Japan Day 2025 in Düsseldorf: A celebration of cultures – experience it directly from the carathotel Düsseldorf City

Japan-Tag in Düsseldorf, Feuerwerk

Düsseldorf is many things: state capital, fashion and art metropolis – but also the center of Japanese culture in Germany. Nowhere else in Europe is there such a large Japanese community as here. And once a year, the city is transformed into a glowing kaleidoscope of kimono, cosplay, calligraphy and martial arts – on Japan Day Düsseldorf/NRW, which takes place on Saturday, May 24, 2025.

If you want to experience this extraordinary cultural festival up close, our carathotel Düsseldorf City is the perfect address. Centrally located, comfortably furnished, and just minutes from the Rhine promenade, you’ll be right in the thick of it.

What is Japan Day Düsseldorf?

Japan Day Düsseldorf/NRW is much more than just an event – it is a symbol of the close cultural and economic ties between Japan and Germany. Many Japanese have been living in Düsseldorf since the 1950s. Today, the city has around 8,500 Japanese inhabitants, which is why it is nicknamed “Little Tokyo on the Rhine“.

Once a year, around 600,000 visitors celebrate the fascinating diversity of Japanese culture together – with free admission and a program that is both traditional and modern.

You can look forward to these highlights on May 24, 2025:

1. experience Japanese culture live – along the Rhine embankment promenade

A kilometer-long adventure world stretches between the Reuterkaserne, Johannes-Rau-Platz, Burgplatz, and the NRW State Parliament. Starting at 11:00 a.m., the stalls open – from handmade origami figures and artistic calligraphy to original Japanese fans and toys, there’s plenty to discover.

You can also go on a culinary journey of discovery: whether freshly prepared sushi, crispy tempura, savory okonomiyaki or sweet mochi – Japanese specialties in all variations can be found at numerous stalls.

2. Stage program with music, dance and tradition

A total of four large venues offer an impressive stage program. Here is a small excerpt:

  • Burgplatz: Official opening at 12:05 pm, traditional drum groups such as the Taiko Kids, kindergartens with Japanese songs and dance groups
  • Sports stage: Here you can experience judo, karate and jiu jitsu in action – performed by local sports clubs and guests of honor.
  • Pop culture stage at Johannes-Rau-Platz: the meeting place for all fans of
  • Cosplay, J-Pop and anime. Among other things, the popular cosplay competition will take place here (start: 13:40).
  • Rhine embankment promenade: with demonstrations, exhibitions and stalls selling crafts, art and everyday Japanese culture.

Special highlight in the evening: the big Japanese fireworks display

The crowning glory of Japan Day is the spectacular fireworks display over the Rhine, which is set off at around 10:30 pm. Year after year, it attracts thousands of visitors – it’s a real event that you shouldn’t miss!

The best viewpoints? We recommend:

  • Oberkasseler Brücke – right next to the action and with a great view of the old town
  • Rheinkniebrücke – a little quieter, but just as impressive
  • Pedestrian bridge in the Medienhafen – modern skyline meets magical lights
  • Or: a walk along the Rhine promenade – so you can experience the spectacle in its entirety

Tip: Bring a picnic blanket and snacks with you – it’s a great way to relax while you wait for the fireworks.

What makes Japan Day so special?

Japan Day is a feast for all the senses – and for all generations. Die-hard manga fans, families with children, design lovers, foodies and martial arts enthusiasts meet here in equal measure. The mixture of centuries-old tradition and modern influences is what makes it so special.

Where else can you attend a tea ceremony workshop, experience a sumo demonstration immediately afterwards and then take a selfie with cosplayers?

The carathotel Düsseldorf City – your perfect starting point

Everything for a successful stay:

  • Perfect location: Central in the city center. Only a few minutes’ walk from the main train station. Approx. 15 minutes on foot to the Rhine promenade
  • Comfortable rooms: Modernly equipped and air-conditioned, they offer everything you need for a relaxing weekend
  • caratbreakfast : Start the day with our rich and popular caratbreakfast
  • Free WLAN throughout the hotel
  • Convenient parking: In the parking garage at a reduced rate for our overnight guests directly in the same building
  • 24-hour reception: Our team looks forward to welcoming you and is always available to answer your requests and questions
  • Lobby bar: Be inspired by the extensive bar menu, which offers freshly tapped Altbier, delicious cocktails and much more

Travel tips & arrival

Arrival by public transport:

The city center and our hotel are very well connected:

  • Train: You can reach us on foot from Düsseldorf main station in approx. 10 minutes
  • Rheinbahn: City and streetcar: Our nearest stop ‘Berliner Allee’ is 3 minutes away from us

Our tip:

Arrive as early as possible or arrive on Friday – that way you can experience the full program in a relaxed manner and secure the best seats for the fireworks. Our reception will be happy to help you plan your day.

Further events around Japan Day

The celebrations are not just limited to Saturday – there is already a lot going on in the city in the days leading up to it:

  • Japan Week at the EKO House (May 22 to 25): Cultural center with teahouse, temple and garden – here you can experience authentic Japan in the middle of Düsseldorf.
  • Manga drawing competition in the Central Library (May 24)
  • Japan Day at the Hetjens Ceramics Museum – Japanese arts and crafts you can touch
  • Special exhibitions at the Goethe-Museum & NRW-Forum
  • Street food events and pop-up stalls in Immermannstraße, also known as “Little Tokyo”

Conclusion: A weekend for all the senses – experience Japan Day 2025 with ‘carathotels’

Japan Day is much more than just a day trip – it’s an experience you won’t soon forget. Whether you are attending for the first time or are already a “repeat offender”: Every year offers new impressions, new encounters and unforgettable moments.

We at the carathotel Düsseldorf City are looking forward to welcoming you on this special weekend. Discover Japanese culture, celebrate together with thousands of visitors – and be inspired by the magic of the Rhine fireworks.

Book now and don’t miss the event of the year! carathotels.com/duesseldorf-city/hotel

carathotel Düsseldorf City
Oststraße 155 40210 Düsseldorf
Phone: +49 (0) 211 54 26 70 00
E-Mail: duesseldorf-city@carathotels.de