Please note that this event has already occured.
Key information
Date: Sunday 24 September 2017
Time: 10:00am to 8:00pm
Venue: Trafalgar Square, Westminster, London, WC2N 5DN, GB
Cost: No tickets required
Japan Matsuri, returning to Trafalgar Square for its sixth year, offers a fantastic opportunity to experience the vibrancy of Japanese culture in the heart of London.
There’ll be something for everyone, with:
- live music and dance performances by Japanese artists
- a dedicated martial arts stage
- children’s activities
- arts, crafts, and origami
- calligraphy
- manga drawing workshops
And don’t forget to bring your appetite with you, as the food market will be offering all the best of Japanese gastronomy!
Do I need a ticket?
No. Trafalgar Square is a public space, but all events have limited capacity so at times you may need to queue to get in.
Is there a minimum age?
No, but we ask that under 16s are accompanied by an adult.
Can I bring pets?
Trafalgar Square gets extremely busy on event days and pets will find it stressful, so we do not recommend you bring them. Our stewards also reserve the right to refuse pets entry on this basis.
Guidance dogs are welcome.
Can I bring large bags?
Please avoid this if you can. Bags may be searched by our security staff.
Can I smoke on Trafalgar Square?
Yes as this is a public open space, but please be mindful of others around you and please dispose of your cigarette butts responsibly.
Is there a covered area if it rains?
There are no covered areas. Remember weather is changeable, so wrap up warm & be prepared for rain. Trafalgar Square is also a sun trap at times, so bring sun screen on hotter days.
Is there first aid?
Yes, there will be first aid on site. Ask a steward for your nearest one. Only dial 999 if it's life threatening.
Will there be security?
All medium to large events on the square are stewarded.
Can I get in the fountains?
No. They're Grade 2 listed historic monuments and it isn't safe. Anyone who gets into the fountains will be removed by our security team.
Is there a café?
The café on the square is open from 10am-6pm daily. There is seating inside, and outside seats and wooden tables. The café is on the lower terrace of Trafalgar Square, on the square’s east side, right of the central staircase (if looking at the National Gallery). It is wheelchair accessible, and has a low-level counter and induction loop.
Are there toilets on Trafalgar Square?
Yes, public toilets are available on the lower terrace of Trafalgar Square. This is on the west side of the square to the left of the central staircase (if looking at the National Gallery). These are open daily from 8am to 8pm. Depending on the event there could be a small fee to use them.
Men:
Eight urinals
Three cubicles
Women:
Nine cubicles
One unisex disabled toilet
Are there baby changing facilities on Trafalgar Square?
Yes, there are 2, one in the men’s and one in the women’s toilet.
I have access needs, what is Trafalgar Square like?
Trafalgar Square is an open public space with two fountains in the shape of octagons situated on the lower terrace. It has a square stone slab surface. There is also a large central staircase, with a separate set of stairs at either end, leading from the upper (north terrace) to the lower terrace of the square.
Is there a lift?
There is a wheelchair accessible lift. It is on the north-west of Trafalgar Square. Event stewards will be available to help wheelchair users travelling between upper (north terrace) and lower terrace levels of Trafalgar Square.
Is there an accessible viewing area?
Yes this event will have an accessible viewing area located at the top of the central staircase on the North Terrace.
Trafalgar Square Policies
Behaviour
Illegal and antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated and will lead to ejection from the event. For the safety of all our visitors, crowd surfing and moshing are prohibited.
Challenge 25
If you are lucky enough to look under 25, we may ask you to prove your age when attempting to buy alcohol as part of our Challenge 25 Alcohol Policy.
Any one of the following is considered an acceptable form of ID:
1. Passport (not a photocopy). Foreign passports are acceptable if in suitable condition and include a photograph.
2. Full or provisional photo card driving license issued by the DVLA.
3. Proof Of Age Card - The card must be part of the PASS scheme and carry their hologram.
If you are under 18 you are committing an offence if you attempt to buy alcohol. Similarly, anyone purchasing alcohol for someone under 18 is committing an offence.
How do I get to Trafalgar Square?
The Tube
Charing Cross (Bakerloo and Northern lines) is the closest Tube station, with an entrance/exit on Trafalgar Square.
The following stations are within a few minutes' walk:
Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly lines)
Piccadilly Circus (Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines)
Embankment (Bakerloo, Northern, District and Circle lines)
Mainline train
Charing Cross mainline rail station is about a three minute walk from the Square.
Buses
Routes 3, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 23, 24, 53, 77A, 88, 91, 139, 159, 176, 453 go past Trafalgar Square.
Also routes 22 and 94 terminate nearby at Piccadilly Circus. Many of London's night buses serve Trafalgar Square.
The following routes start/end near the square: 53, N2, N5, N18, N20, N21, N26, N29, N41, N47, N50, N89, N91, N97, N279, and N381, and these routes go past the square: 6, 12, 23, 24, 88, 139, 176, 453, N3, N9, N11, N13, N15, N36, N44, N52, N77, N155, N159, N343.
Visit the Transport for London bus maps page to access information on bus routes from Trafalgar Square, for both day-time and night buses.
Accessible parking
The nearest Blue Badge parking spaces to Trafalgar Square are:
• St Martin’s Street – five spaces - 321 metres from Trafalgar Square.
• Outside Canada House – one space - 33 metres from Trafalgar Square
• Suffolk Street – one space - 644 metres from Trafalgar Square
• Spring Gardens – one space - 321 metres from Trafalgar Square
Bikes
The nearest bike stands are on Orange Street, St Martin’s Street, St Martin’s Place, and Duncannon Street. Please check Urban Cycle Parking for further information. Please note bikes will not be allowed onto Trafalgar Square.