankeien Garden045-621-0634

Okurayama Plum Blossoms Viewing

About 180 plum blossoms trees of 30 kinds, such as Shirakaga, Bungo and Ryokugaku, will be in full bloom.
Dates: Second or Third Saturday of Feb.
Venue: Okurayama Plum Blossoms Garden (Okurayama Commemoration Hall)
Contact: Kohoku Ward Office Regional Empowerment Promotion Section045-540-2234

Motomachi Charming Sale

The streetwide sale campaign on Motomachi Shopping Street takes place twice a year in February and September for 6 days. Every year, the shopping street is bustled with many shoppers and visitors.
Dates: Late Feb.
Venue: Motomachi Shopping Street
Contact: Motomachi SS Committee045-641-1557

March

St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Yokohama Motomachi

Join the celebrations for Ireland’s most famous spring festival by donning the color green and coming to Motomachi. Listen to Irish music and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere with green balloons!
Dates: Mid-Mar.
Venue: Motomachi Shopping Street
Contact: Motomachi SS Committee045-641-1557

Minato Mirai 21 Sakura (Cherry blossom) Festa

During the Festa, Lanterns illuminate the 500m long row of cherry blossom trees at nigt time. The modernistic town of Minatomirai will be filled with a nostalgic atmosphere. There will also be various events held at the surrounding facilities, mainly during the weekends such as street performances, live music performance, stamp rally, and more.
Dates: Late Mar. to Early Apr.
Venue: Minato Mirai 21
Contact: Sakura Festa Executive Office045-662-0081

Sankeien Garden Cherry Blossoms Viewing

In this season, cherry blossom trees reach their full bloom all at once. Open hours will be extended for the Outer Garden. During this period, the three-storied pagoda relocated from the former Toumyouji temple of Kyoto are illuminated and there will be performances of Japanese traditional music.
Dates: Late Mar. to Early Apr.
Venue: Sankeien Garden
Contact: Sankeien Garden045-621-0634

Garden Necklace Yokohama

The city of Yokohama will be filled with seasonal flowers this spring! The event will publicize the results of the green initiatives that the city of Yokohama has shown such leadership in carrying out, and it will promote Yokohama as a city of flowers and lush greenery.
Dates: End of Mar. to Early Jun.
Venue: Satoyama Garden, Yamashita Park, Harbour view Park, Nihon Odori, Yokohama Park, Shinko-chuo Park, etc.
Contact: Garden Necklace Yokohama Executive office045-671-2629 (9am to 5pm)

April

African Festival Yokohama

Experience being in Africa at the African Festival Yokohama. Enjoy stage performances of African music & dance, and savour the African foods served at the stands.
Dates: Early Apr.
Venue: Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
Contact: African Festival Yokohama Committee045-317-7890

Ookagawa Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival)

Ookagawa is well known for its beautiful cherry blossoms. During the festival, areas around Ookagawa are lit up with lanterns. Various food stands will open along the river for you to enjoy the food under the cherry blossoms. Many events will also take place during weekends.
Dates: Early Apr.
Venue: Around Ookagawa
Contact: Naka-ku Area：Ookagawa Sakura Matsuri Executive Office (Naka-ku)　nakaku{at}river-sakura.com
Minami-ku Area：Ookagawa Sakura Matsuri Executive Office (Minami-ku)045-341-1237

Yokohama Flower & Green Spring Fair

Beds of flowers and greenery illustrate spring in Yokohama. The fair takes place in Yokohama Park and Yamashita Park, which are filled with tulips of various colors and shapes.
Dates: Late Apr.
Venue: Yokohama Park, Yamashita Park
Contact: Yokohama Green Association045-228-9430

Yokohama Street Performance

The City of Yokohama transforms into a stage for street performances. Experienced street performers make spectators thrall to them with their acrobatics, juggling acts, pantomimes, and their repertoire of thrilling performances.
Dates: Mid-Apr.
Venue: Isezaki Mall 1,2,3st, Yoshida-machi, Yokohama Station East, Ishikawa-cho
Contact: NPO Yokohama Daidogei Committee045-662-9189

Noge Street Performance

The City of Yokohama transforms into a stage for street performances. Experienced street performers make spectators thrall to them with their acrobatics, juggling acts, pantomimes, and their repertoire of thrilling performances.
Dates: Mid-Apr.
Venue: Noge Shopping Avenue
Contact: Noge Street Performance Executive Committee045-262-1234

