How to Experience Japanese Culture in the UK

May 13, 2015

Imagine the scenario; you love Japanese culture and everything Japanese. Japanese food, movies, anime, festivals and more, but the truth of the matter is, it's an expensive plane ticket to go from the UK to Japan! Many of us can only dream or will have to save up for a long time to be able to afford to head over there and experience it's culture first hand.

But don't fear, in wonderful, multi-cultural Britain there is actually quite a few ways you can experience Japanese Culture in the UK! Take a look at a few of these tips.

Food

If you want to eat Japanese food in the UK, the major chain restaurants that you are most likely to find include Yo! Sushi and Wagamamas, they're both delicious, but both provide a westernized version of the food. Luckily many cities actually have their own, more authentic versions of conveyor belt sushi restaurants nowadays, so head to China town and have a rummage! In our local city of Manchester, we highly recommend Wasabi sushi bar. 

Alternatively if you want to try your own hand at cooking authentic food, you can pick up Japanese ingredients at some larger Chinese supermarkets; but why bother searching when Sushi Sushi delivers Japanese ingredients to your door?

Festivals

There are a few major events in the UK that celebrate Japanese culture, most notable is Hyper Japan which has a Japanese food section, Japanese vendors and focuses on gaming and anime. There's also Doki Doki, which is held in Manchester. It exhibits the same things as Hyper Japan, but also has Japanese speaking contests, martial arts, art, a maid cafe and films shown all day.

If you want to experience the bigger annual traditional festivals and holidays of Japan, then you'd better head down to London. Japan Matsuri is held in Trafalgar square in London in September.

Shop Japan in the UK

As we've mentioned before, Sushi Sushi is a great place to get hold of imported Japanese ingredients and sweets, but if you're looking to get hold of pop-culture toys and merch, you can try Tofu Cute.

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