Tokyo Gourmet Festival/Event 2025: Your Insider's Guide to the Best Culinary Events

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Introduction

In Tokyo, the average temperature rises above 10°C from March, creating a pleasant climate for outdoor activities. Cherry blossom season begins in mid-March, painting the city in pink hues.

Tokyo, as Japan's central hub, hosts many must-see food events featuring popular cuisine from across the country. From March, when spring begins, outdoor events increase in number. The Tokyo Food Event 2025 will be particularly exciting for tourists looking to experience authentic Japanese cuisine in a festive atmosphere.

This article compiles notable monthly food events in Tokyo from March 2025 onward. I'll introduce monthly highlights, key attractions, basic information, and recommended points from the author who actually attended previous events. Access information to venues is also included, so please use this as a reference if you're planning to enjoy Japanese cuisine during your Tokyo trip in 2025.

Tokyo Food Event List for 2025

Month Event
January • Winter Festival! Local Sake & Local Dishes 2025 in Yoyogi
• Oden & Local Sake Fest 2025
• Nabe Kingdom JAPAN 2025 in Jingu Gaien
• Regional Hot Pot Festival
• Yakiimo (Baked Sweet Potato) Friends Club in Kinshi Park 2025 (Sumida)
• Roppongi Hills Curry Grand Prix
February • Shinagawa Yakiimo Terrace 2025
• Hot Soup Festival
• Hokkaido Local Cheese Expo 2025
• Fish Japan Fest 2025 (Yoyogi Park)
• Shimokitazawa Cheese and Spicy Food Festival
• Delicious Spicy! Gourmet Festival
March • American BBQ Cook-off 2025
• Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival
April • Meat Festival 2025 TOKYO Steak King Competition
• Roppongi Hills Curry Grand Prix
• Craft Gyoza Fest
• Odaiba Oktoberfest ~SPRING~
• Paella & Tapas Festival
• Local Gourmet Terrace
May • 6th "The Dried Noodle Grand Prix 2025 in Tokyo"
• Shimokitazawa Spice & Sweets Casual Bar Hopping
• Sichuan Festival
June • JAPAN BURGER CHAMPIONSHIP (Tokyo Metropolitan Area)
• Thai Festival
• Philippines Expo 2025 in Tokyo
July • Roppongi Gourmet Burger Grand Prix
• Summer Spicy Food Grand Prix
• Ice Cream Expo
August • Spicy Food & Shaved Ice FES
• Spicy Gourmet Festival
• Japanese Curry Festival
September • Forest Beer Garden
• Enjoy Fish Festival
• Hokkaido Fair
October • Oktoberfest
• Shimokitazawa Curry Festival
• Japan Regional Ramen Election
• Great Tsukemen Expo
• Food Truck Gourmet Championship
November • SAKANA&JAPAN FESTIVAL in Odaiba
• Lamb Festival
• Kanda Curry Grand Prix
• Katsushika Food Festa
• Yakiimo Fest TOKYO
December • Tokyo Christmas Market in Jingu Gaien
• Roppongi Hills Christmas Market
• Azabudai Hills Christmas Market
• Tokyo Skytree Town Christmas Market
• Tokyo Tower Christmas Market

2025 Year-round Event Schedule in Tokyo↓

Tokyo: List of Events & Festivals for 2025

Tokyo: List of Events & Festivals for 2025
A comprehensive guide to Tokyo’s 2025 events, featuring traditional festivals, cultural celebrations, and seasonal highlights throughout the year, from New Year’s Hatsumode to year-end bell ringing ceremonies.

Notable Tokyo Food Events in March 2025

In March, cherry blossoms begin to bloom in Tokyo. Ueno Park, famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot, hosts a large-scale cherry blossom viewing event. As temperatures rise significantly, outdoor American BBQ food events are also held.

Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival


Source:TAITO city Official website

Ueno Park in Taito Ward is nationally famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot, with about 800 cherry trees planted throughout its vast grounds. From mid-March to early April, the annual Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival is held when these cherry trees bloom beautifully. During the event period, the park bustles with food stalls and stage events, and at night, the cherry blossoms are illuminated.

The main attraction of the Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival is the food stalls where you can enjoy various Japanese street foods. This hugely popular event attracts approximately 2.9 million visitors. In the lively park, you'll find all kinds of food stalls offering standard street foods like okonomiyaki and takoyaki, plus light snacks of potato and butter, grilled squid, beef skewers, desserts, and more.

Personally, I always make sure to get alcoholic beverages such as sake, wine, and champagne, which are essential for Japanese cherry blossom viewing. Enjoy Ueno's cherry blossoms—Tokyo's best spring spot—while savoring delicious food and drinks. The Tokyo Food Event 2025 calendar highlights this festival as one of the most authentic ways to experience Japanese food culture amid natural beauty.

<Information>
- Dates: March 15 - April 6, 2025, 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM (tentative)
- Access: 3-minute walk from Ueno Station [JR Park Exit] to Ueno Park
- Admission: Free



American BBQ Cook-off 2025


Source:PR TIMES

In March, an American BBQ contest event will be held at the park in Harumi Pier, an international trading port. Participants will cook American pork back ribs within a time limit, and judges will determine the No. 1. Additionally, the Harumi Backyard BBQ Bash food festival will be held simultaneously. Three restaurants from Japan that serve authentic American BBQ cuisine will participate in the festival and sell brisket comparison plates.