May

The Yokohama Parade (International Costume Parade)

A spectacular parade with many marching bands and dance teams which people all over Japan come to watch. Enjoy the colorful float, marching bands, lion & dragon dance performance, and many other Yokohama-esque performances. The parade starts from Yamashita Park and ends at Isezaki-cho. The course is 3.4 km long.
Dates: May 3rd
Venue: Yamashita Park - Shinko Area - Bashamichi - Isezaki-cho Area
Contact: Yokohama Chamber of Commerce045-671-7423

Ice Cream Anniversary Bashamichi Parade

On May 9th, 1869, ice cream was sold for the first time in Japan at Bashamichi, Yokohama. For this reason, May 9th is commemorated as an anniversary for the first ice cream served in Japan. Events take place along the Bashamichi street. On the day, “Bashamichi Ice (cream)” is served for free.
Dates: Early May
Venue: Bashamichi Shopping Avenue
Contact: Bashamichi Shopping Avenue045-641-4068

Shomyoji Temple Takigi Noh

Shomyoji Temple is one of the most popular temples in Yokohama. During the event, a Noh stage surrounded with bonfires are built where Japanese arts like Noh and Kyogen (classical comedic drama) are performed.
Dates: Early May
Venue: Shomyoji Temple
Contact: Kanazawa Ward Office045-788-7804

Yokohama Port Opening Anniversary Bazaar

A traditional bazaar since 1920. There will be the Great Plant Fair as well as booths of clothing, sundries, and food aligned in Yokohama Park.
Dates: Late May to Early Jun.
Venue: Yokohama Park
Contact: Yokohama Port Opening Anniversary Bazaar Executive Committee045-651-4547

Yokohama Central Town Festival

Various events to celebrate the opeining of the port will take place in the Yokohama Central Twon Area.
Dates: Late May
Venue: Yokohama Central Town (Bashamichi, Kannai, Yamashita-dori, Chinatown, Motomachi, Yamate)
Contact: Yokohama Central Town Festival Executive Office045-227-0823

June

Yokohama Port Festival

A festival celebrating the opening of Yokohama port. The main site of the festival is at Rinko Park in the Minato Mirai 21 area. On the seaborne area, you can board the ships where there are test-ride events. On land, there will be music concerts and performances. You may also enjoy a collaborative spectacle of fireworks with sounds and laser.
Dates: Early Jun.
Venue: Rinko Park and Seaborne Area
Contact: Yokohama Port Festival Executive Committee045-212-5511

Hakkeijima Hydrangea Festival

During the festival, you can see 20,000 hydrangeas in full bloom on this manmade island, the most you can find anywhere in Kanagawa Prefecture. There are numerous hydrangea-related events, including the Hydrangea Stamp Rally, tea ceremony, photo exhibitions, and restaurants offering specialty menus. There will also be a “Bayside Market ~Hydrangea Fair~,” with sweets which are associated with hydrangea and special dishes only offered during the festival.
Dates: Mid-Jun. to Early Jul.
Venue: Hakkeijima
Contact: Hakkeijima Hydrangea Festival Executive Office045-788-9778

Mois de la France à Yokohama (Yokohama France Month)

Since 2005, the month of June in Yokohama is dedicated to France. During the Yokohama France Month, the city of Yokohama turns into France with a variety of events on art, music, and food. Experience the French culture through the art exhibitions, gastronomic events, film programming, concerts, and much more.
Dates: Early Jun. to Late Jun.
Venue: Various places in Yokohama City
Contact: Institut Français Yokohama045-201-1514

July

Yokohama Sparkling Twilight

Yokohama Sparkling Twilight is a summer tradition in the port city of Yokohama.The Sparkling Fireworks show is being held over two days; the combination of music and fireworks provides a superb climax to the Yokohama Sparkling Twilight event. Yokohama Sparking Twilight also incorporates a number of other special activities, including the Sparkling Parade, a parade of mikoshi portable shrines from every district in Yokohama
Dates: Mid-Jul. *For 2020, it will be held in Sep.
Venue: Yamashita Park, the offshore of Yamashita Park, and the surrounding area
Contact: Yokohama Sparkling Twilight Executive Committee045-681-2353

Yokohama Asahi Jazz Festival

Asahi Jazz Festival gives many opportunities to play and perform for amateurs.
Dates: Late July
Venue: Children’s Nature Park Baseball Field
Contact: Asahi Jazz Festival Executive Committee045-304-9000（From Nov. 2019）

