The countdown for London’s very own festival of Japanese culture – Japan Matsuri – has begun. Now a regular fixture in the London calendar, this FREE outdoor annual festival brings people together to enjoy Japanese food, music, dance, and activities for the whole family. Head over this Sunday 1st October 2023, in Trafalgar Square!


This year, the online “JAPAN STORE” will have its own pop-up stand for the first time ever, offering a range of authentic Japanese products and artisanal goods made by Japanese companies and artisans. This is a joint initiative by Amazon and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). Amazon, through the JAPAN STORE, is enabling Japanese sellers to explore new sales channels and expand their business beyond Japan while also providing opportunities for customers in the UK to conveniently shop for high-quality Japanese products on Amazon.co.uk.
The stall will feature a wide variety of products straight from Japan, including Japanese sweets and snacks, Japanese traditional homeware and tableware, as well as kimonos and cosmetics. Visitors are invited to see, touch, and taste these amazing products and support independent makers from Japan. CLICK HERE to discover more from the Japan Store on Amazon.
Do not miss your chance to pick up some authentic Japanese goodies in the centre of London this Sunday!
Japan Matsuri
Address: Trafalgar Sq, London WC2N 5DS
Timings:
10am – 8pm Sunday 1st October
Instagram: @japan_matsuri
CLICK HERE for the event programme.
What’s On: World Sake Day (1st October) Events
If you’re looking for ways to discover more about sake, check out some of these events taking place to commemorate World Sake Day (1st October) throughout the month. Japan Centre will be hosting a sake masterclass called “Introduction to Ginjo Sake” on Friday, October 20th, at 6:30 pm. Additionally, Discover Sake is offering various tastings and events leading up to Sake Day and beyond. So whether you are an experienced sake enthusiast or a curious beginner, these events promise to provide you with opportunities to explore, indulge, and immerse yourself in the artistry of sake, leaving you with a profound appreciation for this cultural beverage.
An Introduction to the world of Ginjo sake, sake workshop at Ichiba Japan Centre

Head to Japan Centre’s Sake & Oyster Bar to learn more about Ginjo Sake with Hiroshi Kumagami, Japan Centre’s Sake Sommelier, as he explains all about it in his detailed 40-minute masterclass. Embark on a journey into the enchanting world of Ginjo sake, genuine brewed sake, where tradition meets innovation, and craftsmanship takes centre stage.
Experience 3 types of Ginjo sake:
- Sanran Junmai Daiginjo
- Kuheiji HumanKanemasu
- Takarazukushi Junmai Ginjo
Plus Japanese rice crackers to pair with your sake. After the event, you will be emailed an exclusive 20% off discount code for japancentre.com, valid for one week.
Friday 20th October, 6.30pm. Tickets £17 available here.
Discover Sake: Unlock the Flavours of Japan

Whether you’re a seasoned sake connoisseur, a newcomer to the sake world, or someone who has yet to try sake, ”Discover Sake”, organised by The Government of Japan, has curated an experience to satisfy your curiosity and captivate your taste buds. Step into the world of sake – Take a quiz to find your perfect sake match!
- Sake tastings in-store across various venues
- Events & Talks
See the full listing here: www.eat-japan.com/discoversake
Ramen Yokocho
Ramen Yochocho 8 Heddon St, Mayfair, London
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Written by Kai Lutterodt @the.soho.girl | Photo credit: My Soho Times
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