On June 1, Düsseldorf will once again be host to one of Europe’s largest Japanese cultural festivals, Japan-Tag. This annual event, now in its 21st year, transforms the city into a vibrant hub of Japanese culture, art, and culinary delights.
Known throughout Germany and beyond as a festival of cultural exchange, Japan Day promotes a spirit of openness and curiosity towards other cultures. With around 90 stalls and a colourful stage programme, you can immerse yourself in the rich and diverse world of Japan.
From traditional performances to modern art, culinary experiences to interactive workshops, Japan Day has something for everyone. You can try yourself at calligraphy, tea ceremonies, martial arts demonstrations, and much more.
The highlight of the day is the spectacular Japanese fireworks display over the Rhine river, a tradition that leaves visitors in awe year after year. This breathtaking finale is a symbol of the close ties between Japan and Düsseldorf, celebrating the friendship and cultural exchange between the two communities.
Places to visit
Burgplatz square
It’s the place to see the official part of the event. Enjoy performances on the main stage and a selection of Japanese cuisine.
Reuter Kaserne
Here, with all the elaborate bento boxes, detailed figurines, and handmade drawings, you can dive into the world of manga and anime.
Rhine promenade
Along the river, you can try on a real kimono, fold origami, or practice the floral art of ikebana to experience authentic Japanese culture. Take part in drawing and language courses and find out special tips about travelling to Japan. Here, you will also find stalls with Japanese accessories and art items.
Johannes Rau Platz
Explore the demonstration and sales stalls, the Japanese cuisine, and the pop culture zones. Here, you can also find the cosplay and karaoke competitions.
Untere Rheinwerft
Visit the food courts for sushi, tempura, and a sake tasting session. Apart of that, you can enjoy here Germany’s best ninjas competing in parcour, or even take part in the competition yourself.
Lawn in front of the Landtag
You can take part in a variety of activities in this special action area, including the samurai and archery camp, and the sports stage showing off the best of jūdō, jiu-jitsu, kendō, karate, and more!
Marktplatz
Here is a family area with various activities for children in the marketplace, such as mask making, puppet and picture book theater, singing, etc.
Our TOP tips for the perfect Japan Day
Plan ahead
Start by downloading or printing out the event map. This will help you identify key locations like food stalls, stages, restrooms, and activity zones. Mark the spots you absolutely don’t want to miss and plan your time accordingly. Include some buffer time for exploring and spontaneous activities. Also, consider that the number of people is going to be pretty high, so if you want to secure a good place to watch the fireworks, it’s better to plan your time the way that you’re on the spot before 22:00.
Use public transport
Driving to the Rhine on this day may be more of a hussle due to traffic and the limited parking area. So, we would advise looking up the best public transport options to get to the event. Trains, buses, and trams are usually well-connected and can drop you off close to the place. Don’t forget to check the schedules for the last train or bus back home if you’re staying until the fireworks. If public transport is too crowded, consider using bikes or scooters if available.
Try the cuisine
One of the best parts of Japan Day is the chance to try authentic Japanese food and take part in engaging cultural activities. From sushi and ramen to takoyaki and mochi, make it a point to try a little bit of everything. Japanese cuisine is diverse and delicious, and the food stalls are a great way to experience it in a whole variety.
Get there early
To make the most of Japan Day and secure a prime spot for fireworks, it’s better to arrive earlier. This will help you avoid the largest crowds and have a more relaxed experience. This also gives you a chance to experience the activities until it gets too busy. So, use these early hours to wander around and get a feel for the event.
Find out more about Japan Day 2024 here.
