Ya Taiwan Fest 2026

A gathering of fantastical “Sky Lantern Experiences,” piping hot gourmet food to blow away the late summer heat, and cooling drinks and shaved ice!

The Yataiwan Fes Executive Committee will hold the first “Yataiwan Fes 2026 ~Gather! The Ultimate Street Food~,” a street food event themed around Taiwan’s “Night Markets,” for four days from Thursday, September 3 to Sunday, September 6, 2026, at the Hibiya Park Nirenokki Hiroba. In addition to a gathering of Taiwan beer, sweets, and street food reminiscent of Taiwan’s popular tourist night markets, the “Sky Lantern Experience,” where lanterns with written wishes are released into the night sky, is scheduled to be held every day during the period. Why not visit the venue to fully experience the charms of a Taiwanese night market, from piping hot gourmet food you’ll want to eat even in the late summer heat to cooling drinks and shaved ice?

As the first edition of the event, it brings the atmosphere of Taiwan’s night markets to central Tokyo, with food stalls, games, shopping, and performances spread across the park.

Sky Lanterns in Hibiya Park!

The “Sky Lantern Experience,” which reproduces the lantern release of Taiwan’s popular tourist spot “Shifen,” is scheduled to be held every day during the period. You can enjoy a fantastical moment of light by releasing lanterns written with wishes into the night sky.

• Reception starts: 18:00~
• Exchange starts: 19:00~
• Launch time: Scheduled for 20:00
• Fee: 4,000 yen per lantern (Same-day reception, first 100 people per day / No advance reservations)

*Cancelled in case of rain or strong winds

Shifen, a town in northern Taiwan, is known around the world for its sky lantern tradition, and this event recreates that experience in the heart of Tokyo. Since participation is limited to the first 100 people each day and no advance reservations are accepted, those hoping to take part should plan to arrive early.

Piping Hot Gourmet You’ll Want to Eat Even in Midsummer!

Even in the severe late summer heat of September, freshly made, piping hot Taiwanese street food will stimulate your appetite. A lineup just like the authentic locations will color the venue, featuring:

• Beef Noodle Soup (Niuroumian)
• Roasted Duck (Taiwan Duck)
• Pan-fried Small Buns (Shao Xiao Long Bao)
• Braised Pork Fried Rice (Lu Rou Fried Rice)
• Scallion Pancake (Negi Pie)
• Taiwan Fries
• Braised Pork Rice (Lu Rou Fan)
• Large Fried Chicken Fillet (Da Ji Pai)
• Sausage in a Sausage (Dachang Bao Xiaochang)
• Meatball (Ba Wan)
• Taiwanese Chinese Cabbage Dumplings
• Oyster Omelet
• Taiwanese Dry Mixed Noodles (Taiwan Mazesoba)
• Taiwanese Dan Dan Noodles (Taiwan Ramen)
• Taiwanese Mapo Tofu
• Pepper Buns (Koshou Man)

From hearty noodle soups and braised pork rice to the Large Fried Chicken Fillet and Sausage in a Sausage, the menu spans the range of Taiwanese night market classics.

Cooling Drinks & Cooling Gourmet (Shaved Ice)

In addition to the “Taiwan Tavern” and booths where you can taste Bubble Milk Tea and Taiwanese tea, cooling sweets such as Tofu Pudding (Douhua), Rainbow Cotton Candy, and fluffy Taiwanese Shaved Ice will also appear. These offer a refreshing counterpoint to the piping hot dishes, making it easy to keep exploring the stalls well into the evening.

Other Ways to Enjoy

Classic Taiwanese night market games such as ring toss and mask making will also appear. You can also enjoy shopping at the “Taiwan Products (Taiwan Souvenirs/Goods)” corner, which features souvenirs, cup noodles, and soy milk imported directly from Taiwan. Musical performances and shows are also planned for the special stage.

*Please check the official website for detailed information.

Basic Information

Item	Details
Location	Hibiya Park
Nearest Station	Hibiya Station / Uchisaiwachō Station / Yūrakuchō Station / Kasumigaseki (Tokyo) Station
Address	〒100-0012, 1-6 Hibiya Park, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo (MAP)
Period	2026/09/03 (Thu) ～ 2026/09/06 (Sun)
Hours	September 3 (Thu): 16:00–22:00 (L.O. 21:30)<br>September 4 (Fri): 11:00–22:00 (L.O. 21:30)<br>September 5 (Sat): 11:00–22:00 (L.O. 21:30)<br>September 6 (Sun): 11:00–20:00 (L.O. 19:30)
Admission	Adults (junior high school students and above): 500 yen<br>Free for elementary school students and below<br>Includes a handheld lantern
Official Website	https://www.yataiwan-fes.jp/
Rain Information	Will be held in rain; cancelled in case of severe weather

*The posted content may have changed. For the latest information, please check the official website of the venue or the organizer.

