Is Japan on your destination bucket list now that its borders are finally reopened? Well, if you're waiting until restrictions further ease or you're still saving up for that big overseas trip, a slice of Japan is coming to Sydney with the return of this Japanese festival. Japanaroo ran as a predominantly online festival celebrating Japanese food and culture in 2021, but this year it's back with an IRL lineup of more than 20 Japan-themed events.
Running between Saturday, September 3–Sunday, September 11, highlights of the festival include the free Matsuri Japan Festival at Chatswood Mall on Saturday, September 10, Japan Expo 2022 at Sydney University on Saturday, September 3 and a traditional Hokkaido barbecue dinner at Artarmon's Robata Jones Japanese on Monday, September 5.
Elsewhere there will be origami and ikebana workshops, live music from Japanese artists, pop-up art exhibitions and intro aikido martial arts classes.
"NSW and Japan are long-standing partners with substantial cooperation in many areas and I can think of no better way to celebrate our partnership than with Japanaroo. This terrific festival brings Japan and its rich culture right to our doorstep," NSW Premer Dominic Perrottet said.
Tickets range from free to $75. You can check out all the different workshops and events here.
