A Community Event to Celebrate Peace and Harmony.
Join us in decorating your own lantern, which will be floated in the Bunbury Estuary at sunset. Pre-purchase of lanterns essential.
Bring the whole family along to try on traditional kimonos, walk through the cherry blossoms, and enjoy various Japanese themed stalls and activities. We're introducing an array of new activities for kodomo-tachi (the kids) this year as well.


SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 20TH
3:00pm - Sunset
Friendship Gardens, Queen Gardens
Bunbury
Bringing Japan to the South West
The South West Festival of Japan is back for its eigth year!
Join us in celebrating everything Japan, from lantern festivals to cosplay catwalks, anime quiz nights and crafting workshops to artist exhibitions, fine dining experiences, school performances, and the (highly anticipated!) annual stamp rally!



BRINGING JAPAN TO BUNBURY, BUSSELTON, MARGARET RIVER, HARVEY, DUNSBOROUGH, AND COLLIE!

Bunbury and Setagaya City: Sister Cities for Over 30 Years
The coastal city of Bunbury in Western Australia is celebrating 30 years of being a Sister City with Japan’s Setagaya City. Our ties to Japan are strong, and many of our local artists, chefs, entertainers and vendors have been significantly influenced by Japan’s culture.
Family Friendly Workshops, Activities, Performances, Stalls, and Cuisine!
An immersive day out to enjoy the best Japanese entertainment in the South West! Join us for dancing, music, food, activities and workshops in the beautiful Friendship Gardens of Bunbury.
Workshops must be booked in advance as there are capacity limits for each.


SUKOSHI LAGER 少し
We've partnered with Froth Craft Brewery (Bunbrewery) to create a Japanese rice lager just for the South West Japan Festival!
Sukoshi means 'little' in Japanese - an ode to Bunbury's brewer, Mr. Little himself.
Hop into Froth Bunbury or Exmouth to have a try! (18+)
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