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What is Hibiya Park?

Hibiya Park is a public park in central Tokyo, a short walk from the Imperial Palace and close to Yurakucho, Kasumigaseki, and Hibiya stations. It opened in 1903 on land that had previously served as an army parade ground. At the time, it was an unusual project: a Western-style park built to give the city’s residents a place to walk, sit, and spend time outdoors. Its design was straightforward—wide paths, open lawns, flower beds, a central fountain, and rows of trees—and that layout has largely remained since.

The park has never been limited to quiet use. Over the years, its open areas have been used for charity bazaars, outdoor concerts, and cultural festivals. The Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall gives the park a permanent performance venue, and the large plazas around it can accommodate stages, stalls, and seating. At the same time, the side paths and shaded benches provide a place to get away from the nearby office district.

For Ya Taiwan Fest, the park works for practical reasons. It is central and easy to reach, it has room for the festival’s market-style layout, and it is familiar with hosting crowds. The mix of food and live performances suits the informal, open environment, and visitors can eat in the grass or at tables without feeling cramped.

An Exhibition for Those Who Can See

“Visible to Those Who Can See” is an experiential spirit photography exhibition that has drawn a cumulative total of approximately 40,000 visitors since its first run began in April 2025 at a private house in Namikibashi, Shibuya, followed by the second exhibition “Visible to Those Who Can See -Zero-” in Nihonbashi. Tickets frequently sold out, and the exhibition has received extensive coverage in various media. The experience of “borrowing the perspective of those who can see” has garnered a wide response.

The third installment opens August 28 at the Seibu Shibuya store, which will bring its 58-year history to a close at the end of September 2026.

The exhibition has been held in locations that retain the memories of the land. The first took place in a 93-year-old traditional folk house; the second, in a Nihonbashi building slated for demolition due to redevelopment. The Seibu Shibuya store continues that pattern. Why not take this opportunity to visit?

What is “Visible to Those Who Can See”?

In this world, there are a fair number of people who can see “something” that others cannot. “Visible to Those Who Can See” is an exhibition where visitors can vicariously experience the world as seen by such “seers.” The photographs on display appear to be ordinary landscape photos at first glance, but each is a piece where “it is visible to those who can see,” confirmed under the supervision of a psychic.

The photographs document existences that linger in the places where they were taken. What looks like an unremarkable street or a quiet ruin to most viewers is, to a seer, a scene occupied by something else. For visitors who cannot see what the seers perceive, the exhibition is a chance to borrow their perspective, if only for the duration of a visit.

Introduction to the Exhibition Experience

Until now, the project has visited ruins, cities, and power spots throughout Japan together with seers, photographing the existences lingering there. For this third installment, the team took on a new challenge: venturing abroad. Photography was conducted in the United States, Thailand, and China.

What do seers see in lands where cultures, histories, and forms of faith differ? The exhibition presents records of existences “seen” in various locations, organized into rooms named after the places where the photographs were taken: Shibuya, Shanghai, Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Las Vegas, and Sedona.

Voice Actor Yoshimasa Hosoya in Charge of Audio Guide

To allow visitors to enjoy the exhibition more deeply, the free audio guide will once again feature the voice of voice actor Yoshimasa Hosoya, following his narration for “Visible to Those Who Can See -Zero-.” Visitors can listen using their own smartphone and earphones.

• Communication costs shall be borne by the visitor.
• The audio guide cannot be heard once you leave the exhibition venue.
• Please check the official website for details on the content.

Editorial Team’s Experience Comment

The editorial staff member who visited for coverage is a “non-seer,” so they participated with great curiosity to see in what form “those who can see” perceive things.

The venue was dim with unsettling sounds playing, and at first, they proceeded with hesitant steps.

As they moved forward and gradually grew accustomed to the atmosphere, it was interesting to make various discoveries, such as “The things that are seen also reflect the characteristics of their respective countries.”

However, just as they let their guard down, something shocking is conveyed in the “final room”…

Photography was prohibited there, so please visit and confirm for yourself.