The appeal of this event, part of the Tokyo Food Event 2025, is that visitors can enjoy authentic American BBQ cuisine, which is still rare in Japan. Unlike Japanese BBQ which grills meat in a short time, American-style BBQ smokes meat, seafood, and vegetables, sometimes cooking them slowly at low temperatures for up to a day.

When I first tasted authentic American BBQ, I was surprised and shocked by the rich deliciousness filled with the umami of the meat. If you're visiting Tokyo in spring, why not enjoy juicy, delicious meat dishes at Harumi Pier on March 20th?

<Information>
- Date: March 20, 2025
- Access: [From Tokyo Station/Ginza/Tsukiji area]
       Toei Bus: Bound for Harumi Pier (Route 05-1)
       Get off at "Hot Plaza Harumi-mae" or the terminal "Harumi Pier," both a 4-minute walk to Harumi Pier Park
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.aozora-2023.com/american-bbq-cook-off



Notable Food Events in Tokyo for April 2025

In April 2025, Tokyo will host events where you can enjoy popular Japanese cuisine such as delicious wagyu steak and gyoza. Tokyo has a comfortable climate in April, and a popular Oktoberfest will also be held outdoors in Odaiba, making it another highlight of the Tokyo Food Event 2025 calendar.

Meat Festival 2025 TOKYO Steak King Championship


Source:PR TIMES

The Meat Festival 2025 brings together popular meat restaurants from all across Japan to Odaiba. Visitors can taste special steaks from each restaurant and vote for their favorite. The restaurant that shines as No.1 will earn the title of this year's "Steak King."

The charm of this Tokyo Food Event 2025 is the opportunity to try exquisite steaks from popular restaurants throughout Japan. For example, one participating restaurant, "Yakiniku Kokoro" from Osaka, will be serving steak made from slowly grilled female "Matsusaka Beef A5 Rank," a famous Japanese wagyu brand. Enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth tender Matsusaka beef topped with specially blended salt and yuzu kosho. Yuzu kosho is a Japanese spice made by mixing chili peppers with yuzu fruit pulp.

You'll also have the chance to taste dishes using other Japanese brand beef like Yamagata beef and Miyazaki beef, as well as delicious karaage (fried chicken) and katsu (cutlets).

This is an event meat lovers can't miss. Please come enjoy uniquely Japanese wagyu steaks and meat dishes at this exciting Tokyo Food Event 2025.

<Information>
- Dates: April 26 - May 6, 2025
- Access: 2-minute walk from "Tokyo International Cruise Terminal" Yurikamome Line, 5-minute walk from "Daiba Station," 7-minute walk from "Tokyo Teleport - Station" Rinkai Line → Odaiba Aomi District Block P
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.nikufes.jp/2025/



Odaiba Oktoberfest ~SPRING~


Source:GO TOKYO

The Odaiba Oktoberfest is an event featuring German beer and German cuisine held in Tokyo, Odaiba. In the spacious plaza of Odaiba, you can enjoy draft beer shipped directly from Germany outdoors along with authentic German dishes such as sausages and eisbein.

The Odaiba Oktoberfest is a vibrant event with many fun attractions. Six beer makers from Munich will gather to offer special German beers for the Tokyo Food Event 2025 visitors to enjoy.

The venue will include a giant tent where you can enjoy beer without worrying about the sun, and luxurious amusement park-like attractions such as Ferris wheels and roller coasters are also planned.

Additionally, Japanese social media influencers dressed in German traditional costume (dirndl) will appear to add glamour to the event. Let's enjoy beer and the lively event outdoors while taking in the warm April Tokyo climate during this special Tokyo Food Event 2025.

<Information>
- Dates: April 25 - May 6, 2025
- Access: About 5-minute walk from Daiba Station or Tokyo International Cruise - Terminal Station on the Yurikamome Line
      About 5-minute walk from Tokyo Teleport Station on the Rinkai Line → Odaiba - Symbol Promenade Park, Central Plaza
- Admission: Adults: 500 yen / Elementary school students and preschoolers: Free
- Website: https://www.oktober-fest.jp/odaiba_spring/index.html



Craft Gyoza Festival


Source:Official website

The Craft Gyoza Festival is a gourmet festival at Komazawa Olympic Park in Setagaya Ward where you can try various types of gyoza (dumplings). The venue will sell 30 types of handmade gyoza and numerous craft beers that pair perfectly with gyoza.

The highlight of the Craft Gyoza Festival, another great Tokyo Food Event 2025, is that top-level popular shops from across the country gather to offer gyoza filled with their special dedication.

For example, from the popular restaurant "Asia Kappo Shinbashi Rengetsu" in Tokyo's Aoyama area, they'll be serving "special handmade grilled gyoza" that won a world championship at a Chinese cuisine competition. Enjoy the chewy thick skin filled with dedication, and the meat and vegetables that are steam-grilled to perfection.

You can taste all kinds of gyoza, not just grilled or boiled dumplings, but also fried gyoza, xiaolongbao, and unique dessert gyoza.