August

Kanteitan (Guan Yu Festival)

“Kanteitan” is a ritual and ceremony celebrating the birth of Guan Yu, a popular Chinese general who played a significant role in the Chinese classic, “Three Kingdom Saga.” Starting with a solemn ritual, China Town then burst into colors with a procession, Chinese lion & dragon dance, and classic Chinese dances and operas.
Dates: Early Aug. (June 24th in the Lunar Calendar)
Venue: Yokohama China Town
Contact: Yokohama China Town Kantei-byo045-226-2636

Minato Mirai Bon Odori Dance Festival

The Bon Odori (Dance Festival) is Minato Mirai’s summer tradition. At the venue, a full-scale yagura (raised platform) is built, with shops and beer gardens opened, along with en-nichi (fair booths).
Dates: Mid-Aug.
Venue: Rinko Park
Contact: PACIFICO Yokohama045-221-2155

Kanazawa Festival Fireworks

It is the firework festival in the southern part of Yokohama, Kanazawa-ku. It takes place in the end of summer season at the Yokohama’s one and only swimming beach, Marine Park (Umi-no-Koen). 3,200 bursts of fireworks will be launched into the air.
Dates: Late Aug.
Venue: Marine Park (Umi no Koen)
Contact: Kanazawa Ward Office045-788-7801

September

Motomachi Craftmanship Street Food Fair

Having the Motomachi Craftmanship Street as a main venue, the street will be full of food stands from the traditional restaurants around the area with the live music performances.
Dates: Early Sep.
Venue: Motomachi Craftmanship Street
Contact: Motomachi CS Committee045-663-1413

Osannomiya Fall Festival

A mikoshi (portable shrine) is carried around the town during the festival. As an offering, dramatic performances are played inside the shrine at night.
Dates: Mid Sep.
Venue: Hie Shrine
Contact: Hie Shrine045-261-6902

Sankeien Garden Harvest Moon Viewing

Buildings such as the three-storied pagoda relocated from the former Toumyouji temple of Kyoto are illuminated during the event. Enjoy the full moon and absord the traditional Japanese atmosphere.
Dates: Late Sep. to Early Oct.
Venue: Sankeien Garden
Contact: Sankeien Garden045-621-0634

Motomachi Charming Sale

The streetwide sale campaign on Motomachi Shopping Street takes place twice a year in February and September for 6 days. Every year, the shopping street is bustled with many shoppers and visitors.
Dates: Late Sep.
Venue: Motomachi Shopping Street
Contact: Motomachi SS Committee045-641-1557

Great Japan Beer Festival (Beer Fes Yokohama)

This event, known as “Beerfes,” is the country’s largest beer festival. With the admission fee, it allows you to taste more than 200 types of beers with the tasting glass, providing a perfect opportunity to compare craft beers from Japan and abroad.
Dates: Late Sep.
Venue: Osanbashi Hall
Contact: Japan Craft Beer Association0798-70-7171

October

Yokohama JAZZ Promenade — Yokohama Oktoberfest

National Day of China

China’s national day commemorating its foundation. Ethnic parades, lion & dragon dances are seen across China Town.
Dates: Oct. 1st
Venue: Yokohama China Town
Contact: Yokohama China Town045-641-8606

Soujusetsu (Double Ten Day)

The most celebrated festival in Taiwan. To commemorate this day, traditional dance will be performed at the schoolyard of Yokohama Overseas Chinese School and lion dances are seen across Chinatown.
Dates: Oct. 10th
Venue: Yokohama China Town
Contact: Yokohama China Town045-681-2114

Yokohama Oktoberfest

Like the Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, beers from around the world, including limited-edition Oktoberfest beers and beers on sale in Japan for the first time, are served at the Yokohama Oktoberfest. And with traditional German food and live performances by German bands as well, you can enjoy the authentic atmosphere of the original Oktoberfest.
Dates: Early to Mid-Oct.
Venue: Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
Contact: Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse045-227-2002

Yokohama JAZZ Promenade

Japan’s biggest event of jazz music which attracts more than 120,000 audiences and more than 2,000 professional and amateur musicians from Japan and overseas every year. Various styles of live jazz sessions will be held in about 50 venues including concert halls, live houses, and on the streets.
Dates: Early Oct.
Venue: Various places in Yokohama City
Contact: Yokohama JAZZ Promenade Executive Committee045-211-1510