The diagnostic test to find out if you are a “person who can see” is also recommended.

Even if you end up seeing something… you can receive “Purification Salt” at the end, so please participate with peace of mind.

Basic Information

Item	Details
Location / Nearest Station	Seibu Shibuya Store / Shibuya Station
Address	〒150-8330, 21-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo (MAP)
Venue	Seibu Shibuya Store Building B, 3rd Floor Event Space
Period	2026/08/28 (Fri) – 2026/09/30 (Wed)
Hours	10:00–20:00 (last admission 19:00)
Fees	Weekdays: 1,900 yen (tax included) / Weekends & holidays: 2,300 yen (tax included)
	Free for elementary school students and younger
	Student discount (same-day tickets only): Weekdays 1,600 yen / Weekends & holidays: 1,800 yen (tax included)
Official Website	https://mieruhito.com/

A selection of exhibition merchandise is available at the venue.

The information on this page was published after the Let’s Enjoy Tokyo editorial team conducted on-site coverage and photography and confirmed the details with the “Visible to Those Who Can See Management Office.” The published content may have changed. Please check the official website of the venue or organizer for the latest information.

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The Seibu Shibuya Store is a department store on the west side of Shibuya Station, across from the Hachiko exit. It opened in 1968 and has long been identifiable by its yellow sign and the repeating geometric pattern on its facade. The architecture belongs to the postwar modernist style common for Japanese commercial buildings of that period; the grid gives it a quieter presence than the surrounding signs and screens.

For much of its life, the store also functioned as a venue for contemporary art and design. Its exhibitions and installations were not just decorative additions to the shopping floors. They were treated as independent projects and were often the main reason people came. That program made the store unusual among department stores, and it gave the building a public role that went beyond retail.

The merchandising was similarly deliberate. Floors were organized by category and by a consistent visual point of view, from clothing and accessories to housewares, books, and restaurants. The selection tended toward established and emerging designers rather than the widest possible range of brands.

The store is scheduled to close in 2026. After nearly sixty years, its departure will remove not only a large retail operation from Shibuya, but also one of the more sustained attempts in postwar Tokyo to put commercial and cultural activity in the same building.

Vermeer’s “Girl with a Pearl Earring” Exhibition at Osaka Nakanoshima Museum of Art: Masterpieces of 17th-Century Dutch Painting, a Miraculous Return to Japan

An exhibition introducing works by Vermeer and Dutch genre paintings from the collection of the Mauritshuis in The Hague, Netherlands, will be held at the Nakanoshima Museum of Art, Osaka. This is a unique opportunity: two of the three Vermeer works owned by the Mauritshuis will come to Japan—the masterpiece “Girl with a Pearl Earring,” returning to Japan for the first time in 14 years, and “Diana and Her Companions.”

This exhibition will be held exclusively at the Nakanoshima Museum of Art, Osaka. There will be no touring to other regions. In addition, 10 masterpieces of 17th-century Dutch painting will be exhibited, including Jan Steen’s “The Old Woman Singing and the Young Man Playing the Flute,” Paulus Potter’s “Bull Reflection in Water,” and Maria van Oosterwijck’s “Flowers in an Ornamental Vase.” There will also be a special visual experience available only here, where you can feel Vermeer’s world of light on a large screen stretching 20 meters in length.

■ The Ambassador is Dutch-born “Miffy”

Miffy, who like Vermeer was born in the Netherlands, will serve as the ambassador for this exhibition. Original plushies of Miffy dressed as the “Girl with a Pearl Earring” will also be available.

■ “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End” Collaboration Newly Drawn Illustration

The fantasy manga “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End” by Kanehito Yamada (original story) and Tsukasa Abe (art) is a story about traveling through a world reminiscent of the medieval and early modern Europe in which Vermeer lived. For this occasion, original goods will be sold featuring a special illustration newly drawn by Tsukasa Abe-sensei specifically for this exhibition, where Frieren overlaps with the “Girl with a Pearl Earring.”

Exhibition Details

• Period: Friday, August 21, 2026 – Sunday, September 27, 2026
• Hours: 9:30 – 17:00 (Last admission 16:30)
• Location: Nakanoshima Museum of Art, Osaka, 5th Floor Exhibition Room (4-3-1 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Osaka City)
• Fees: Adults 3,000 yen, High school/College students 1,500 yen, Elementary/Junior high students 500 yen *Date and time reservation system

Notes:

• Persons holding a disability certificate (Physical Disability Certificate, Rehabilitation Certificate, Mental Disability Health and Welfare Certificate), including one caregiver, will receive half off the daily fee (proof required). Please purchase at the ticket counter on the 2nd floor on the day of your visit (no advance reservation required).
• For this exhibition, persons aged 65 and over residing in Osaka City will also be required to pay the general admission fee.

