Must-visit in Nagoya in early summer! JST Nagoya Hawaii Festival 2026 free admission for three days to experience Southern country vibes

If you visit Nagoya in May, you can happen upon a rather large, special event. The "JST Nagoya HAWAII Festival 2026" will be held from May 22nd to 24th, 2026, at Oasis 21 and EDION Hisaya Hiroba in the Sakae area of the city center. Admission is completely free.

This event, themed around Hawaiian culture, combines dance, music, food, and shopping, making it one of the largest Hawaiian events in the Tokai region. For travelers looking to experience a different cultural atmosphere in Japan, it's a relaxed and distinctive stop on their itinerary.

You can feel a "Hawaiian vibe" even in the center of Nagoya.

The JST Nagoya Hawaiian Festival, which began in 2010, has become an event that attracts over 300,000 people annually. The venue is located in Nagoya's most vibrant Sakae shopping district, making it easily accessible for both local residents and tourists.

The overall atmosphere of the event is centered around "a vacation vibe in the city," allowing people to experience the charm of Hawaiian culture in Japan without having to fly overseas.

Stage performance and diverse activities involving 4,000 participants

Approximately 4,000 hula dancers, primarily from the Tohoku region, will perform during the event, offering a rich program of stage performances. Additionally, artists from Hawaii will be invited to present even more authentic performances.

In addition to the performances, there will be over 40 retail booths offering Hawaiian-style merchandise and clothing, as well as about 20 food stalls where you can sample classic dishes like Loco Moco and Garlic Shrimp.

The overall plan allows travelers to watch performances, shop, and eat delicious food, making it easy to spend the whole day without even realizing it.

Luxury lineup from Hawaii and Japan

The 2026 event will feature a joint performance by several artists active in Hawaiian music and dance, along with popular Japanese singers.

・EKOLU (Ekoru): A reggae band from Maui, Hawaii. They have won the Na Hoku Hanohano Award multiple times and are one of the most representative music groups.

・Mark Keali'i Ho'omalu: A musician who participated in the music creation for "Lilo & Stitch," and also a hula master who fuses tradition with innovation.

・Kaloku Holt: Songwriter, ukulele player, and dance instructor who conveys Hawaiian cultural spirit through music and dance.

Hitomi Shimatani: A renowned Japanese singer who is active in the music scene with her stable vocal prowess and diverse styles, and has also participated in Hawaii-related events multiple times.

In addition to the aforementioned artists, several other performers will also take the stage, making for a very full program.

Organize Event Information

Event Name: JST Nagoya HAWAII Festival 2026

Activity Dates: May 22-24, 2026

*Held only at Oasis 21 on May 22nd

Venue: Oasis 21, EDION Hisaya Square

Admission: Free

Organizer: Chukyo TV Creation

Official website: https://cte.jp/hawaii-fes/

Reasons to include Nagoya in your travel itinerary

For Taiwanese travelers, Nagoya is usually a transit city on the way to Takayama, Shirakawa-go, or Kansai. If your itinerary happens to fall in late May, consider setting aside some time to explore the Sakae shopping district.

The advantages of this event are its convenient location, free admission, and flexible duration. It's suitable for a brief stop of an hour or two, or for spending half a day browsing leisurely.

At the same time, you can experience a different urban atmosphere than traditional tourist attractions, adding a little variety to your trip.

Conclusion

The JST Nagoya Hawaii Festival 2026 brings Hawaiian culture to the heart of Nagoya, offering a comprehensive and accessible experience from dance and music to food and shopping. It's an easy-to-access and rich option for travelers looking to add a different cultural experience to their Japan trip.

If you happen to visit Nagoya in late May, consider adding this event to your itinerary to experience a tropical vibe in the city.