The Xin Chào Go Fest #63 journey brings Bánh Mì Xin Chào to OMATSURI: Takadanobaba International Exchange Festival on Saturday, October 3. In a neighborhood where people from many countries live, study and work, the festival offers a simple way to meet: share a good meal, try something new and talk with a neighbor you may have passed many times before.
A day of connection in Takadanobaba
OMATSURI takes place at Yakudo Plaza in Toyama Park. It is organized by the OMATSURI organizing committee, planned by Machizukuri Peace Boat and supported by Shinjuku City. Machizukuri Peace Boat sees OMATSURI as a first step toward a neighborhood where people recognize and talk with one another. Drawing on its experience of creating spaces for exchange aboard international voyages, the group hopes to bring that spirit of meeting face to face to Takadanobaba. The project crowdfunding page explains this aim in more detail.
In the food area, you can discover flavors from Vietnam and Myanmar alongside familiar Takadanobaba shops. The activity area includes a traditional Mongolian ger, kendama, a chance to write your name in different languages, a small book market and booths run by community organizations. A stamp rally also invites visitors to explore neighborhood shops.
The stage program is scheduled to begin with Kokura Gion drums at 11:03, followed by Korean traditional dance at 12:15, activities with sumo wrestlers at 13:00, Andean music at 14:30 and a bubble performance at 15:40. Times and activities may change according to the organizer's announcements.
An invitation from Bánh Mì Xin Chào
Bánh Mì Xin Chào will be there with a food truck serving Vietnamese bánh mì. On the booth map published by the organizer on August 26, we are at spot 2, between spots 1 and 3 near the top of the map. Booth positions may change, so please check the organizer's latest information before visiting.
Stop by to say hello, pick up a bánh mì and take some time to discover the flavors and stories of Takadanobaba. A familiar meal might be the start of a new conversation.
Event details
- Event: OMATSURI: Takadanobaba International Exchange Festival.
- Time: Saturday, October 3, 2026, 11:00 to 16:30 (Japan time).
- Venue: Yakudo Plaza, Toyama Park.
- Address: 3-1-1 Okubo, Shinjuku, Tokyo.
- Bánh Mì Xin Chào spot: Number 2 on the August 26 map; subject to change.
- Admission: Free.
- Weather: Cancelled in the event of bad weather.
- Official information: Peace Boat and the updated program.
Getting there
- About a 6 minute walk from Nishi-Waseda Station on the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line.
- About a 10 minute walk from Takadanobaba Station on JR lines.
See you in Takadanobaba on October 3 for a bánh mì, a hello and perhaps a new friendship.