Shin-Yokohama Performance

Various events like stage events, exhibitions, food stalls, quiz games, etc. are held by the community, residents and companies.
Dates: Mid. Oct.
Venue: Nissan Stadium, Shin-Yokohama Station event space
Contact: Shin-Yokohama Performance Executive Committee045-476-0747

World Festa Yokohama

At World Festa Yokohama, you can experience the culture of the world. Enjoy local foods, ethnic music, and dance performances, as well as folk crafts from around the world.
Dates: Mid-Oct.
Venue: Yamashita Park
Contact: World Festa Yokohama Executive Committee045-671-7423 (9am - 5pm)

Yokohama International Festa

The event to get in touch with the world cusine, folk art, fair-trade goods, folk dance, and culture to better understand the international coorperation.
Dates: Mid-Oct.
Venue: Grandmall Park
Contact: Yokohama C plat 045-662-6350

Diwali in Yokohama

Diwali is a festival of light which marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year. Experience the essence of true Indian culture through food, music performances, classic dances and more.
Dates: Mid Oct-
Venue: Yamashita Park
Contact: Diwali in Yokohama Executive Committee045-263-8109

Bashamichi Festival

During the Bashamichi Festival, Horse-drawn carriages, rickshaws, and ladies dressed in clothes from Rokumeikan era (1880’s) will parade through the Street. It recreates the mood of the times of cultural enlightenment.
Dates: Late Oct.
Venue: Bashamichi Shopping Avenue
Contact: Bashamichi Shopping Avenue045-641-4068

November

Yokohama Chinatown Food Festival

Food festival at Yokohama Chinatown.
Dates: Month of Nov.
Venue: Yokohama China Town
Contact: Yokohama China Town 045-681-6022

Yokohama Marathon

The Yokohama Marathon is the third-largest marathon event in Japan in which members of the general public can take part, after the Tokyo Marathon and the Osaka Marathon. The Yokohama Marathon will use a course that passes many tourist spots, with the latter half of the course also including part of an expressway.
Dates: Early Nov.
Venue: Start: Minatomirai Ohashi Bridge, Goal: Pacifico Yokohama
Contact: Yokohama Marathon Organizing Committee Administrative Office045-651-0666 (Weekdays 9:30am - 5pm)

Kotohira Otori Shrine Tori-no-ichi (The Rooster Fair)

Most of the outside stalls sell Kumade (rake-shaped good luck amulets) and Daruma (roly-poly papier-mache doll) acompanied by the sound of rythmic clapping, and the whole lively event is a constant reminder of the start of winter. The fair is full of people wishing for prosperous business and good maritime traffic.
Dates: Kotohira Otori Shrine
Venue: 11月酉の日
Contact: Kotohira Otori Shrine045-231-3208

December

Yokohama Yamate Western Style Houses - Christmas Around the World

In the 8 Yokohama Yamate Western-style buildings, you can experience the Christmas world through different kinds of Christmas decorations and workshops from around the world.
Dates: Month of Dec.
Venue: Bluff No. 111, British House Yokohama, Bluff No. 234, Ehrismann Residence, Berrick Hall, Home of a Diplomat, Bluff No. 18, Bluff No. 68 (Yamate 68 Ban-Kan)
Contact: Yokohama Green Association045-623-7812

Christmas Market in Red Brick Warehouse

At the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market, German-style Hutte (huts), just like the real thing, will be set up in the cobble-stoned plaza area. This is a market where families and couples can enjoy shopping while waiting for Christmas to arrive. A Christmas tree will be on display in the plaza and the entire Red Brick Warehouse area will be steeped in Christmas atmosphere.
Dates: Late Nov. to Dec. 25th
Venue: Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
Contact: Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse045-227-2002

Art Rink in Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse

An artistic skating rink of lights, opened from early December to mid February. The skating rink with multicolored illumination at the retro-looking Red Brick Warehouse creates a fantastic ambiance. The marvelous night scene of Minatomirai adds to the allure of the rink.
Dates: Dec. to Feb.
Venue: Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
Contact: Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse 045-211-1515

MM21 TOWERS Milight

In this event, which lasts for just one day, all the office buildings in the Minatomirai 21 area come together to turn the entire district into a single illuminated display. This year’s event will be held right before Christmas. Each year, this illumination of every building, which has become a Christmas season tradition, draws a large crowd of photography enthusiasts and visitors to the area.
Dates: Late Dec.
Venue: Minatomirai 21 Area
Contact: Yokohama Minatomirai 21 Corporation045-682-0021