At Experience Japan, we believe an inter-cultural community is a learning community.
We believe everyone on the island of Ireland should have the opportunity to experience wonderment at authentic Japanese culture.
We are a community-driven non-profit organisation based in Ireland, celebrating Japanese–Irish culture and heritage since 2010.
Our Events
Our flagship event is the 🌸Hanami Festival — a fun, family-friendly day out which takes place on the grounds of Farmleigh House.
The event follows the Japanese tradition of hanami (花見), where friends come together to watch flowers blossom and mark the beginning of Spring.
Join our friends at the East Asia Film Festival for a selection of screenings from 20th–23rd March 2025, taking place in Dublin, Cork, Galway, and Limerick.
A series of talks on the legacy of Lafaciao Hearn will take place in Ireland this year. You can also enjoy the Kwaidan gallery exhibition in Farmleigh, featuring the works of 40 artists from Ireland and Japan. The exhibition coincides with this year’s Hanami Festival.
Each year we showcase a selection of musical and dance performances, martial arts demonstrations, seminars, and a variety of traditional arts and crafts.
Expect also to enjoy a range of Japanese food options!
Many festival-goers dress for the occasion: following Japanese fashion subcultures, in traditional styles like kimono, or in cosplay.
We are so excited to see you again in person!
Please see details about our latest Festival here: Hanami Festival 2025
Experience Japan is a volunteer-run organisation, and our Hanami Festival has received awards in both Ireland and Japan for its contributions to building bridges between our cultures.
If you are interested in contributing to or volunteering at future events, please see here:
