Do you miss Japan or love its culture? How about a bit of Japan in Paris? To live Japanese-style, we're taking you on a tour of a number of places where you can recapture a bit of the land of the rising sun without leaving Paris and the surrounding region.
Are you fascinated by Japanese culture? Would you like to immerse yourself in its world, its gastronomy, its art and its madness, sometimes with original and unusual concepts to discover more and more? How about discovering the best new Japanese spots in Paris? From grand salons to new cafés and lounges, we take a look at the discoveries for fans of Japanese culture.
Kazuo Kitai: the photographer’s humanist oeuvre on show at the Maison de la Culture du Japon
This spring, the Maison de la culture du Japon in Paris shines a spotlight on Kazuo Kitai, regarded as one of the great masters of postwar Japanese photography. Titled "Kazuo Kitai, In Praise of the Everyday," this exhibition unveils nearly 130 prints, documenting student protests, peasant resistance, and villages fated to disappear. On view from April 30 to July 25, 2026. [Read more]
Gashapon: a pop-up featuring 300 Japanese capsule machines (figurines and gadgets) opens in Paris
Attention, a new phenomenon is on the way. 300 gachapon machines are taking over a 150 m² pop-up on Rue de Rivoli, ready to dispense their surprise capsules. Nearly 3,000 items—manga figurines, mini gadgets, and pop culture trésors—await collectors. See you starting Saturday, April 4, 2026! [Read more]
Passion for Japan: Immersive Exhibits and Installations at La Villette in Paris – Review & Photos
Craving a trip to Japan without leaving Paris? From March 19 to August 23, 2026, Passion Japon transports you from the timeless streets of Kyoto and the bustling energy of Tokyo to serene Zen gardens—all set inside the Espace Chapiteaux at La Villette. Samurais, tea ceremonies, manga, fashion, and cuisine come to life in an immersive exhibition that awakens all your senses. [Read more]
Japan Expo: Dates Announced for the 2026 Edition at Paris-Nord Villepinte Exhibition Center
The Japan Expo, Europe's premier festival celebrating Japanese culture, is gearing up to wow visitors with a host of exciting features in summer 2026! Mark your calendars and join us at the Parc des Expositions in Villepinte from July 9 to 12, 2026. [Read more]
Fantastique Fair and Japan Party 2026: A three-day celebration of Japanese pop culture and fantasy at the Parc Floral
The Salon Fantastique and the Japan Party combine their festivities from May 23 to 25, 2026, at Parc Floral in Paris. Bringing together the realms of fantasy and Japanese culture, they promise a weekend of timeless discoveries! [Read more]
Vesper, the Japanese restaurant in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, is reinventing itself as an izakaya-inspired spot
Just a stone's throw from the École Militaire, in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, Vesper transforms into a contemporary Japanese izakaya under the guidance of chef Roudy Petersen. This stylish spot from the Fitz Group offers a menu featuring sushi, caramelized black cod with miso, and refined cocktails—all served in an elegant setting where Tokyo meets Paris. Open now for both lunch and dinner. [Read more]
ZEN, the elegance of Japanese cuisine in the heart of Paris
Sponsored - In the Louvre district of Paris’s 1st arrondissement, the Japanese restaurant ZEN has earned a solid reputation. Founded in 2006 by Zen Okawa, the house upholds the tradition of authentic Japanese cuisine, switching from a Nipponese lunch canteen to a gourmet Izakaya at dinner. [Read more]
The loveliest terraces at Fitz Group restaurants to soak up the sunny days in Paris
Sponsored - May is here, and with it the irresistible urge to enjoy terraces at the first hint of sun. Good news: the Fitz Group’s terraces are open. Five spots ready for sunny lunches, lingering breaks, and open-air dinners. [Read more]
The Musée des arts asiatiques - Guimet, an exotic spot in Paris
We take you on a (re)discovery of the Musée Guimet, dedicated to Asian arts. On the program: an exotic tour of historical treasures in splendid surroundings. [Read more]
To explore further:
Japanese Gardens in Paris and Île-de-France: The Most Beautiful Spots to Explore
Looking for a Zen garden? We'll take you on a tour of the most beautiful Japanese gardens just outside Paris. From public parks to museum gardens, these exotic gardens are sure to give you a change of scenery and serenity. In any case, they're superb gardens that enchant us while taking us on a journey! [Read more]
Looking for a good Japanese restaurant in Paris? From sushi and ramen to bento and tempura, we've got some great places to enjoy Japanese dishes. [Read more]
Calling all Japan fans: head to Japanese tea rooms to sample traditional Japanese pastries and sip matcha drinks. [Read more]
There's nothing like sitting at the counter of an izakaya, a traditional Japanese bar, to enjoy authentic Japanese tapas accompanied by a glass of sake or beer. [Read more]
If you're having trouble finishing your series of One Piece or any other river manga without jeopardizing your purse, this guide is for you! Discover our selection of Parisian bookshops for second-hand comics, manga and graphic novels. [Read more]
Japanese Gardens in Paris and Île-de-France: The Most Beautiful Spots to Explore
Japanese restaurants in Paris, our top picks
Japanese tea rooms in Paris, our top picks
The izakayas of Paris, our best addresses for authentic Japanese tapas
Bookshops: where to buy second-hand comics and manga in Paris?
