Japan Day in New York City

The celebration of Japan Day in New York City is a growing annual event that’s not to be missed! The day honors not only Japanese culture and its contributions to the U.S., but also underscores the friendly relationship between the two countries. The month of May is officially Japan Month and Japan Day is May 13, 2023

The crowning jewel of Japan Day is the Japan Day Parade. 2023 is the nascent parade’s second year and it’s set to be an event that captures the imagination and spirit of Japan. The Ambassador Mikio Mori, of the Consul General of Japan in New York says, “The Japan Parade is a huge ‘Arigato!’ from the Japanese community to New York City….” The parade is part of a celebration of sharing cultures and connecting the bonds between Japan and New York City.

Expect dance performances, musicians, marching bands, martial arts and traditional costumes at the parade. The olympic gold medalist in figure skating Kristi Yamaguchi is the Grand Marshal of the parade. For more details on what to expect visit Japan Parade’s website. The parade route is along Central Park West between 81st Street and 67th Street (heading south toward 67th Street).

May 13, 2023

Opening Ceremony 12:30

Parade 1-3:30pm

The Japan Street Fair is a unique opportunity to experience a matsuri (Japanese festival) outside of Japan. This delightful street fair will feature calligraphy, water balloon yo-yo fishing, origami, photo opportunities and more. There will also be Japanese artisan crafts for sale. In addition, visitors can expect to sample different Japanese foods from over 20 vendors as part of Japan Fes. Read on for more on Japan Fes.

May 13, 2023

10 am – 5pm

The innovative spring/summer festival recreates Japan through its foods. The festival attracts more than 250,000 visitors each year with its delicious foods and inviting settings. You can try over 200 kinds of food Including Japanese favorites like Takoyaki, Ramen, Matcha sweets, Yakisoba, Karaage, Okonomiyaki, and more. You can also shop for Japanese crafts and gifts.

The pop up festival rotates locations throughout the spring summer and into fall. For locations week by week, see the Japan Fes website. This weekend they will be nearby the parade on West 72nd Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue.

May 13, 2023

Renowned Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama’s artwork has made her a doyenne of the New York art scene. The 93 year old’s famous Infinity Mirror Room exhibit is returning to NYC on May 11. In addition, her latest works will be on view at the David Zwirner Gallery on West 19th Street. Her show is titled: “Yayoi Kusama: I Spend Each Day Embracing Flowers,” it will be her largest exhibition to date and includes new work of paintings and sculptures featuring her signature pumpkins and flowers, and the anticipated new Infinity Mirrored Room.

Kusama’s work can also be seen in the new Grand Central Madison—she created a mosaic for the space that opened earlier this year.

David Zwirner

525 W. 19th Street

New York, NY 10023

Join Central Park for an annual springtime festival that celebrates Japanese culture, art, tradition, and food. On Japan Day (May 13) in the park’s weekly virtual walk, you’ll be taken through Japanese gardens and learn some of the history behind the parade and the role of Japanese-Americans in shaping the nation.

This is a virtual program that takes place over Zoom. You can register online at Central Park’s website.

May 10, 2023

12:30 pm

The Lombardy Hotel’s timeless elegance is iconic to Midtown Manhattan. Our rooms are spacious, comfortable and thoughtfully designed to make you feel at home. We look forward to hosting you on your next visit to New York City.

*Due to Covid-19 our restaurant, cafe and gym will remain closed for a time.