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The South West Japan Festival is a vibrant 14-day multicultural celebration of Japanese food, culture, arts and history. It honours the strong sister city connections between Bunbury and Setagaya, Busselton and Sugito, and the friendship between Harvey and Moka, inviting people of all ages to immerse themselves in Japanese traditions and experiences.

This unique event attracts visitors from across the region and beyond, offering a range of activities that encourage cultural exploration through art, food, music, workshops and community events.

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Festival Highlights</h3>

core/heading

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Festival Highlights</h3>

Bunbury Matsuri Day Sunday 21 September | 10am to 4pm Queen’s Gardens, Bunbury The festival's signature event, Matsuri Day, is a family-friendly celebration featuring live performances, cultural displays, Japanese food, traditional dance, martial arts, craft activities and more.

Japanese Car &amp; Motorbike Matsuri

Sunday 21 September | 10am to 3pm

Held during Matsuri Day and sponsored by the Bunbury Geographe Motor Museum, this event showcases a stunning collection of Japanese vehicles. Get in touch with the BGMM to secure your car bay if you'd like to show off your vehicle.

CBD Stamp Rally Monday 8 to Sunday 21 September Inspired by traditional Japanese stamp rallies, participants are encouraged to explore Bunbury’s CBD, collecting stamps from 15 participating shops and venues. It’s a fun and interactive way to discover local businesses while engaging with Japanese culture. Hunting on a Sunday? Scan the QR codes in the store windows to discover a secret image to draw in your Stamp Rally passport!

Floating Lantern Festival Saturday 20 September | From 3pm to sunset Friendship Gardens, Queen’s Gardens An evening of reflection and celebration, the Floating Lantern Festival honours the values of hope, harmony and community. Lanterns will be floated at sunset to symbolise peace and connection. Enjoy Japanese music, workshops, and food whilst you design your lanterns.

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Workshops and Cultural Events</h3>

Throughout the two weeks, a range of ticketed workshops and events will be hosted around Bunbury. Participants can explore Japanese culture through:

<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>1920's Japanese Speakeasy themed tour of Bunbury with Chariot Charters</li>



<li>Chibi workshops</li>



<li>Tea Ceremonies and Taiko Drumming Workshops</li>



<li>Arts and crafts</li>



<li>Anime themed pub quiz and Gundam Hobby Day</li>



<li>Calligraphy and origami</li>



<li>Japanese dining experiences, and more</li>
</ul>

core/list

<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>1920's Japanese Speakeasy themed tour of Bunbury with Chariot Charters</li><li>Chibi workshops</li><li>Tea Ceremonies and Taiko Drumming Workshops</li><li>Arts and crafts</li><li>Anime themed pub quiz and Gundam Hobby Day</li><li>Calligraphy and origami</li><li>Japanese dining experiences, and more</li></ul>

While most events are free, some workshops may require ticket purchases at an affordable cost.

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The South West Japan Festival is a vibrant 14-day multicultural celebration of Japanese food, culture, arts and history. It honours the strong sister city connections between Bunbury and Setagaya, Busselton and Sugito, and the friendship between Harvey and Moka, inviting people of all ages to immerse themselves in Japanese traditions and experiences.



This unique event attracts visitors from across the region and beyond, offering a range of activities that encourage cultural exploration through art, food, music, workshops and community events.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Festival Highlights</h3>



Bunbury Matsuri Day Sunday 21 September | 10am to 4pm Queen’s Gardens, Bunbury The festival&#8217;s signature event, Matsuri Day, is a family-friendly celebration featuring live performances, cultural displays, Japanese food, traditional dance, martial arts, craft activities and more.



Japanese Car &amp; Motorbike Matsuri



Sunday 21 September | 10am to 3pm



Held during Matsuri Day and sponsored by the Bunbury Geographe Motor Museum, this event showcases a stunning collection of Japanese vehicles. Get in touch with the BGMM to secure your car bay if you&#8217;d like to show off your vehicle.



CBD Stamp Rally Monday 8 to Sunday 21 September Inspired by traditional Japanese stamp rallies, participants are encouraged to explore Bunbury’s CBD, collecting stamps from 15 participating shops and venues. It’s a fun and interactive way to discover local businesses while engaging with Japanese culture. Hunting on a Sunday? Scan the QR codes in the store windows to discover a secret image to draw in your Stamp Rally passport!



Floating Lantern Festival Saturday 20 September | From 3pm to sunset Friendship Gardens, Queen’s Gardens An evening of reflection and celebration, the Floating Lantern Festival honours the values of hope, harmony and community. Lanterns will be floated at sunset to symbolise peace and connection. Enjoy Japanese music, workshops, and food whilst you design your lanterns. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Workshops and Cultural Events</h3>



Throughout the two weeks, a range of ticketed workshops and events will be hosted around Bunbury. Participants can explore Japanese culture through:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>1920&#8217;s Japanese Speakeasy themed tour of Bunbury with Chariot Charters</li>



<li>Chibi workshops</li>



<li>Tea Ceremonies and Taiko Drumming Workshops</li>



<li>Arts and crafts</li>



<li>Anime themed pub quiz and Gundam Hobby Day</li>



<li>Calligraphy and origami</li>



<li>Japanese dining experiences, and more</li>
</ul>



While most events are free, some workshops may require ticket purchases at an affordable cost.

More Information

South West Japan Festival

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