If you like Japanese curry, spiced dishes, or are always looking for a bit of a different culinary event whenever you go to Tokyo, autumn 2026 in Shinjuku is well worth saving a meal for.Tokyo Curry Expo 2026To be held atSeptember 11, 2026 (Fri) – October 7, 2026 (Wed)在Shinjuku Ward Okubo Park Special Venueheld, with a duration of as long as 27 days, bringing together 48 stores nationwide and 9 curry ambassadors, it is the opening event of the consecutive food festival "Shinjuku Gourmet Park Operation".

The focus of this event isn't just about buying a single serving of curry to eat; it's about overlapping and comparing curries from different vendors to create your own unique combination. For Taiwanese travelers, Okubo Park is located right between Shinjuku, Kabukicho, and Shin-Okubo, making transportation very convenient. It's easy to fit into your itinerary—whether you go shopping during the day and eat curry at night, or stop by for an extra meal after strolling through Korea Town. Follow the JoyJapan correspondent to check out the highlights!

🍛 Expanded from 13 days to 27 days! 48 stores turn curry into a taste experiment

When it was first held in 2025, one of the most interesting features of the event was serving curry from different restaurants over the same rice to create dual-or multi-topping curry (aigake). In 2026, the event duration is expanded from 13 to 27 days, and the number of participating shops has reached 48, featuring types such as European curry, Japanese curry, spice curry, South Indian cuisine, and West Indian cuisine, along with crossover participants like ramen shops and Italian restaurants.

If you usually only know Japanese curry rice, this place will easily open up a new world for you. You can start by choosing a familiar rich Japanese flavor, and then pair it with a strongly spiced Indian or creative-style curry to compare the differences; or you and your dining companions can buy different ones and exchange tastes. It is recommended not to get too full in the first round and leave room in your stomach to try more places—that is the most cost-effective way to enjoy this kind of food festival!

🌍 More than just curry rice! The crossover impact of spice culture and ramen broth

In addition to the usual soul curry sauce, traditional authentic dishes such as the Indian spiced rice dish "Biryani" and South Indian "Dosa" are also expected to appear at the venue, allowing visitors to deeply experience the diverse aspects of curry culture extending from Japan to all over the world within a single venue. For those who love taking photos and recording flavors, each plate has a different presentation, and the combinations are almost impossible to completely replicate.

Another absolute must-not-miss highlight is the ramen broth curry riceRaa CurryThis is no ordinary curry ramen, but rather a perfect combination of the soulful broth honed by a ramen shop and a special blend of spices, making the rich broth's character a part of the curry rice. Ramen enthusiasts visiting Japan should definitely take note; this highly experimental crossover spark is the ultimate charm of Tokyo's food events.

🎟️ 200 yen unit meal ticket system, small portions and multiple tries, easy and burden-free

Food and drinks at the venue are units of 200 yen The meal ticket system is great for splitting up budgets for flexible use. Instead of locking yourself into a large plate of a single flavor right from the start, it is better to check out the current queues and the restaurant's menu before deciding whether to go for heavy spices, meat-forward dishes, seafood broths, or exotic cuisine. If you are dining with a large group, sharing dishes allows you to try dozens of limited-time delicacies all at once.

Store types span from Halal-oriented, traditional Indian cuisine, ramen, to avant-garde creative styles, perfectly satisfying every discerning palate!

💡 Correspondent's itinerary suggestion:
The best way to fit this in is between shopping in Shinjuku, a night out in Kabukicho, or a stroll through Shin-Okubo's Korean town! The lunchtime slot is great for travelers who want to take serious photos and compare shops, while the evening is better for group dinners and the lively atmosphere after work. Since September in Tokyo can still have lingering summer heat and feel muggy, we recommend bringing drinking water, wearing comfortable and supportive shoes, and avoiding going in when you're super hungry so the wait times don't ruin your mood.

📍 Event Basic Information and Transportation

Source of information: Tokyo Curry Expo Executive Committee / Edited by JoyJapan