‘Japanaroo’ is a new initiative to celebrate multiculturalism and promote exchange with Japan in Australia. Japanaroo 2021 was originally scheduled for 10 days, but will now run from 20 August to 2 October 2021 so there's now more time to enjoy the range of special events on offer.
It’s a great opportunity to experience ‘Japan at your doorstep’, with over 50 exciting Japan-related events set to run online and across Sydney during this time. We’ve collated a collection of mostly virtual (and many free!) events for you to experience Japan without having to leave the house.
There is also the chance to win some great prizes, including return tickets to Japan for you and a friend with ANA or JAL! Simply participate in any of the listed events and complete an entry form to go into the draw to win. Visit the official website 
for more information.
Note: All event times are Australian Eastern Standard Time. Event details including dates and times are correct at time of publishing but may be subject to change. Please check the event listing on the official Japanaroo website for the latest information.
Homestay in Japan
Experience a ‘homestay' in Japan online and see what life is like in a real Japanese house, learn how to make simple Japanese dishes and more. There are 4 unique 50-minute experiences to choose from.
Dates: Fri 20 – Sun 29 Aug
Price: Free on 20 – 23 August | $10 AUD on 25 – 29 August
Location: Online (live virtual event)
More info: Official site | Japanaroo 2021
1. Real Japanese interactive Room Tour
Go on a tour real Japanese home with an accredited Japanese language teacher who will chat with you in simple Japanese.
・Fri 20 August, 12:00 – 12:50pm (free event)
・Thu 26 August, 12:00 – 12:50pm (paid event)
2. Make Your Own Japanese Song!
Singer-songwriter Naoki Kato will compose a song using Japanese words you supply and phrases you supply. Sing along in Japanese!
・ Sat 21 Aug, 5:00 – 5:50pm (free event)
・ Wed 25 Aug, 5:00 – 5:50pm (paid event)
3. Walk & Talk
Enjoy a live virtual tour of famous attractions such as Osaka Castle in Osaka and Sensoji Temple in Tokyo.
・Osaka Castle Tour: Sun 22 Aug, 12:00 – 12:50pm (free event)
・Sensoji Temple Tour: Sat 28 August, 12:00 – 12:50pm (paid event)
4. Cooking Lesson
Bring the taste of Japan to you in a live cooking lesson and learn how to make some easy Japanese dishes.
・Japanese Dinner Set: Mon 23 Aug, 12:00 – 12:50pm (free event)
・Beef Bowl: Sun 29 Aug, 12:00 – 12:50pm (paid event)
Aussie Abroad – Virtual Nikko Edo Wonderland Walking Tour
Travel back in time to the Edo Period at Nikko Edo Wonderland with an Aussie working as a samurai at this unique theme park. Learn about the spirit and culture of the samurai while taking in the 17th century atmosphere of the village where ninjas and samurai roam.
Date: Sat 21 Aug, 12:00 – 12:30pm
Price: Free
Location: Online (live virtual event)
More info: Official site | Japanaroo 2021
Virtual Walking Tour in Harajuku Tokyo & Dotonbori Osaka!
Take a virtual walk through Harajuku in Tokyo and Dotonbori in Osaka on a free tour! You are welcome to ask the knowledgeable local guides any questions you may have too.
Dates: Sun 22 Aug, 12:00 – 12:40pm | Sat 28 Aug, 12:30 – 1:10pm
Price: Free
Location: Online (live virtual event)
More info: Official site | Japanaroo 2021
Interact And Learn About Sumo Traditions with a Former Sumo Wrestler of Japan
This virtual event offers a rare opportunity to interact with a former Japanese sumo wrestler and gain an insider insight into the sumo world. The event will cover the history and basic rules of sumo, a demonstration of sumo movements, some sumo exercises and a Q&A session.
Dates: Sun 22 Aug, 7:00 – 8:10pm | Wed 25 Aug, 7:00 – 8:10pm | Sat 28 Aug, 10:30 – 11:40am
Price: $20 AUD
Location: Online (live virtual event)
More info: Official site | Japanaroo 2021
Okinawan Cooking Experience
Okinawa is known for its unique culture, stunning coastlines and the longevity of its residents. Learn how to make some of Okinawa’s most popular dishes with Japanese chef Mayumi Nagata, who has worked across one and two hatted restaurants throughout her career in Japan, Singapore, France and Australia. Included is a special awamori cocktail crafted by a local awamori master. (Awamori is a unique distilled alcoholic drink from Okinawa.)
Dates: Sun 29 August, 12:00 – 3:00pm (likely to be postponed due to the current lockdown)
Price: $149 AUD
Location: Neutral Bay, NSW
More info: Official site | Japanaroo 2021
Amazing Tokyo
Discover some of the hottest attractions in Tokyo’s in this exclusive virtual tour for Japanaroo 2021. Visit places such as Meiji-jingu Shrine, the Imperial Palace, Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Bay Cruise.
Dates: Fri 20 – Sat 2 Oct
Price: Free
Location: Online (video on demand)
More info: Official site | Japanaroo 2021
Are you a Japan travel expert?
Put your Japan knowledge to the test with this travel quiz from Kintetsu International Express (Oceania) for the chance to win a Japan-travel related prize.
Dates: Fri 20 Aug – Sat 2 Oct
Price: Free
Location: Online (quiz)
More info: Official site | Japanaroo 2021
Meet Wagashi | Flavors of Japan
Wagashi are traditional Japanese sweets and often boast beautifully intricate designs that reflect the changing seasons. Visit well-known wagashi shops in Nihonbashi, Asakusa, Kyoto and Kanazawa, and marvel at the art of creating these delicate sweets while admiring beautiful traditional landscapes.
Dates: Fri 20 – Sat 2 Oct
Price: Free
Location: Online (video on demand)
More info: Official site | Japanaroo 2021
Online Marathon: ‘Japan Close to You’
‘Run to Japan Close to You’ is a charity event with proceeds going towards Beddown, an initiative that creates pop-up accommodation for people who are homeless by providing them with a safe space to sleep at night.
Choose a distance, set yourself a goal to complete it in and complete it at a time and place that suits you. As a bonus challenge, find a slice of Japan close to you, such as a Japanese restaurant, Japanese garden or simply a Japan-related object, and capture a selfie with it. Participants will also receive a range of prizes including a limited-edition t-shirt and box of matcha green tea.
Dates: Fri 20 Aug – Sat 2 Oct
Price: $65 AUD per participant
Location: Up to the participant
More info: Official site | Japanaroo 2021
