First held in 2011 to commemorate Taiwan’s centenary and support Tohoku earthquake recovery, the Taiwan Festival (台湾フェスティバル) has become a beloved annual fixture in Ueno Park. The event promotes Taiwanese culture through art, music, and an extensive outdoor market. Thousands gather at the Takenodai Plaza to enjoy authentic regional cuisine, including lu rou fan (braised pork rice) and seasonal fruits like fresh lychees. This vibrant matsuri serves as a lively cross-cultural bridge, celebrating the deep friendship and shared traditions between Japan and Taiwan.
The festival is located at the Fountain Plaza (Takenodai Plaza) within Ueno Onshi Park, just a five-minute walk from the JR Ueno Station Park Exit. While the cultural performances on the main stage are a major draw, the event is most famous for its diverse food zone, which often features rare ingredients imported specifically for the festival. Visitors should be prepared for significant queues at popular stalls during the lunch hour. Because the venue is open-air with limited seating, many attendees pair their visit with a stroll through the nearby Ueno museums or the Shinobazu Pond area.