One purpose of this event is also for gyoza lovers to come together and celebrate gyoza culture. If you find a gyoza you like, it might be fun to share it on social media with a hashtag.

<Information>
- Dates: April 25 - May 6, 2025
- Access: 15-minute walk from Komazawa-daigaku Station on the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line → Komazawa Olympic Park
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://craftgyoza.jp/tokyo2025/Dates: April 25 - May 6, 2025



Tokyo Food Events to Look Forward to in May 2025

May in Tokyo welcomes early summer, with temperatures quickly rising to nearly 30°C. With a major holiday week, it's a season filled with outdoor leisure events. Here are five noteworthy gourmet events taking place across Tokyo in May that visitors should keep an eye on for the Tokyo Food Event 2025.

The 6th "Dried Noodle Grand Prix 2025 in Tokyo"


Source:PR TIMES

The Dried Noodle Grand Prix is a food event where you can enjoy dishes made with Japanese noodles such as udon, soba, somen, as well as Chinese-style ramen. At the venue, visitors can taste and compare various noodle dishes provided by dried noodle manufacturers, and the grand prize winner is determined by voting.

At this event, you can enjoy various types of popular Japanese noodle dishes at reasonable prices. For example, at the 2024 event I attended, the grand prize went to a famous manufacturer's "Charred Pork Belly Rich Mixed Soba."

This dish consists of soba noodles in broth topped with a large piece of braised pork belly. The originally light-flavored soba noodles combined with the juiciness of the pork created a dish that was healthy yet rich and delicious.

Each menu item costs only 500 yen, which is quite reasonable. If you want to try many authentic Japanese noodle dishes, be sure to visit Komazawa Olympic Park during the Tokyo Food Event 2025.

<Information>
- Dates: May 17-18, 2025, 10:00 AM 6:00 PM
- Access: 15-25 minute walk from Komazawa Daigaku Station on the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://promotion.nippon-access.co.jp/event/kanmengp/



Shimokitazawa Spice & Sweets Free-Style Bar Hopping


Source:PR TIMES

This event takes place in Shimokitazawa, a neighborhood known for its stylish vintage clothing and variety shops, and features spicy foods and sweets.

Many popular restaurants in Shimokitazawa participate in this event, selling special menus of delicious spicy foods, sweets, and alcoholic beverages. Visitors to the Tokyo Food Event 2025 will find this a particularly appealing attraction.

Shimokitazawa has many stylish and unique small eateries. By participating in this event, you can discover hidden gems and charming establishments in Shimokitazawa.

Participants can purchase a wristband that allows them to order special event-limited menu items at discounted prices. A stamp rally is also held, so feel free to visit several shops and find your own favorites.

Explore the neighborhood of Shimokitazawa to your heart's content, touring unique restaurants in this area that's extremely popular with international travelers attending the Tokyo Food Event 2025.

<Information>
- Dates: April 18-May 6, 2024 (2025 dates to be determined)
- Access: Exit the east gate of Shimokitazawa Station on the Keio Line and the reception is immediately in the station plaza
- Admission: 500 yen advance tickets / 700 yen at the door
- Website: None



Sichuan Festival


Source:Official website

In May, the Sichuan Festival will be held in Nakano, where you can enjoy spicy Chinese Sichuan cuisine. Sichuan cuisine is characterized by its spicy seasoning. Dishes like mapo tofu and twice-cooked pork have been popular in Japan for many years.

The highlight of the Sichuan Festival is its unique theme that changes every year. In 2024, the theme was mapo tofu, an extremely popular Sichuan dish in Japan. A comparison tasting of 20 different varieties of mapo tofu was held, attracting many visitors and making the event a great success.

I tried the mapo tofu from Chen Mapo Tofu, a popular restaurant said to be the birthplace of this dish. It was deliciously spicy, allowing me to fully enjoy the numbing heat characteristic of Sichuan cuisine.

The theme for 2025 will continue to be "mapo tofu." If you love spicy food and Chinese cuisine, come to Nakano to experience this Sichuan dish beloved by Japanese people at the Tokyo Food Event 2025.

<Information>
- Dates: May 10, 2025, 11:00 AM 5:00 PM
         May 11, 2025, 10:00 AM 4:00 PM
- Access: 3-minute walk from JR "Nakano" Station → Nakano Central Park
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://meiweisichuan.jp/sisen-fes2025



Ice Cream Expo


Source:PR TIMES

The Ice Cream Expo is an event where local ice creams from all over Japan gather. It is held annually as Japan's largest ice cream festival. Each year, over 180 unique and delicious local ice creams from across the country come together, allowing visitors to enjoy various ice creams at the venue.

What makes this event special is that it's exclusively for ice cream lovers. The event is produced by famous critics who work as ice cream specialists and the Japan Ice Cream Mania Association, a group that truly loves ice cream. Only carefully selected ice creams are exhibited.

Last year, I ate the milk soft-serve from "Country Landscape" in Hokkaido, an area known for its thriving livestock industry and delicious ice cream. The soft-serve made only with raw milk without additives like cream was simply rich and creamy – absolutely delightful.

When Tokyo's temperature rises suddenly in early May, be sure to visit Shinjuku to enjoy ice creams from all over Japan at this Tokyo Food Event 2025.

