Kotatsu Yatai Fest (Chiba)

Kotatsu Yatai Fest 2026 returns this winter with one of the largest kotatsu setups in Japan, featuring around 40 kotatsu tables and an unforgettable outdoor dining experience. Combining traditional Japanese warmth with street food culture, the festival invites visitors to enjoy hot meals while sitting under a kotatsu - right in the middle of the city.

After gaining widespread attention in previous editions, the 2026 festival has been significantly upgraded in both scale and content. This year, it will tour four cities across the Kanto region, transforming central urban spaces into warm, inviting winter gathering spots.

The tour begins at Banba Hiroba on Baba Street in central Utsunomiya, before moving on to Chiba City Chuo Park near Chiba Station, Sun Pearl Square directly connected to Fujisawa Station, and Machida Shibahiro, just steps from Machida Station. Each venue was carefully chosen for its excellent access and central location.

Visitors can expect a wide variety of food stalls offering warm, winter-friendly dishes, along with regional specialties that showcase the unique character of each area. The event is designed as an interactive food festival where guests can see, eat, and relax, making it enjoyable for friends, couples, and families alike.

Adding to the atmosphere, the festival also features a Japanese sake tasting program, perfectly paired with the comfort of the kotatsu. For those who prefer other options, a selection of non-alcoholic and alternative drinks will also be available.

Event Schedule

Utsunomiya Venue: Banba Hiroba (4-1-1 Babadori, Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture)

• February 6 (Fri), 2026: 15:30-19:30 (Pre-open)

• February 7 (Sat), 2026: 11:00-19:30

• February 8 (Sun), 2026: 11:00-18:30

Chiba Venue: Chiba City Chuo Park (1-12-12 Chuo, Chuo Ward, Chiba City)

• February 20 (Fri), 2026: 16:00-20:00 (Pre-open)

• February 21 (Sat), 2026: 11:00-20:00

• February 22 (Sun), 2026: 11:00-20:00

• February 23 (Mon), 2026 (Public Holiday): 11:00-19:30

Fujisawa Venue: Sun Pearl Square (in front of Fujisawa Station, Fujisawa City)

• February 27 (Fri), 2026: 16:00-21:00 (Pre-open)

• February 28 (Sat), 2026: 11:00-21:00

• March 1 (Sun), 2026: 11:00-20:30

Machida Venue: Machida Shibahiro (1-20-23 Nakamachi, Machida City, Tokyo)

• March 14 (Sat), 2026: 11:00-19:00

• March 15 (Sun), 2026: 11:00-19:00