Hibiya Park Becomes Spain! Japan's Largest Paella and Tapas Festival is Here

Want to arrange a food event in central Tokyo that doesn't require much walking but offers a strong sense of travel, appearing in Hibiya Park in June 2026.The 11th Seafood Rice & Tapas Festival 2026 (11th Paella & Tapas Festival 2026)This is definitely worth adding to your list. It's Japan's largest Spanish food festival, taking place from June 5th to June 7th, 2026. Approximately 30 restaurants will be gathered, and admission is free, though food and drinks are an additional cost.

For travelers to Taiwan, Hibiya Park's location is very convenient. You can easily visit it on your way from Ginza, Yurakucho, Tokyo Station, or the Imperial Palace Outer Garden. After shopping or visiting an exhibition during the day, you can head to the park in the evening for seafood rice bowls, tapas, and a Spanish beer. This makes for a relaxed itinerary. This event is more than just a food festival; it also features competitions like the National Seafood Rice Bowl Championship, Tapas Championship, and a selection event for the Japanese representative in the World Paella Day Cup. Beyond just enjoying the food, you can also experience the atmosphere of a cooking competition.

Hibiya Park for Spanish food, super convenient to get to and easy to plan.

The event venue is located in Hibiya Park, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, and is very traveler-friendly. It's convenient for a walk after shopping in Ginza, and areas like Yurakucho, Kasumigaseki, and Hibiya are also within walking distance. If you're staying in the Tokyo Station, Shinbashi, Ginza, or Ueno areas, transportation is straightforward, making it a great option for a half-day food and walking tour.

Tokyo in early June already has an early summer atmosphere; it's best to avoid the hottest part of the day, around noon, for outdoor activities. If you want to take photos and enjoy a leisurely meal, it's recommended to go a little later in the afternoon or in the evening. If you want to avoid crowds, consider going shortly after opening on a weekday. Weekend dining will be livelier during peak hours, and popular stalls may require queuing. If you're with friends, you can split up to queue at different stalls and then share your finds.

National Seafood Rice Championship: Vote for Your Favorite Flavor

One of the most talked-about events on-site is the "National Paella Championship" and the "National Tapas Championship," where attendees vote to decide the rankings. Each restaurant will prepare paellas and tapas dishes designed for the event, with the final results announced on June 7th. For travelers, this is more than just eating a meal; it's participating in a culinary vote.

If you usually like paella, we suggest you don't just order your usual seafood options. In 2026, Japanese local flavors such as Hokkaido ingredients, Ezo deer, and rich lobster will also be incorporated into paella. This "Spanish cuisine x Japanese ingredients" combination is an interesting aspect of Tokyo's food scene, and it's also great for sharing among a few people.

The World Paella Day Cup Japan Representative Selection was also held at the venue.

On the morning of June 5th, the World Paella Day Cup Japan Representative Selection will be held within the event. This is an important selection for the international paella competition held in Valencia, Spain. Although the general judging and sales are not open to the public, visitors can witness the intense atmosphere as Japanese chefs prepare to compete on the world stage.

At noon on the same day, the "Valenciana Paella Japan Concours" will be held, featuring chicken, rabbit, and wood-fired cooking. The sight of large paella pans lined up and cooked over a wood fire is very immersive. For those who love culinary culture, this is more exciting than simply eating the finished product.

Tapas, beer, and cured ham, suitable for eating on the go

Besides paella, tapas are also the stars of this event. Expect a variety of appetizers such as Spanish-style anchovy tapas, Basque-style baked crab, mushroom and cheese, shrimp with black garlic oil, and freshly sliced Iberian ham. These dishes are typically portioned for sharing, so ordering a few to place on the table and enjoy at a leisurely pace can provide a more festive experience than ordering a single main course.

For drinks, there are options like Spanish beer. If you plan to drink alcohol, it's recommended to schedule activities that don't require further long-distance travel or self-driving. There are many restaurants around Hibiya Park, so if you're not full, you can continue on to Ginza or Yurakucho. However, if you want to fully enjoy the activity, allocating 1.5 to 2 hours would be more appropriate.

Event Information

Event Name:The 11th Seafood Rice & Tapas Festival 2026 (11th Paella & Tapas Festival 2026)

Period:Friday, June 5, 2026 - Sunday, June 7, 2026

Time:10:00 AM - 9:00 PM, Last day: June 7 until 6:00 PM

Venue:Hibiya Park

Address:Hibiya Park, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo

Number of stores:About 30 stores

Admission Fee:Free, food and drinks are extra.

Payment Method:Cash, contactless payment, e-wallet, QR code payment

Weather:The event will be held as scheduled, rain or shine. In case of severe weather, it will be canceled.

Official Website:Seafood Rice and Tapas Festival Official Website

Recommended Itinerary: Ginza Shopping + Hibiya Food Festival

For first-time visitors, this event can be scheduled on the same day as visits to Ginza, Yurakucho, and the Imperial Palace Outer Garden. You can start the morning with a walk around Tokyo Station or the Imperial Palace area, shop in Ginza for lunch, and then head to Hibiya Park later in the afternoon for Spanish cuisine. If you are staying in the Ginza or Shimbashi area, it's also convenient to return to your hotel in the evening.

Those who want to take photos can choose the softer light of the evening. The paella, tapas, outdoor seating, and the green park scenery are all very photogenic. If you are traveling with a few friends, it is recommended that you each choose a restaurant you want to eat at beforehand, and then meet up to share the dishes. This way, you can try more varieties in a limited amount of time.

A relaxed food festival during a trip to Tokyo

The benefits of a seafood rice and tapas festival are that you can experience a taste of travel without leaving the city center. It's not a formal restaurant, and you don't need to book expensive set menus. Instead, it's a more relaxed way to experience Spanish cuisine and the creativity of Japanese chefs.

If you're in Tokyo in early June and want to plan a lively, conveniently located, and shareable food itinerary around Ginza and Hibiya with friends, this festival is definitely worth considering. Spend your day shopping, and in the evening, enjoy seafood rice bowls and tapas to add a touch of Southern European flavor to your Tokyo trip.