Contact:

• Inquiries: 06-4301-7285 (Osaka City General Call Center / Naniwa Call; Reception hours 8:00 – 21:00, open year-round)
• Website: https://vermeer2026.exhibit.jp

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What is the significance of Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring?

Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring is a tronie, a type of character study that emerged in the Dutch Golden Age. Tronies were not commissioned portraits, nor were they narrative scenes. They were studies of expression, costume, and light, made to display the artist’s skill rather than to tell a story or advertise a sitter’s status. In this painting, Vermeer moves away from the domestic interiors with which he is most often associated. One female figure stands against a dark, flat background. She has turned to look over her shoulder, lips parted, with an earring catching the light. The painting does not claim to be a likeness of a particular woman; the subject remains anonymous. The pearl, a small patch of paint with a bright highlight, is a reminder of how much Vermeer could achieve with a limited number of strokes.

For art historians, the work matters because it embodies what a tronie was supposed to do. It allowed a painter to demonstrate technical skill and sensitive observation of human presence without the constraints of allegory, moral narrative, or portraiture. It also shows Vermeer’s interest in optical effects: the way light can fall on skin, fabric, and metal, and how a viewer’s eye can be led to a single point in the composition.

The painting’s fame is not entirely a modern phenomenon. It has long been admired by specialists, but its wider popularity grew considerably after the publication of Tracy Chevalier’s novel in 1999 and the subsequent film. When it is shown at the Osaka exhibition in 2026, it will be a good opportunity to see the work in person. The painting is small, about 44 by 39 centimetres, and much of its effect depends on the delicate handling of paint and the contrast between the figure and the background. The background has darkened with age, making the figure seem more isolated than it would originally have been. In that sense, the painting is not only a famous image; it is also a demonstration of how a seventeenth-century Dutch painter could turn simple materials into a convincing human presence.

Evening Lanterns 2026

Projection mapping “Yaesu Fireworks” expands to 2 areas this year! “Yoiji Toro 2026” held, featuring approximately 100 lanterns coloring Tokyo Station in summer.

The summer tradition of GranRoof returns for its fifth iteration with “Yoiji Toro 2026.” This year, the event centers on the theme of “Yaesu Fireworks,” employing approximately 100 lanterns and sophisticated projection mapping across the GranRoof Great Roof to transform the urban landscape of Tokyo Station into a serene space of light. In a significant expansion over previous years, the projection area has grown to encompass two distinct locations, deepening the immersive experience for visitors.

To cultivate a genuine festival atmosphere, the event features a variety of takeout food and beverages, with specialized stalls operating exclusively on weekends. These stalls offer unique treats, including the “Shinkansen Sugoi Katai Ice” (Shinkansen Super Hard Ice Cream). Furthermore, the “Yaesu Lantern Walk”—a collaborative rental project with Tokyo Midtown Yaesu—introduces an interactive element this year; the color of the rented lanterns changes as visitors reach specific checkpoints throughout the venue. Whether you are looking for a casual evening stroll or a moment of respite from the city heat, the Yaesu area offers a multifaceted seasonal experience.

A Fantastical Fireworks Space at Tokyo Station

The venue deck is illuminated by approximately 100 lanterns, each featuring one of three intricate patterns inspired by traditional fireworks. These installations work in tandem to envelop the entire area in a soft, fantastical glow, providing a visual departure from the typical bustle of Tokyo Station.
*All images are for illustrative purposes.

Expanded Projection Mapping: “Yaesu Fireworks”

The “Yaesu Fireworks” projection mapping has been expanded to two locations this year, now including displays on the Grand Staircase. This expansion creates a more dynamic and healing environment, utilizing synchronized imagery and sound production to evoke the feeling of a traditional summer festival—an experience designed to make visitors momentarily forget their city surroundings.

Interactive Installations and Photo Opportunities

Several themed decorations are placed throughout the venue to enhance the atmosphere and provide commemorative photo opportunities:

• Wind Chime Bench: A designated area for guests to take a break while listening to the cooling sounds of wind chimes.
• Fireworks Ball: Floating, illuminated spheres that mimic the appearance of fireworks in the night sky.
• Fireworks Wall: A large-scale installation linked to the event’s key visual, where visitors can engage with “firework-color fortunes.”