<Information>
- Dates: April 25 May 6, 2025, 11:00 AM 7:30 PM
- Access: Directly connected to Exit A6 of "Tocho-mae" Station on the Oedo Line
    4-minute walk from Exit 2 of "Nishi-Shinjuku" Station on the Marunouchi Line
    8-minute walk from West Exit of "Shinjuku" Station on JR, Odakyu, and Keio Lines
    8-minute walk from Exit 7 of "Shinjuku" Station on the Shinjuku Line → Shinjuku Sumitomo Building Triangle Plaza
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.i-89.jp/



Thai Festival


Source:Official website

The Thai Festival is an event held at Yoyogi Park in Shibuya where you can experience Thai culture and cuisine. Sponsored by the Thai Embassy in Japan, many excellent Thai restaurants participate. Shops selling Thai goods and ingredients also gather, and music events featuring Thai artists are held.

While you can enjoy the Thai Festival all day, the highlight is the food stalls serving popular Thai cuisine in Tokyo. I drank Thai milk tea and ate moo tod (fried pork). The crispy texture combined with the special Thai broth created an addictively delicious flavor.

Last year, the festival was a great success with events like fan meetings with actors appearing in popular Thai dramas. If you're visiting Shibuya or Harajuku in May during the Tokyo Food Event 2025, be sure to extend your trip to Yoyogi Park.

<Information>
- Dates: May 10-11, 2025, 10:00 AM 8:00 PM
- Access: 3-minute walk from JR "Harajuku" Station
         3-minute walk from "Yoyogi Park" Station (C02) on Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line → Yoyogi Park
- Admission: Free



Notable Food Events in Tokyo for June 2025

June in Tokyo marks the rainy season. Though there are many rainy days, the average temperature ranges from 20°C to 25°C, making it a comfortable climate. In Yokohama, a major hamburger contest event will be held at the beautiful traditional brick buildings of the Red Brick Warehouse.

JAPAN BURGER CHAMPIONSHIP


Source:Official website

The JAPAN BURGER CHAMPIONSHIP is an event where the best burger is selected from entries by stores and chefs from all over Japan. This year, the finals will be held at the Red Brick Warehouse in Yokohama. Visitors can purchase special menu items from booths of popular participating restaurants, and the winning burger will be determined by judges.

The high level of attention and popularity is a major attraction of the JAPAN BURGER CHAMPIONSHIP. Last year's winner received significant attention, including a collaborative product released by the major hamburger chain Wendy's.

Furthermore, the winner will earn the right to participate in the major event, the World Food Championships, which will be held in America in November 2025.

Yokohama is a city accessible from Tokyo in about 30 minutes by train. Be sure to visit the Tokyo Food Event 2025 and compare popular Japanese hamburgers in the beautiful city of Yokohama.

<Information>
- Date: June 13-15, 2025
- Access: Approx. 15-minute walk from JR/Municipal Subway "Sakuragicho Station" via Kishamichi → Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
- Entrance fee: Free
- Website: https://jburgerchamp.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabhtdyhvFdq6eeDmc_6Ahay9AAbaovAExTVxUBd284IcSAiVVnCAv7BZEY_aem_ECzxTRl-vml8souACQPblg

Notable Food Events in Tokyo for July 2025

As the rainy season ends in July, Tokyo finally enters the peak of summer. Here are events featuring spicy foods and delicious hamburgers to help you get through Tokyo's extremely humid summer.

Summer Spicy Food Grand Prix


Source:Mori Building

In Roppongi, the "Summer Spicy Food Grand Prix," a spicy food event perfect for summer, will be held. In 2024, 19 popular stores in the Ark Hills complex in Roppongi participated, selling excellent spicy menu items for about two months.

The highlight of the Summer Spicy Food Grand Prix is that you can enjoy dishes with various levels of spiciness. The dishes mainly use spices such as chili peppers, Japanese pepper, and habanero, and the spiciness can be selected from 5 levels according to preference.

As someone who's somewhat weak with spiciness, I ate "Tacoricco's" Habanero Tomato Chicken Burrito at spiciness level 2. The refreshing acidity and the tomato sauce with a tingling spiciness from the spices created an exquisite flavor.

For those who aren't satisfied even with the highest level 5, an even spicier "secret spicy menu" is prepared every year. If you want to blow away Tokyo's summer heat with spicy food, why not try the secret spicy menu at this exciting Tokyo Food Event 2025?

<Information>
- Date: July 12 - September 1, 2024 (2025 dates TBD)
- Access: 1-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Namboku Line "Roppongi-Itchome Station" Exit 3
1-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Ginza Line "Tameike-Sanno Station" Exit 13 → Ark Mori Building
- Entrance fee: Free
- Website: https://www.mori.co.jp/company/press/release/2024/06/20240625110000004713.html



Roppongi Gourmet Burger Grand Prix


Source:FASHION PRESS

The Roppongi Gourmet Burger Grand Prix is a hamburger contest event held annually in summer at restaurants in Roppongi Hills and Azabu-dai Hills.

In 2024, 21 popular restaurants from Roppongi's favorite shopping facility, Roppongi Hills, and Azabu's Azabu-dai Hills participated. The grand prize is determined by customer votes from special event menus and regular menu items.

