All the coolest people we know are returning from—or planning—a trip to Japan. And they talk about it all the time, maybe even too much. But Japan hasn’t just become trendy overnight; it’s a destination and a culture that has been adored in the Western world for, frankly, as long as anyone can remember.
Japanese culture, cuisine, art, and lifestyle are celebrated every year in Montreal (home to scuffed tabi socks on the Plateau sidewalks and Japanese tea houses on every street corner).
Japan Week lasts ten days, from May 1 to 10, 2026 this year, and we have a schedule to make the most of this festival-tour all over the city.
Japan Week 2026 – our schedule
An interactive map of all restaurants, cafés, and shops participating in Japan Week will be available starting April 27, 2026, here.Friday, May 1, 2026 – Onigiri
We’re kicking off Japan Week with an onigiri—a ball of sticky rice stuffed with fish, meat, or vegetables and wrapped in dried seaweed. For that, we’re heading to Café Nigriz for their homemade onigiri, part of Japan Week.
Where? Café Nigriz, at 32 Saint-Cuthbert Street / open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (onigiri are available starting at 11 a.m.)
Saturday, May 2, 2026 – Shibas, Akitas, and the Nihoncha Tea Festival
Shiba & Akita Gathering at 2 p.m. — dogs of the Japanese Shiba and Akita breeds and their owners are invited to gather on Saturday, and it’s going to be very, very kawaii.
Where? Côte-des-NeigesSquare
What? Free, open to the public
Nihoncha Canada Tea Festival— for tea lovers, this is a major event. It’s a gathering of Japanese tea producers and enthusiasts, held at the beautiful traditional tea house Charyu by Thés Guru.
Where? Charyu by Thés Guru, at 6872 Saint-Hubert Street
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 – Sake
Sake Workshop from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM —with Madame Sake, Kuniko Fujita, an international sake sommelier. Sake is a Japanese alcoholic beverage that is drunk hot or cold and is distilled from fermented rice. The workshop will explore the history, culture, and secrets of sake tasting. There will be five carefully selected sakes paired with small dishes prepared by a Japanese chef to accompany the workshop.
Where? Kyoto Fleurs – 1893 Mont-Royal Avenue East
How much? $109.95/person— click here to book
Friday, May 8, 2026 – Izakaya
To eat like you’re in a Japanese izakaya (a bistro serving small dishes to share) with grilled meat skewers (yakitori), sashimi, and a good beer, head to Yakitori Hibahihi, a participant in Japan Week.
Where? Yakitori Hibahihi, at 6580 Saint-Hubert Street / open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. every day except Tuesday
Saturday, May 9, 2026 – Artisan Market
Chibi Market (May 7–10) — “Chibi” means “small and cute” in Japanese. The market will feature artisans, local creators, illustrators, and plenty of Japanese culture.
This year’s participants include: Kimono Yuki, San-Ô Sake Brewery Inc., Tokusen, Atelier Tsubaki, Boutique Meico, Miya Candles, KotoAn Wagashi Japanese Pastry Shop, Sakao Tea, and Guru Teas.
