JAPANESE CULTURE IN SWITZERLAND

Japan in Switzerland: Your Ultimate Guide to Events, Festivals & more

Japan captivates with its rich culture, diverse cuisine and an exciting blend of tradition and modernity. Did you know that you can experience some of it in Switzerland too? From anime conventions and Summer Festivals to Japanese Shops and Cafés, there are many ways to discover a little piece of Japan right where you are!

As a Japanese-Swiss Hafu, I always love finding events, stores or concerts in Switzerland that remind me of my Japanese roots. That is why I have put together this personal overview – for everyone who appreciates Japanese culture as much as I do. Whether you are looking for traditional festivals, unique experiences or hidden gems in your city, you will find them here!

Help make this list even better! If you know of an event that is missing, let me know in the comments.

Last edit: 01.01.2026

EVENTS

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Japan Izakaya Cruisezsg.chZurichJan – April 2026
Japan Manga Wavejapanmangawave.comQuimper, Mulhouse etc.Jan – April 2026
Geek Out – Sammler & Verkaufsbörseretrogamelevel1-1.chSolothurn01.02.2026
Konomi Festivalkonomi.chBasel26.04. – 02.05.2026
Hanami Kirschblütenfesthanami-noohn.chBasel26.03.2026
Japan Food Festjapanfoodfest.chZug03. – 05.04.2026
Asian Street Foodasianstreetfood.chBerntbd
OOKI Summer Fespavillon.ooki.tokyoZurichtbd
Kiyo Festivalkiyofestival.chGlandtbd
Japan Fest Bernbhm.chBerntbd
Japanisches Fest Baselnihonjinkai-basel.comBaseltbd
Luzern Japan Festluzernjapanfest.comLucerne19.09.2026
Japan Matsurijapanmatsuri.orgBellinzona19. – 20.09.2026
Zurich Charity Baazarteam104.chZurichtbd

CULTURE

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Veranstaltungench.emb-japan.go.jpBern2026 tbd
Yayoi Kusama @ Fondation Beyelerfondationbeyeler.chBaseluntil 25.01.2026
Open House @ Kumon Leysin Academymyswitzerland.comLeysin14.02.2026
Impressions of Japan @ Musee Jenischmuseejenisch.chVeveyuntil 29.03.2026
GINMAKU Japanese Film Festivalgjff.chZurich26. – 31.05.2026
The Art of Surimono Prints @ Museum Rietbergrietberg.chZurichuntil 12.06.2026
Origami, Tea Workshophomu.ch/eventsBaselJan 2026 ~
Swiss – Japanese Societyschweiz-japan.ch
Japanische Botschaft Bernch.emb-japan.go.jp
Office Japanofficejapan.ch
Little Akibalittleakiba.ch

CONVENTIONS

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Japan Impactjapan-impact.chLausanne14. – 15.02.2026
UniConunicon.eventsBodenseetbd
Polymangapolymanga.comLausanne03. – 06.04.2026
LuConlu-con.chLucerne24.04. – 06.05.2026
Retromaniaretromania.ch/Payerne25.04.2026
KitsuConkitsucon.chThayngen2027
Fantasy Baselfantasybasel.chBasel14. – 16.05.2026
Maker Fairemakerfaire.chSolothurn20. – 21.06.2026
Chibi Conchibicon.chWinterthur15. – 16.08.2026
Zurich Pop Conzurichpopcon.chZurich26. – 27.09.2026
HeroFestherofest.chBern02. – 04.10.2026
SoloConsolocon.chSolothurn31.10. – 01.11.2026
Cosplay Ballwww.cosplayball.chtbdtbd
Nerdy Flohmarktnerdyflohmarkt.chtbdtbd
Alle Conventionsalle-conventions.ch

CONCERTS

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Hayato Sumino @ KKLkkl-luzern.chLucerne04.01.2026
Die Träume von Hayao Miyazakieventfrog.chZurich24.01.2026
Candlelight: Best of Joe Hisaishicandlelightjoehisaishi.comSwitzerland03.01. – 12.06.2026
KIKUO Concertticketcorner.chZurich04.03.2026
Kodo @ KKLkkl-luzern.chLucerne10. – 11.03.2026
Joe Hisaishi’s World Dream Tour @ KKLwww.kkl-luzern.chLucerne26.11.2026
Tokyo Noizutokyonoizu.comWorld Tour Calendar

SHOPS

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Yumihanayumihana.chBasel, Bern, ZurichFood
Wakra Aarauwakara.chAarauFood
Uchitomiuchitomishop.chGenevaFood
Nishi Japannishijapan.comZurichFood
Hello Asiahelloasia.chOron-le-ChâtelFood
WA SHOPwashop.chOnline StoreFood
Tsugitsugi.chZurichBakery
Atelier Okashiatelierokashi.chRüschlikonBakery / Pick Up
Hiro Takahashihirotakahashi.comAdliswilBakery
Osiopatisserie-osio.comPrillyBakery
Jeegjeeg.chZurichMerchandise
Co-Mix Remixwww.co-mix.chLucerneMerchandise
Freakatoriumfreakatoriumsshop.chLucerneMerchandise
Tanigamitanigami.chGeneva/LausanneBooks

CUTE CAFES

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Teehaus Umamiwww.teehaus-umami.chCham
Miyukowww.miyuko.chZurich
Cat Cafe CASA DEL GATOwww.casa-del-gato.chZurich
Hikarihikari.chZurich

I won’t list restaurants since there are so many!

Impressions

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