The highlight is the unique hamburgers that blend various tastes, which are already popular in Roppongi. In 2024, they sold hamburgers featuring original patties that mixed tuna and ground beef, as well as luxurious beef and seafood hamburgers topped with rich sea urchin sauce on premium Japanese wagyu.

If you're planning to visit Roppongi in July, you might enjoy stopping by participating restaurants for lunch, trying these distinctive hamburgers, and casting your vote. The Tokyo Food Event 2025 will certainly feature this popular burger competition again with even more creative offerings for tourists to enjoy!

<Information>
- Schedule: July 1 - September 1, 2024 (2025 dates to be determined)
- Access: 4-minute walk from Roppongi Station (Hibiya Line/Oedo Line) → Roppongi Hills
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.mori.co.jp/company/press/release/2024/06/20240607110000004703.html



Notable Food Events in Tokyo in August 2025

In August, Tokyo continues the July trend with spicy food events to beat the heat. Additionally, in Shibuya, a curry festival will be held for a month, where you can enjoy delicious curry and events at various locations throughout the area. The Tokyo Food Event 2025 calendar makes August an exciting time for food tourists!

Extra Spicy & Shaved Ice FES300


Source:YOKOHAMA

Extra Spicy & Shaved Ice FES300 is a unique gourmet event held in Yokohama. The theme of the event is spicy food and shaved ice. In front of the Pacifico Yokohama complex facility in Minato Mirai, 10 specialty stores of popular spicy food and 10 specialty stores of shaved ice gather.

The appeal of this event is enjoying a unique combination perfect for summer. After eating spicy food and working up a sweat, try eating cold and sweet shaved ice right away.

At first, I thought it was a strange combination, but the shaved ice sharply cools down your mouth after it heats up from the spiciness, and if you repeat it, it becomes an addictive combination that you can't stop.

Non-spicy food and soft drinks are also available, making it an event that children and families can enjoy as well. In August, be sure to check out this fun summer event in Yokohama as part of your Tokyo Food Event 2025 experience!

<Information>
- Schedule: July 13-14, 2024 (2025 dates to be determined)
- Access: 7-minute walk from Minatomirai Station → In front of Pacifico Yokohama
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://decisive-khaan-670.notion.site/



Spicy Gourmet Festival


Source:FASHION PRESS

The Spicy Gourmet Festival is an event for spicy food lovers, featuring fiery dishes that even enthusiasts will find satisfying. Held since 2013, it takes place regularly in various locations throughout Tokyo and Japan, including Okubo Park in Shinjuku.

The Spicy Gourmet Festival primarily showcases Asian spicy cuisines. I tried the extremely spicy pho from the Vietnamese restaurant Mai Hien. With each sip of the soup, my lips would tingle from the intense heat.

However, this pho was only medium-level spiciness - many even spicier foods were being sold at the venue. If you love spicy cuisine or want to challenge yourself with hot foods, this event is definitely worth attending as part of the Tokyo Food Event 2025 lineup.

Be sure to check the schedule and join the Spicy Gourmet Festival if your plans allow.

<Information>
- Schedule: Usually held from April to October in various Tokyo locations
- Access: About 6 minutes walk from JR Shin-Okubo Station → Okubo Park (if held at Okubo Park)
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/1018058045/ji-xingurume-jiri/
          https://www.facebook.com/gekikara.gourmet/?locale=ja_JP



Japanese Curry Festival


Source:Official website

The Japanese Curry Festival features one month of pop-up shops from popular curry restaurants nationwide, temporarily located in Shibuya. Additionally, local Shibuya restaurants offer limited-time curry menus, and there's an extensive stamp rally event.

The charm of this event is experiencing the latest curry trends each year. In 2024, the trending style was "Neo-Katsu Curry." Katsu curry consists of curry roux and rice topped with deep-fried thick meat cutlets.

Traditional katsu curry can feel greasy, and some people avoid it due to potential indigestion. Neo-Katsu Curry is an improved version with modified roux and seasonings that make it delicious without upsetting your stomach.

I purchased katsu curry from the limited-time shop of restaurant "Shankara-do." The thin liquid roux wasn't overwhelming and paired perfectly with the juicy cutlet.

If you're visiting Shibuya in August for the Tokyo Food Event 2025, be sure to visit the restaurants and pop-up shops to experience Japan's unique curry culture.

<Information>
- Schedule: Usually around August 10th to September 8th (2025 dates TBD)
- Access: Throughout the Shibuya Station area (JR and private lines)
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://japanese-curry-festival.com/

Notable Food Events in Tokyo in September 2025

September in Tokyo still retains some summer heat. I'll introduce enjoyable and delicious events including outdoor beer garden events where you can feel the cool night breeze, and "ocean"-themed events that children can also enjoy.

Forest Beer Garden


Source:PR TIMES

Meiji Shrine opens a limited-time beer garden every year. In 2024, it operated from April to September. This large outdoor beer garden in the lush natural surroundings of Meiji Shrine's outer gardens has 900 seats.

