Matsuri Tsukuba 2026

About this event

Held in Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Matsuri Tsukuba 2026 is a representative summer festival of the region spread across multiple areas around Tsukuba Station. The 2026 dates are scheduled for Saturday, August 22 and Sunday, August 23. As in typical years, Tsukuba Center Square, Tsuchiura Gakuen-sen, Daishimizu Park, Chuo Park, and Takezono Park will serve as the main venues. One of the highlights of the festival is the food stalls and kitchen cars gathered in Manpuku Square at Tsukuba Center Square, Daishimizu Park, and around tonarie Tsukuba Square. In addition to local specialties, world restaurants, and classic menu items such as yakisoba, takoyaki, and shaved ice, you can also enjoy trendy items popular in recent years such as tanghulu and croffles. Food stall operating hours are estimated to be from 12:00 to 21:00 on the first day and from 10:00 to 21:00 on the second day, but popular items may sell out in the evening or later. The Grand Parade, the highlight of the festival, is usually held from around 17:00, and because a portion of Tsuchiura Gakuen-sen is closed to traffic, this time period is expected to be particularly crowded. The area around Tsukuba Center Square becomes extremely lively around the parade times and from the evening onward. The times when you can stroll relatively leisurely are right after the start on the first day and from morning to early afternoon on the second day. Using public transportation, especially the TX Tsukuba Station, is the most convenient, and because the venues are concentrated around the station, they can be accessed on foot from the station. When arriving by car, parking lots near the venues are expected to be crowded, so it is wise to use parking lots slightly farther away or consider using public transportation. To prevent heatstroke, it is recommended to stay hydrated frequently and secure resting spots early. Taking home your own trash is stipulated as a rule within the venues. As a summer tradition of Tsukuba, this festival is an event visited by many people where you can spend a lively day.

Venue

Tsukuba Center Square

1-10-1 Azuma, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0031