A Cozy Oasis in the Urban Winter
The festival transforms urban spaces into a welcoming haven, featuring approximately 40 kotatsu tables, making it one of Japan’s largest outdoor kotatsu setups. Imagine the sensation: the crisp winter air on your face, the warmth of the kotatsu enveloping your legs, and the tantalizing aromas of street food filling the air. It’s an experience that marries the intimate comfort of home with the exhilarating buzz of a lively festival. Beyond the culinary delights, the event promises continuous entertainment with various street performers and stage acts, ensuring a day of fun for all ages. It’s a holistic sensory journey where “eating, relaxing, and watching” seamlessly intertwine.
Utsunomiya and Chiba Kick Off the Tour
The tour begins in Utsunomiya and Chiba, each hosting a curated selection of gourmet vendors and talented artists.
Utsunomiya Venue Highlights
The Utsunomiya leg of the festival takes place at Banba Shimin Hiroba from February 6th to 8th, 2026. Visitors can indulge in a diverse range of dishes, including:
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Pan-san no Mise’s Mala Oden: A spicy twist on the classic Japanese stew, featuring oden ingredients simmered in a rich, flavorful mala soup.
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Osatsu Honpo’s Thick-sliced Beef Tongue Skewers: Known for their distinct chewy texture, these jumbo skewers of thick-cut beef tongue are seasoned with Setouchi salt and domestic pepper, grilled to perfection, and make an excellent companion for drinks.
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Hakata Motsunabe Ishikawa’s Motsunabe: A hearty hotpot featuring tender beef offal stewed in a rich soy-miso broth, a beloved taste from Hakata.
A wide array of other vendors will also be present, offering everything from kebabs and craft beer to crepes and various Japanese delights.
Chiba Venue Highlights
The festival then moves to Chiba City Chuo Park from February 20th to 23rd, 2026. Here, the culinary journey continues with:
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Koyama Shoten’s Hakata Mentaiko Tororo Nabe: Making its Chiba debut, this popular hotpot features fluffy grated yam, spicy mentaiko (pollock roe), and a meticulously prepared dashi broth.
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Craft Beer BAR: Offering a selection of delicious craft beers from across Japan, brought by a specialist from Tsukuba, Ibaraki.
The Chiba venue will also host captivating performances, including:
- SUR DE WAVE: Showcasing mesmerizing freestyle football, a dynamic form of entertainment that transcends traditional soccer.
Other performers at the Chiba venue include NARU, Juggling Drummer GAKU, Hiraku, Pen Spinning Performer Kay, Hitomi & Friends, komatan, Juggler MAKi., and Oroshi Ponzu.
Beyond Food: Sake, Footbaths, and Fun
The Kotatsu Yatai Fest offers more than just food and performances. “It’s truly an ingenious way to enjoy the depth of Japanese winter culture in a lively setting,” remarked one early visitor.
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Nihonshu Nomikurabe (Sake Tasting): A special corner dedicated to comparing various Japanese sakes, perfectly complementing the cozy kotatsu atmosphere. Other beverages are also available.
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Ashiyu (Footbath): For an added layer of relaxation, a footbath booth will be available, providing a soothing escape to warm up. Regular chlorine disinfection will be performed.
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LINE Official Account: By adding the official LINE account, visitors can participate in a free lottery to win coupons.
Tour Schedule and Information
The “Kotatsu Yatai Fest 2026” invites everyone to experience this unique winter festival. Admission is free for all venues.
Event Dates and Locations:
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Utsunomiya Venue: Banba Shimin Hiroba (Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture)
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February 6, 2026 (Fri) 15:30-19:30 (Pre-open)
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February 7, 2026 (Sat) 11:00-19:30
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February 8, 2026 (Sun) 11:00-18:30
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Chiba Venue: Chiba City Chuo Park (Chuo-ku, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture)
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February 20, 2026 (Fri) 16:00-20:00 (Pre-open)
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February 21, 2026 (Sat) 11:00-20:00
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February 22, 2026 (Sun) 11:00-20:00
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February 23, 2026 (Mon/Holiday) 11:00-19:30
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Fujisawa Venue: Fujisawa Ekimae Sun Pearl Hiroba (Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture)
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February 27, 2026 (Fri) 16:00-21:00 (Pre-open)
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February 28, 2026 (Sat) 11:00-21:00
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March 1, 2026 (Sun) 11:00-20:30
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Machida Venue: Machida Shibahiro (Machida City, Tokyo)
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March 14, 2026 (Sat) 11:00-19:00
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March 15, 2026 (Sun) 11:00-19:00
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Official LINE Accounts for each venue (for updates and coupons):
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Utsunomiya Venue: https://lin.ee/w7z5etw
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Chiba Venue: https://lin.ee/uJv9LId
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Fujisawa Venue: https://lin.ee/ZR1w6p5
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Machida Venue: https://lin.ee/1U6oXFT
This innovative festival redefines how winter can be celebrated in urban settings. By blending the intimate warmth of a traditional kotatsu with the communal joy of a food festival, it creates a unique cultural experience that is both cozy and exhilarating. Such creative adaptations of Japanese traditions could inspire similar community-focused events globally, inviting people to embrace the colder months with warmth, delicious food, and shared entertainment. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of Japanese comfort and hospitality, wrapped in a festive package.