The charm of the "Forest Beer Garden" is enjoying beer in the open air while experiencing nature at night. Drinking beer under the unobstructed night sky while feeling the summer breeze is an ultimate experience. There are beer servers offering seven varieties of Japanese and German beers, including Kirin and Heineken.

Although there are many seats, when I went, it became almost full as the evening progressed. The atmosphere was vibrant, with many people enjoying the natural openness together.

For the still-hot September in Tokyo, I recommend visiting the outdoor beer garden at Meiji Shrine. If you're planning to attend the Tokyo Food Event 2025, this would be a perfect place to relax after exploring the exhibitions.

<Information>
- Schedule: April 16 - September 23, 2024 (2025 dates not yet determined)
- Access: About 5 minutes walk from JR Chuo-Sobu Line "Shinanomachi Station" or Toei Oedo Line "National Stadium Station"
About 10 minutes walk from Tokyo Metro "Aoyama-itchome Station" → Inside "Niko Niko Park" at Meiji Shrine outer garden
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.morinobeergarden.com/



Enjoy Fish Festival


Source:ORICON NEWS

The Enjoy Fish Festival is an event where families and children can learn about the "sea" while having fun. Held on the reclaimed land of Yumenoshima in Tokyo Bay, the festival features fishing gear sales, fun events and workshops such as coloring and stamp rallies, plus seafood cuisine including sushi and fish burgers.

What's notable about the Enjoy Fish Festival is the cuisine that teaches us to value limited marine resources. For example, a popular item in 2024 was the "Shark Burger." This effectively utilizes shark meat, which in Japan is often discarded after the fins are used as high-end ingredients (shark fin).

Shark meat is high in protein and rich in iron, featuring excellent nutritional value. You can also enjoy plenty of other seafood that children will love, such as sushi, garlic shrimp, and seafood-based sweets. This event is highly recommended for families visiting the Tokyo Food Event 2025, as it showcases sustainable seafood options.

<Information>
- Schedule: September 27-28, 2025
- Access: 15 minutes walk from Rinkai Line/JR Keiyo Line/Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line "Shin-Kiba Station" → Yumenoshima Marina
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://enjoy-sakana.com/



Hokkaido Fair


Source:PR TIMES

The Prince Park Tower Tokyo and Prince Hotel Tokyo, luxury hotels with panoramic views of Tokyo Tower, regularly host Hokkaido Fairs. This event features special sales of various dishes and gourmet foods from Hokkaido, a treasure trove of delicious ingredients, at restaurants and shops within both facilities.

In the past, "Shibazakura," the popular Japanese restaurant at Prince Hotel, offered the "Eastern Hokkaido Taste Tour" course, allowing guests to enjoy Hokkaido ingredients.

What impressed me at Shibazakura was the "Katte-don." Katte-don is a specialty dish from Kushiro, Hokkaido, where you put several seafood items of your choice on white rice. At Shibazakura, you can select five types from among 15 seafood options. I enjoyed plenty of luxurious Hokkaido seafood such as salmon roe and scallops.

The timing varies by year, sometimes held in September, but the 2025 dates are currently undetermined. If you're interested in Hokkaido cuisine, be sure to check for information about the Prince Hotel Hokkaido Fair when visiting Tokyo. This would make an excellent addition to your itinerary if you're attending the Tokyo Food Event 2025.

<Information>
- Schedule: April 27 - June 30, 2024 (2025 dates not yet determined)
- Access: Prince Hotel - 10 minutes walk from JR Line "Hamamatsucho Station"
10 minutes walk from Tokyo Metro "Kamiyacho Station" → Prince Hotel
- Admission: Free (food and drinks not included)
- Website: https://www.princehotels.co.jp/press/240409_03/



Noteworthy Food Events in Tokyo for October 2025

In October, Tokyo's weather becomes very comfortable and pleasant as September's heat subsides. I'd like to introduce some events where you can enjoy outdoor activities and savor Japan's popular cuisine, including ramen.

Oktoberfest

When October arrives, Oktoberfest food events where you can enjoy authentic German beer and German cuisine are held throughout Tokyo. At the Tokyo Food Event 2025 Oktoberfest celebrations, you can enjoy authentic German beers from German breweries, popular beers from Japanese brands, and the unique atmosphere of each venue.

"Oktoberfest at Urban Dock LaLaport Toyosu" - Enjoy by Tokyo Bay Harbor


Source:PR TIMES

This event is a German beer food festival held at the popular shopping center LaLaport Toyosu in Toyosu. It's typically held from September to October each year, offering German brewery beers and German cuisine such as Bavarian sausages.

The charm of the Toyosu Oktoberfest is that you can enjoy beer while feeling the breeze from Tokyo Bay. Toyosu is an area along Tokyo Bay that has been redeveloped with shopping spots, high-rise apartments, and office buildings. From the venue at LaLaport Toyosu, you can see beautiful views of Tokyo Bay and the cityscape.

While the blue sky and buildings during the day are beautiful, the night view with neon lights of buildings by the sea is also a must-see. Why not enjoy beer and gourmet food while feeling the sea breeze of Toyosu?

