Yokohama Chinatown

Don’t feel discouraged if you haven’t been sticking to your 2026 resolutions. According to the lunar calendar, we still have a few more days before we officially enter the 2026 new year, which begins on February 18. If you want to celebrate the year of the fire horse in Japan, there are few better places to visit than Yokohama Chinatown, which has observed Chinese Spring Festival traditions since 1986. Starting from 2022, the festivities are held concurrently with dazzling displays of colourful lanterns based on Chinese zodiac animals from January 20, installed in 60-odd locations throughout Yokohama, including Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, Bashamichi Station and Yamashitacho Park in the heart of Chinatown. While this year’s programme has yet to be released, last year's festivities began with a midnight lunar New Year countdown at Yamashitacho Park. The festivities run through February 12, featuring a host of performances, food pop-ups and lantern displays. Here are the highlights to look forward to. February 1 (Sat), 2 (Sun), 1pm-5pm: a showcase of acrobatics, lion and dragon dances and other spectacles will take to the stage at Yamashitacho Park. Everyone is welcome to catch the performances for free, but you should purchase tickets online in advance for the best seats. February 8 (Sat), 9 (Sun), times unrevealed: for the first time this year, a street entertainment show will be held in an undisclosed location within Yokohama Chinatown. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled...