Want to try authentic Japanese pastries, yakitori, sushi and more? Experience Japan’s Hanami Festival this Sunday 27th April from 12–4pm, where you can enjoy all sorts of family-friendly activities, plus a mixture of Japanese food vendors, from sweets to savoury. The festival is a free, family-friendly event celebrating Japanese-Irish culture, including performances, demonstrations, and food stalls.
The Hanami Festival has a food court area where you will find a selection of traditional Japanese foods.
There will be 10 amazing food stalls at this year’s festival, including onigiri stands, a Japanese bakery and yakitori
- Daruma: Expect a menu of freshly made bento boxes, sushi, and yakitori.
- Gopan Bakery: specialises in soft, fluffy bread and delicate pastries, offering a slice of Japan in every bite.
- Kakilang: bringing Malaysian and Japanese street food together, Kakilang offers hearty rice bowls and savoury noodles.
- Le Petit Four: serves up a fusion of French patisserie techniques and Japanese ingredients.
- Musashi: known for its fresh sushi and sashimi, Musashi also serves a variety of traditional Japanese dishes.
- Okonomi Kitchen: serving playful, Japanese-inspired street food made with love, local ingredients, and a “twist of Irish charm”.
- Onigiri Giri: onigiri (Japanese rice balls).
- Wa Sushi: Wa Sushi serves high-quality, traditional sushi and sashimi.
- Wagashi Ireland: traditional Japanese sweets, such as mochi.
- Yamamori: a wide range of classic Japanese dishes, from gyoza to sushi.
There’s plenty more to enjoy apart from the food too; the main stage will host a variety of performances blending traditional Japanese and Irish culture, including powerful taiko drumming, contemporary and folk dance, and unique musical collaborations.
Visitors can take part in Japanese calligraphy workshops or stop by the poetry reading area, where haiku will be shared under the cherry blossom trees in true seasonal spirit.
For full event details and updates, visit the official site: experiencejapan.ie