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- Dates: September 20 - October 14, 2024 (2025 dates TBD)
- Access: Directly connected to Exit 2b of Toyosu Station on Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line
Directly connected to Toyosu Station on Yurikamome Line → Urban Dock LaLaport Toyosu Courtyard Seaside Deck
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.oktober-fest.jp/lalaport_toyosu/index.html



"Oktoberfest in Jingu Gaien" - Enjoy in an Oasis in the City


Source:Official website

A large-scale Oktoberfest is also held in Jingu Gaien, a green oasis in Tokyo. This beer festival offers authentic German beers and cuisine from 12 German breweries including Hofbräu, Berliner, and Zoller-Hof.

The highlight of this event is that you can enjoy authentic German beer and Tokyo's autumn in an open and relaxing urban oasis.

October has great weather, and when I went in 2024, it was pleasantly refreshing. I spent a very relaxing time drinking the sweet Dunkel beer from Zoller-Hof while looking at the greenery of Jingu Gaien, the wide sky, and Tokyo's buildings.

If you want to relax while feeling the autumn in Tokyo's oasis, be sure to check out the Oktoberfest at Jingu Gaien at the Tokyo Food Event 2025.

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- Dates: Usually around October 11 - October 31 (2025 dates TBD)
- Access: 5-minute walk from [A1] exit of National Stadium Station → Jingu Gaien General Sports Field
- Admission: 1000 yen
- Website: https://www.oktober-fest.jp/jingu_gaien/index.html



Japan Regional Ramen Championship


Source:Official website

The Japan Regional Ramen Championship showcases local ramen varieties from across the country, starting with online preliminaries. The 9 finalists, along with last year's champion, will appear at Okubo Park during the October event. Visitors can taste samples at each booth and vote to determine Japan's #1 regional ramen.

The highlight of this Tokyo Food Event 2025 is the opportunity to compare ramen styles that have developed distinct histories and flavors across different regions. Last year's entries included seafood ramen with kelp broth from Hokkaido and rich miso ramen from Kaga, a region known for its delicious miso.

This is a tremendous opportunity to taste the most popular ramen from around Japan without having to travel across the entire country.

The 2025 schedule is currently undetermined. If you're a ramen enthusiast or planning to visit Tokyo around October, be sure to check the website and social media for updates.

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- Dates: October 2-8, 2024 (2025 dates TBD)
- Access: Approximately 6 minutes on foot from JR Shin-Okubo Station → Okubo Park
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://www.ramenshow.jp/gr/



Notable Food Events in Tokyo in November 2025

In November, Tokyo hosts events where you can enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine, including the SAKANA&JAPAN FESTIVAL and the Kanda Curry Grand Prix. The SAKANA&JAPAN FESTIVAL is particularly popular among visitors to the Tokyo Food Event 2025, so it's worth checking out.

Kanda Curry Grand Prix


Source:Official website

Kanda in Chuo Ward is home to over 400 curry restaurants and is known as the curry holy land of Tokyo. This voting event determines the most popular curry in Kanda. Participating restaurants offer their signature curries, and the winner is decided by public vote.

In 2024, 20 shops out of 400 advanced to the finals. At the final event, which I attended, visitors could sample each restaurant's curry and vote, alongside various booth activities.

The finalist curries featured an impressive variety, including Indian/Pakistani styles, Nepalese varieties, Southeast Asian/Chinese influences, and soup curries—each with its own distinctive deliciousness. It was a fascinating experience that revealed the depth of curry culture in Japan.

If you love curry or are interested in Japanese curry culture, this event at the Tokyo Food Event 2025 is guaranteed to be enjoyable. If you're in Tokyo in November, be sure to check out the Kanda Curry Grand Prix.

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- Dates: November 2-3, 2024 (2025 dates TBD)
- Access: 3 minutes on foot from JR/Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Kanda Station → Former Imagawa Junior High School
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://kanda-curry.com/グランプリ決定戦2024/



Yakiimo Fest TOKYO


Source:Official website

Yakiimo (roasted sweet potato) is a traditional Japanese dessert made by roasting sweet potatoes over charcoal to bring out their sweetness. In November, a festival dedicated to these roasted sweet potatoes called Yakiimo Fest is held. 

At the Tokyo Food Event 2025, premium sweet potatoes and uniquely prepared yakiimo using various cooking methods and ingredient combinations will be gathered from all over Japan.

At the 2024 Yakiimo Fest, visitors could compare many different roasted sweet potatoes, from traditional varieties to unique creations. The first thing I tried was the "3 varieties of aged yakiimo" from Miyazaki Prefecture. While this was a menu of three traditional roasted sweet potatoes, I was surprised at how much the flavor and texture varied depending on the type of sweet potato used.

I also enjoyed unique yakiimo and sweet potato desserts that can't be found elsewhere, such as sweet potato soft serve ice cream and sweet potato mont blanc.

If you're interested in yakiimo, which even appears in popular Japanese anime, please check out the Yakiimo Fest at the Tokyo Food Event 2025.

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- Dates: November 1-10, 2024 (2025 dates to be determined)
- Access: 8-minute walk from JR "Nakano" Station / 8-minute walk from Tokyo Metro "Nakano" Station → Shiki no Mori Park in Nakano
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://yakiimofes.jp/tokyo2024/



SAKANA&JAPAN FESTIVAL in Odaiba


Source:PR TIMES

SAKANA&JAPAN FESTIVAL is an event where you can enjoy delicious seafood cuisine from all over Japan.

