A Festival of Warmth and Flavor
This innovative festival offers a truly “non-daily experience,” transforming public spaces into cozy havens. With approximately 40 kotatsu tables, one of the largest setups in Japan, attendees can relax as if in their own homes, yet be immersed in the lively atmosphere of a festival. Following popular runs in Utsunomiya and Chiba, where kotatsu seats were in high demand, the event is set to bring its distinctive charm to Fujisawa and Machida. It’s an opportunity to “eat, relax, and watch” all at once, creating a winter experience perfect for families, friends, or solo adventurers.
Kanagawa Venue: Fujisawa Station Front Sunpearl Plaza
The Kanagawa leg of the festival takes place at Fujisawa Station Front Sunpearl Plaza.
- Dates: February 27, 2026 (Fri) 16:00-21:00 (Pre-open), February 28, 2026 (Sat) 11:00-21:00, March 1, 2026 (Sun) 11:00-20:30
Visitors can look forward to a diverse range of gourmet delights:
Featured Kanagawa Food Stalls
- Osaka Bunju: Offering “Doteyaki” (simmered beef tendon) for 300 yen and up. This dish features tender beef stewed in a rich, savory miso sauce.
- Furusato Kobo: Presenting “Kuri Kaguya” for 300 yen. This popular roasted sweet potato offers a refined, not-too-sweet flavor with a moist and fluffy texture.
- Kazahayabashi Garden Grill Cafe: Serving their popular “Grilled Chicken” for 700 yen, marinated in an original spice blend and grilled over charcoal.
The Kanagawa venue will also feature a variety of other vendors, including Yokoyama Kanazawa Brewery, Sai no Life, Akita Imoya Mitsusaburo, 101 Bishoku, Koyama Shoten, Sapporo Bunju, Nihonshu Nomikurabe (sake tasting), Odenya Yu, EATNOW, Nalu’s Cafe, MORPH DINER, Amuseplaza, Peccary Beer, Sensho, OKEIBREWERY, and Osatsu Honpo.
Kanagawa Performers
Expect captivating entertainment from performers like Komatan:
- Komatan: An acclaimed street performer who has traveled over 20 countries. Komatan showcases a powerful and entertaining performance combining traditional Japanese spinning tops (koma-mawashi) with kendama and juggling.
Other performers include SUR DE WAVE, Daidogei Koki, Hiraku, Yasuko (Kamen Butojuku), and Pen Spinning Performer Kay.
Tokyo Venue: Machida Shibahiro
The festival then moves to Machida Shibahiro for its grand finale.
- Dates: March 14, 2026 (Sat) 11:00-19:00, March 15, 2026 (Sun) 11:00-19:00
Here’s a glimpse of the culinary offerings:
Featured Tokyo Food Stalls
- lukura: Their most popular item, “Onigirazu (Grilled Spam Dashimaki)” for 500 yen, features a flavorful dashi-rolled omelet paired with spam.
- panchan: Serving “Scallop Fry” for 600 yen. These crispy yet juicy scallops are described as a main-event dish.
- Isakaya Yu: Offering “Jaga Butter” for 700 yen. A comforting baked potato with melting butter, topped with extravagant options like sea urchin, salmon roe, or salted squid.
Other Tokyo vendors include M•H kitchen, Nalu’s cafe, Shonan Base, EATNOW, Baratie Cook, Matt Kebab, 24kitchen, Dining Itsutsu, Starbins, LALALA, Musashi, Ennichi, Nihonshu Nomikurabe (sake tasting), Taiwan Yatai Rai Rai, and Odenya Yu.
Tokyo Performers
Enjoy dynamic performances throughout the day:
- SUR DE WAVE: Demonstrating impressive freestyle football, showcasing skillful manipulation of a soccer ball as a new form of entertainment.
Other performers include Yasuko (Kamen Butojuku), The Perx, Juggling Drummer GAKU, and SEOPPI.
Event Details and Special Offers
Admission to the Kotatsu Yatai Fes 2026 is free for all visitors. Please note that event times may slightly change due to circumstances, and the event may be canceled in case of stormy weather. Any cancellations will be announced via SNS.
For the latest updates and a chance to receive coupons, be sure to add the official LINE accounts:
-
Kanagawa Venue LINE: https://lin.ee/ZR1w6p5
-
Tokyo Venue LINE: https://lin.ee/1U6oXFT
More details can also be found on the official website: https://lp.dotdeli.co.jp/kotatsu-fes/
“This unique blend of home-like comfort and festival excitement is truly what sets this event apart,” one might observe, capturing the essence of the “non-daily experience” it offers. The Kotatsu Yatai Fes exemplifies how traditional Japanese elements like the kotatsu can be reimagined for modern entertainment, creating a heartwarming and engaging cultural experience. Such innovative events not only celebrate local flavors and talents but also offer a delightful glimpse into Japan’s evolving lifestyle trends, potentially inspiring similar cross-cultural fusions worldwide.