Special Culinary Offerings: “Choi-nomi Sets” and “Yoiji Drinks”

From August 28 (Fri) to September 6 (Sun), four select stores on the 2nd floor of “Gransta Yaesu” (the restaurant area of GranRoof Garden) will offer exclusive takeout menus. These include three “Choi-nomi” (light drink) value sets pairing recommended beers with appetizers, as well as two new soft drink additions for this year.

• Hitachino Brewing Tokyo Yaesu: Hitachino Nest Beer White Ale [Regular Size] & Mixed Nuts with Shichimi Brown Sugar Flavor — 1,000 yen (tax included)
• VOLPUTAS OLIVEOIL DINING TOKYO: Tokyo Craft Draft Beer & French Fries — 950 yen (tax included)
• Osteria IL VIAGGIO: Kirin Heartland (Draft Beer) & Inca no Mezame Potato Frites — 1,265 yen (tax included)
• feb’s coffee &TOKYO scone: Peach Fireworks Soda (800 yen / tax included) or Melon Cream Soda (850 yen / tax included)

Weekend Nighttime Stalls: “Yatai Yoiji”

Operating exclusively on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, the “Yatai Yoiji” stalls provide a curated selection of drinks and snacks. A highlight of these stalls is the “Shinkansen Sugoi Katai Ice,” a premium vanilla ice cream made with Hokkaido fresh cream. This treat is identical in both taste and packaging to the famous “hard” ice cream sold onboard Shinkansen trains.

Stall Details:

• Dates: August 28, 29, 30 and September 4, 5, 6 (6 days total)
• Business Hours: 18:00–20:00
• Items: Canned/bottled alcohol, soft drinks, and Shinkansen snacks
• Operator: JR East Service Creation Co., Ltd.

The “Yaesu Lantern Walk” Collaboration

In a joint effort between Tokyo Station, Tokyo Midtown Yaesu, and Yaechika, the “Yaesu Lantern Walk” invites visitors to explore the neighborhood with a free rental handheld lantern. This project bridges the “Yoiji Toro” event and the “Yaesu Night Market” held at Tokyo Midtown Yaesu.

This year, the walk features an interactive update: as you visit five checkpoints across three different facilities, the light color of your lantern will change. Those who can correctly identify all five colors upon reaching the goal may participate in a lottery to win a gift certificate set valued at 1,500 yen.

Rental Information:

• Dates: August 28, 29, 30 and September 4, 5, 6 (6 days total)
• Time: 17:00–20:30 (Final return: 21:00). *Note: On September 6, the event ends at 20:00 (Final return 19:30).
• Reception: JR Tokyo Station GranRoof 2F GranRoof Garden and Tokyo Midtown Yaesu 1F Atrium
• Participation Fee: Free

For further details, please consult the official website.

Basic Info

• Location / Nearest Station
  Tokyo Station (JR East)
  Tokyo Station
• Address
  〒100-0005
  1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
  MAP
• Venue
  JR Tokyo Station Yaesu Exit (outside ticket gates) GranRoof 2nd Floor “GranRoof Garden”
• Period
  2026/08/28 (Fri) ～ 2026/09/06 (Sun)
• Time
  Lighting time: 17:00–23:00
  *Projection mapping display time: 18:00–23:00
• Fees/Costs
  Free (Food and drink costs apply separately for “Choi-nomi Set,” “Yoiji Drink,” and “Yatai—Yoiji—”)
• Other URL
  Tokyo Station City

*Posted content may be subject to change. Please check the official website of the venue or organizer for the latest information.
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What is Yoiji Toro?

Yoiji Toro is a summer evening event around Tokyo Station built around traditional Japanese paper lanterns. The name combines yoiji, the relaxed early-evening hours of a summer night, and toro, the classic Japanese lantern. It is a straightforward name for a straightforward event: a set of illuminated lanterns placed in a public space, with food and projection-mapping added around them.

In 2026, the event will place 100 illuminated lanterns on the Yaesu side of Tokyo Station. The station plaza will be the main venue, and the lanterns will define the walking route through it. The program also includes a larger projection-mapping display with fireworks imagery along the Yaesu skyline and a group of summer food stalls. Together, these elements make the event less a single exhibit and more an evening program: visitors can look at the lanterns, watch the skyline projection, and eat at the stalls without treating any one part as the main attraction.