Japanese hotspot in Europe
Little Tokyo in Düsseldorf
Spicy smells from ramen bars, fireworks on Japan Day, traditional arts and crafts
in the EKŌ-Haus, and Japanese schools, supermarkets and bookshops – Little Tokyo
is the place to experience authentic Japanese culture. It‘s a meeting place for locals
and manga fans, foodies and business folk.
Japanese life in Düsseldorf
- With more than 8,400 Japanese residents, Düsseldorf has the largest Japanese community in Germany and the third largest in Europe after London and Paris.
- Around 410 Japanese companies are active in Düsseldorf. In the entire state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Japanese companies employ over 50,000 people.
- Special events include the Japan Day Düsseldorf/NRW and the DoKomi trade fair for anime, mangas and cosplay.
- Tips: The Japanese restaurants, bars and supermarkets around Immermannstrasse, the Michelin-
starred restaurant NAGAYA, the EKŌ-Haus, the guided culinary tour of Little Tokyo.
Every year, Japan Day takes place on the banks of the Rhine with hundreds of thousands of guests,
traditional games, J-pop and rock, fine crafts and the largest Japanese fireworks display outside
Japan. And for cosplayers and gamers, DoKomi is a firm fixture in the calendar of events. It is the largest anime and Japan convention of its kind in Germany, attracting 75,000 visitors every year.
Where the food and drink is worth queuing up for
Nowhere else in Europe is Japanese life as concentrated as in Düsseldorf’s Little Tokyo district
near the main railway station around Immermannstrasse. The neighbourhood is popular, among other things, because of its multitude of excellent ramen bars, restaurants, snack bars and bakeries.
Authentic Japanese cuisine attracts locals and visitors alike, especially at weekends, and creates
long queues outside the doors. Michelin-starred NAGAYA is a hotspot for lovers of purist Japanese
cuisine. Under chef Yoshizumi Nagaya, it is fused with modern, European high-end cuisine for a
unique gastronomic experience.
Souvenirs, crafts and books
Little Tokyo is not only known for the art of cooking, but also for its ceremonies and craftmanship.
In one shop, you’ll find everyday objects made and presented with great finesse, such as hand-painted chopsticks, silk kimonos and sashimi knives. Right next door is a shop that has everything you need for the perfect tea ceremony. At the Japanese bookshop, curious visitors can get a glimpse into the world of Japanese literature, films and comics, as well as find German and English-language travel guides. If you stroll through the streets, you will discover bilingual street signs in Japanese and German.
Feel the vibes of tranquillity
Silence and inner contemplation away from pulsating streets are offered by the EKŌ-Haus. Built
in the traditional Japanese architectural style, the building in the Niederkassel district is a religious
and cultural centre. With a temple, tea room and courses in ink painting, calligraphy and ikebana, it invites visitors to learn traditional crafts. The Japanese Garden in Düsseldorf‘s Nordpark radiates a very special atmosphere of relaxation, for contemplation and meditation.
City tour of Little Tokyo
Too many options, too little time? Then off you go on the guided tour ‘Sushi, Sake and Japanese Lifestyle’ by Visit Düsseldorf. The two-hour tour takes in the best sights in Little Tokyo, stopping along the way for four culinary tastings.
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