Bringing Japan to the South West for it's Ninth Year.
We acknowledge the traditional owners of the land, the Wardandi Noongar people, and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
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The coastal city of Bunbury in Western Australia is celebrating 34 years of being a Sister City with Japan’s Setagaya City, and eight years of the South West Japan Festival.
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The #SWJF brings families together from all over Australia to celebrate the art, culture, music, food and dance of Japan- through workshops, themed dinners and food events, tastings, performances, car shows, activities, and fun for the whole family!
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You can experience Japan across Bunbury, Busselton, Dunsborough, and Margaret River.
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Celebrate with us on Matsuri Day!
Matsuri Day is our official 'Festival Day' that is being held on the lawns of Bunbury's Queens Gardens (Cobblestone Drive).
Bring a picnic blanket and get ready for a day of performances, food trucks, workshops, and stalls. Entry is free, but workshops must be purchased in advance via the ticket links online.
Limited Tickets Available per Workshop
Celebrating 50 Years of Australia–Japan Friendship
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The South West Japan Festival began in 2018 as a one-day event created by the City of Bunbury to celebrate Japanese culture and strengthen international connections.
Following an overwhelmingly positive response from the community, Festival Director Renee continued to grow the event through Your Turn Events, transforming it into one of regional Western Australia's leading cultural celebrations.
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Today, the festival is proud to be recognised as part of the celebrations marking over 50 years of friendship and partnership between Australia and Japan. Through cultural exchange, education, arts, food, music, and community engagement, the festival honours this enduring relationship while creating meaningful connections between people, communities, and cultures.
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The festival has grown through the support of valued partners and sponsors including Tourism Western Australia, the City of Busselton, Tokyo City University, CLAIR, Simcoa, local governments, businesses, and volunteers. Each year, visiting students from Japan participate in festival activities, fostering international friendships and strengthening ties between the South West and Japan.
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What began as a single-day event has expanded into a multi-week program featuring cultural workshops, performances, exhibitions, community celebrations, and unique experiences such as the Japanese Car and Motorbike Matsuri and Floating Lantern Festival. Events now take place across Bunbury and the wider South West region, including Busselton, Dunsborough, Margaret River, and Australind.
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Beyond the annual festival, our commitment to cultural exchange continues year-round through our free monthly Japan Club.
Together, these initiatives help support regional tourism, activate local communities, celebrate cultural diversity, and strengthen the vibrant friendship between Australia and Japan for future generations.
Meet the Organiser!
Sponsors
The South West Japan Festival is supported by the State Government through Tourism Western Australia and Royalties for Regions.
