Taiwan Yatai Fes 2026 Brings Island Charm to Mito
Mito is once again preparing to welcome the vibrant spirit of Taiwan with the return of the Taiwan Yatai Fes in 2026. Following its tremendous success in 2025, this year’s festival is poised to captivate visitors with an authentic taste and feel of Taiwan, right at the heart of Mito City.
Event Details and Accessibility
The festival will take place from March 19 (Thursday) to March 22 (Sunday), 2026, at the easily accessible Mito Station South Exit Pedestrian Deck. Admission is free, inviting everyone from dedicated Taiwan enthusiasts to curious passersby to step into a lively street market atmosphere. The air will be filled with the enticing aromas of Taiwanese delicacies, creating an immersive experience that transports attendees straight to the bustling night markets of Taiwan.
Schedule:
-
March 19 (Thu): 16:00 – 19:00 (Pre-opening)
-
March 20 (Fri): 10:00 – 19:00
-
March 21 (Sat): 10:00 – 19:00
-
March 22 (Sun): 10:00 – 17:30
Location:
Mito Station South Exit Pedestrian Deck
1 Chome-7 Miyacho, Mito, Ibaraki 310-0015
A Feast for the Senses: Culinary Highlights
Visitors can look forward to a diverse array of Taiwanese street food, including exclusive festival-only menus. The event boasts a lineup of popular vendors, each bringing their unique culinary flair:
-
Pan-san’s Shop: Offering savory Yaki Xiaolongbao (grilled soup dumplings) for 600 yen. These dumplings are seasoned to perfection, ready to be enjoyed as-is.
-
Taiwanese Cuisine Koyama Hanten: Making its Mito debut, this popular eatery will serve its renowned Luroumen (braised pork noodles) for 800 yen. This dish offers a unique take on Taiwan’s classic Luroufan, reimagined as a mazesoba-style noodle dish, poised to become a new festival favorite.
-
101 Bishoku: A popular spot from Yokohama Chinatown, known for its delicious Taiwan Da Jipai (Taiwanese fried chicken steak) priced at 1,000 yen.
-
Ginza Dairaku Tangao: This specialty store from Ginza will present its Taiwan Castella (Premium Plain) for 1,600 yen. Prepared with a unique meringue and batter blend, it offers an unparalleled fluffy and melt-in-your-mouth texture that appeals to all ages.
Entertainment and Unique Experiences
Beyond the culinary delights, the festival will feature a dynamic lineup of performers to keep the energy high. Stage shows will run throughout the event, ensuring continuous entertainment for families and individuals alike. One notable performer is Hitomi & Friends, an award-winning ventriloquist group known for their charming puppet songs. Having won the 2023 domestic competition and the 2025 VentHavenConVENTion in the USA, their performance is surely a highlight.
Other attractions include:
-
LINE Friend Coupon Lottery: Add the official LINE account to receive a coupon for a free lottery drawing at the venue.
-
Kaiun Yokocho (Fortune Alley): A dedicated area for fortune-telling booths.
-
Chōkyū Ichiba (Supermarket): A special market offering a variety of Taiwanese products and souvenirs.
-
Foot Massage: An opportunity to relax and rejuvenate amidst the festival excitement.
“It’s truly wonderful to see events like this bring a piece of Taiwan to Japan, allowing people to experience the culture without needing a passport,” remarked a festival-goer last year, echoing the sentiments of many who cherish such cultural exchanges.
Stay Updated
For the latest updates on participating vendors, performers, and any potential schedule changes (the event is rain or shine, but may be canceled in severe weather, with announcements made via SNS), be sure to follow the official social media channels:
-
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taiwan_yatai_fes
-
X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/taiwan_yatai
-
LINE Official Account: https://lin.ee/OTiv3Mi
This festival not only offers a delightful escape into Taiwanese culture but also serves as a vibrant example of how international flavors and traditions can enrich local communities, creating memorable experiences and fostering a deeper appreciation for diverse cultures.
