The Xin Chào Go Fest journey continues with stop #59, and this time Bánh Mì Xin Chào is heading to Ibaraki. This is the first time Bánh Mì Xin Chào joins Vietnam Festival in Ibaraki 2026 (茨城ベトナムフェスティバル2026), a celebration of culture, art, music, food and the Vietnamese community in Japan, held over two days on September 20 and 21 at Toyoda Castle (豊田城) in Joso City.
Homeland in our hearts, right here in Ibaraki
The festival is organized by the Association of Vietnamese in Ibaraki and the Vimosa Culture and Arts Club, co-organized by Joso City, under the patronage of the Embassy of Vietnam in Japan and with advice from the Union of Vietnamese Associations in Japan (VUAJ).
This year's theme is "Homeland in our hearts, rising with the times" (心の中の祖国 ― 新しい時代とともに羽ばたく), a journey that takes us back to the values of Vietnamese history, culture and tradition, while looking toward a Vietnam that is rising in a new era.
Highlights of this year's festival:
- A million hearts shaping the homeland: thousands of people holding the red flag with the yellow star come together to form the map of Vietnam
- Traditional áo dài fashion show: áo dài in a wide variety of styles and colors, celebrating the beauty of Vietnamese women and the charm of traditional dress
- Full moon festivities: a Vietnamese Mid-Autumn atmosphere for families and children, with a Mid-Autumn Festival program from 18:30 to 19:30 on Sunday, September 20
- Guest singer Hiền Thục: performing on both days, Sunday, September 20 from 18:00 to 18:30 and Monday, September 21 from 17:30 to 18:00
- Concert "Khúc anh hùng ca": a story told through music and art, from the years of war with their many sacrifices and losses to peace, independence and Vietnam's rise in a new era
- Traditional arts program by Vimosa (Monday, September 21, 15:45 to 17:30): honoring Vietnam's nation building and patriotic traditions
- Community stage: Nguyễn Nam, Kuma chan, Tuấn Hảo, Tổng Hội Osaka, Polaris, Koimusic, Kurrock, K-Monkey, Bảo Trâm & Nam Phương, Vimosa, Vimosa Music, Mãi Yêu Mình, Anh Em Kyoto, Việt Anh, Phương Linh (JEEKA)
- Food and exchange: Vietnamese food, drinks, shopping booths, hands-on activities, gifts and a space for exchange between Vietnam and Japan
Bánh Mì Xin Chào at the festival
Vietnam Festival in Ibaraki 2026 is a special stop: it is the first time Bánh Mì Xin Chào takes part in this festival, and also the first time Bánh Mì Xin Chào comes to Toyoda Castle. The Bánh Mì Xin Chào booth will bring the taste of Vietnamese bánh mì to the Vietnamese community in Ibaraki and our Japanese friends throughout both days of the festival.
For Bánh Mì Xin Chào, every Go Fest stop is a chance to bring the taste of Vietnam closer to our Japanese friends, and for the Vietnamese community far from home to meet and connect.
Event details
- Event name: Vietnam Festival in Ibaraki 2026 (茨城ベトナムフェスティバル2026)
- Dates and times: Sunday, September 20, 2026, 10:00 to 19:30 and Monday (national holiday), September 21, 2026, 11:00 to 19:00
- Note: times follow the organizer's stage schedule, which may change without notice
- Venue: Toyoda Castle, Joso City Regional Exchange Center (豊田城 / 常総市地域交流センター)
- Address: 〒300-2706 茨城県常総市新石下2010
- Weather: the festival goes ahead rain or shine
- Admission: Free
- Official page: Facebook ベトナムフェスティバル茨城
Getting there
- Kanto Railway Joso Line (関東鉄道常総線), Ishige Station (石下駅): 10 minute walk
- By car: about 5 minutes from Joso IC (Ken-O Expressway, 圏央道)
- By car: about 25 minutes from Yawara IC (Joban Expressway, 常磐自動車道), about 30 minutes from Tsuchiura-Kita IC
Rain is forecast for the festival days, so remember to bring an umbrella or raincoat and take care on your way.
See you at Toyoda Castle on September 20 and 21, as Bánh Mì Xin Chào makes its first appearance at Vietnam Festival in Ibaraki!