Konnichiwa London! Hyper Japan Festival 2023
Experience a culture from the other side of the world, right at home in England’s capital.
The Olympia venue is back! After last year’s event being moved to a not so well received venue, long-time fans of Hyper Japan rejoice at its return to Kensington. Even more excitingly, the 140 year old Olympia venue is undergoing a redevelopment, meaning the 2023 Hyper Japan event is likely to be bigger and better than ever.
Hyper Japan Festival has been running since 2010 and has become the UK’s largest Japanese Culture event, welcoming over 30,000 visitors during their three-day summer event. Hyper Japan fuses traditional and contemporary culture showcasing music, food and history as well as anime, manga and technology.
What is Hyper Japan?
Hyper Japan has always been colourful, with their bright pink logo hanging from the ceilings like a welcoming banner into the world of Japanese culture, the bright, contrasting colours of cosplays, kimonos, yukata, and the many distinct fashion genres hailing from the centre of Tokyo are an energising sight. Whilst dressing up in this way isn’t mandatory, you’ll be in good company! Options to rent out kimonos are available at the event, and you’ll be shown how to wear the traditional garment and some lovely ladies are on hand to help you out and teach you about the history of this traditional piece of clothing. The colourful celebration of Japanese culture doesn’t end here, the summer event is the perfect time to take a short walk over to Holland Park, home of the Kyoto Garden built in 1992 to celebrate the Japan Festival that year, to witness the serene waterfall and Japanese style pond.
What to do?
One of the main attractions is the Main Stage, sounds of J-pop, rock, and the distinct sound traditional instruments floating through the event halls. The Main Stage is also home to martial arts demonstrations, dance performances, talks, panels and the Cosplay Competition. The full programme is yet to be announced, but if the last few events are anything to go by, the event will be packed full of informative and entertaining performances.
Food
Food is a huge part of Japanese culture and there is no shortage of options! Warm, flavourful takoyaki and crunchy kaarage chicken are the usual favourites, with noodle options, Japanese snacks and soft drinks available in a number of unique flavours. Sake tasting is another favourite, a ticket add-on that allows you to sample a number of spirits and wines from Japan in a separate tasting room, but be quick, this add-on usually sells out before the event! Tickets for this summer’s event are currently on sale for an early bird price that ends on 15th April, get yours now, as this is not one to miss.
How to get there
Train – The nearest station is Kensington (Olympia) which is directly outside the venue on the London Overground line, only three stops from Clapham Junction or one stop from Shepherd’s Bush.
Where to eat
There are plenty of Japanese street food vendors on site and a traditional Japanese spirit, Sake, as well as Japanese beers and wines are available for purchase.
Accessibility
This venue has disabled parking, (which needs to be booked in advance), and there is step-free access to all levels of the venue. Assistance dogs are welcome.