At the event held in Odaiba in 2023, approximately 170,000 people attended over four days, enjoying various gourmet foods such as luxurious sushi, seafood bowls, and seafood ramen.

The highlight of the SAKANA&JAPAN FESTIVAL is that you can fully enjoy exquisite seafood from across Japan. At the Tokyo Food Event 2025, I tried the "Overflowing Natural Alaskan Ikura Bowl," which had premium salmon roe generously piled on rice.

Although it was somewhat expensive, the rich liquid of the high-quality salmon roe paired perfectly with the white rice, creating a taste that was impressively delicious.

Other dishes featuring premium seafood such as tuna, salmon, and nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch) were also available, making this a popular event that attracts many visitors. The festival is held regularly in various locations throughout Tokyo, including Odaiba, so check the schedule and be sure to visit the SAKANA&JAPAN FESTIVAL at the Tokyo Food Event 2025.

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- Dates: November 1-4, 2024 (2025 dates to be determined)
- Access: 5-minute walk from Yurikamome Line "Aomi" Station
  7-minute walk from Rinkai Line "Tokyo Teleport" Station
- Admission: Free
- Website: https://37sakana.jp/sjfesodaiba/



Notable Food Events in Tokyo for December 2025

December in Tokyo is Christmas season. In recent years, European-style Christmas markets where you can buy and enjoy Christmas goods and gourmet food have begun to be held in various locations.

Here are three Christmas markets held in popular spots such as Roppongi and Azabu that will be part of the Tokyo Food Event 2025.

Tokyo Christmas Market in Jingu Gaien


Source:Official website

The Tokyo Christmas Market in Jingu Gaien is an annual event held in one of Tokyo's nature-rich spots. This market is a must-visit attraction during the Tokyo Food Event 2025. In 2024, the entrance fee was approximately 1000 yen, with numerous stalls selling adorable Christmas goods, food and beverages, and offering fun workshop experiences throughout the venue.

A highlight of the Jingu Gaien Christmas Market is enjoying hot drinks in an original mug. Visitors receive a cute original mug cup as a novelty upon entry. With this mug, after purchasing the special "first set" menu, you can get refills from any shop serving hot drinks.

Warm beverages in cold December Tokyo are truly exceptional. Even on the chilly day I visited, thanks to Jingu Gaien's beautiful nature and fresh air, I thoroughly enjoyed a delicious hot beer.

If you want to experience a Christmas market while feeling Tokyo's natural beauty, be sure to check out the Jingu Gaien event during the Tokyo Food Event 2025.

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- Schedule: Typically November 19th to December 25th (2025 dates to be determined)
- Access: 10-minute walk from Gaienmae Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Hanzomon Line)
10-minute walk from Aoyama-Itchome Station (Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line, Oedo Line) → Jingu Gaien Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery Front/Sports Complex
- Entrance fee: 1000 yen
- Website: https://tokyochristmas.net/



Roppongi Hills Christmas Market


Source:Official website

In December, a Christmas market is also held at one of Tokyo's most popular shopping facilities, Roppongi Hills. At the O-YANE PLAZA in Roppongi Hills, 10 shops selling Christmas goods and gourmet items gather, decorated with gorgeous illuminations.

The Roppongi Hills Christmas Market lets visitors enjoy authentic German cuisine while viewing the beautiful illuminations that are exceptionally popular even within Tokyo. The market offers delicious items like glühwein and German sausages for purchase.

Besides the warm decorations of this market recreating the authentic German atmosphere, don't miss the famous Keyakizaka illuminations at Roppongi Hills and the large Christmas tree in Mori Garden. During December in Tokyo, immerse yourself in Roppongi's stylish Christmas celebrations that make the entire neighborhood festive, making it a perfect destination for the Tokyo Food Event 2025.

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- Schedule: November 23rd to December 25th, 2024 (2025 dates to be determined)
- Access: 4-minute walk from Roppongi Station (Hibiya Line, Oedo Line) → Roppongi Hills
- Entrance fee: Free
- Website: https://www.christmas.hills-site.com/



Azabudai Hills Christmas Market


Source:MORI Building

Azabudai Hills, completed in 2023, is a beautiful area with upscale shopping facilities, apartments, offices, and schools. This area also hosts a splendid Christmas market in December. The market features 17 stylish shops selling popular Christmas items and food stalls from the Azabu area.

The highlight is the special Christmas menus offered by popular restaurants in this international area where an international school is located. Visitors can enjoy authentic and luxurious Belgian waffles, as well as Christmas menus of pretzels and German sausages prepared by German chefs.

I tried these pretzels myself, and the rich taste of fermented butter is rare in Japan—so delicious that once you taste it, you won't forget it. The Tokyo Food Event 2025 will likely showcase these unique international flavors again.

For those wanting to enjoy an international Christmas in Tokyo, definitely visit Azabudai Hills.

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- Schedule: Typically November 23rd to December 25th, 2025 dates to be determined
- Access: 6-minute walk from Kamiyacho Station → Azabudai Hills Central Plaza
- Entrance fee: Free
- Website: https://www.christmas.hills-site.com/illumination-event/azabudai/201/