VIA Japan - Authentic Japanese Street Food
Authentic Japanese street food at the Città dell'Altra Economia in Testaccio
About VIA Japan
A slice of Japan in the heart of Rome
VIA Japan is the festival that transforms the Testaccio district in Rome into a corner of Tokyo for four days. Hosted within the Città dell'Altra Economia in Largo Dino Frisullo, the event is entirely dedicated to authentic Japanese street food: not reinvented fusion cuisine, but the dishes actually eaten on the streets and in the markets of the Land of the Rising Sun, prepared fresh in front of the audience.
Flavors of the Land of the Rising Sun
The heart of the event lies in the twelve food stalls that bring the area to life in the Municipality of Rome. Offerings range from classic pan-seared gyoza dumplings to fluffy Japanese pancakes, as well as yakisoba noodles, yakitori skewers, and the famous onigiri rice triangles. Naturally, there is also ramen, served thanks to the technical collaboration of the renowned Ramen Bar Akira, and a corner dedicated to sake to accompany your tasting with the traditional rice spirit.
Pop culture, music, and shows
VIA Japan is more than just gastronomy: it is an immersion into contemporary Japanese culture. The program complements the food stalls with live cooking shows, performances, traditional games like kendama, and Japanese pop culture events. Each edition brings in special guests, musical moments, and collaborations with other cultural entities in Rome, from comic book festivals to nineties-themed entertainment.
Testaccio, a district of taste
The choice of Testaccio is no coincidence: historically the district of the Mattatoio and Roman popular cuisine, it is now one of the most vibrant gastronomic hubs in the Capital. The Città dell'Altra Economia, housed in former industrial spaces, offers a spacious and convivial setting, perfect for a festival that brings together families, Japan enthusiasts, and curious visitors alike.
An event for everyone
- Free admission with online registration
- Twelve authentic Japanese street food stalls
- Sake corner and tastings
- Cooking shows, performances, and family activities
- Indoor and outdoor location in the Testaccio district
With VIA Japan, Rome confirms its role as a crossroads of cultures and flavors: a spring appointment awaited by those who love Japan and its street food, to be enjoyed in good company in the heart of the Lazio region.
VIA Japan — edition 2026
VIA Japan 2026: the second edition
From May 21 to 24, 2026, the Città dell'Altra Economia in Testaccio, Rome, hosts the second edition of VIA Japan. After the success of its debut, the event doubles down on its Japanese street food offerings, featuring twelve stalls, a sake corner, and a rich calendar of performances, cooking shows, and Japanese pop culture.
Among the most anticipated guests is Kichi Kichi Happy Omurice, famous for his live cooking show, and a collaboration with the ARF! Comic Festival, which also brings rapper Caparezza to the stage. There will also be music, traditional games like kendama, and entertainment for all ages.
Programme VIA Japan 2026
Schedule
- Thursday, May 21: 7:00 PM - 12:00 AM
- Friday, May 22: 7:00 PM - 1:00 AM
- Saturday, May 23: 12:00 PM - 1:00 AM
- Sunday, May 24: 12:00 PM - 10:30 PM
Guests and events
- Friday 22, 8:00 PM: Caparezza on stage, in collaboration with the ARF! Comic Festival
- Saturday 23, 5:00 PM: Live cooking show by Kichi Kichi Happy Omurice
- Saturday 23, 7:00 PM: Cartoon Party with Raggi Gamma and classic anime theme songs
- Sunday 24, afternoon: Large gathering dedicated to kendama, the traditional Japanese game
- Nineties entertainment by the 90 Special collective
Street food
Twelve food stalls with gyoza dumplings, Japanese pancakes, yakisoba noodles, yakitori skewers, onigiri, and ramen (in collaboration with Ramen Bar Akira), plus the sake corner.
Highlights VIA Japan 2026
- Live cooking show by Kichi Kichi Happy Omurice
- Caparezza on stage with the ARF! Comic Festival
- Twelve authentic Japanese street food stalls
- Sake corner and Cartoon Party with Raggi Gamma
- Gathering dedicated to kendama
Prices VIA Japan 2026
Practical information — VIA Japan
How to get there
The Città dell'Altra Economia is located at Largo Dino Frisullo, in the Testaccio district of Rome. By metro, take the B line to Piramide station, followed by a short walk. Numerous bus and tram lines serve the area. If arriving by car, parking is available nearby, but public transport is recommended.
Admission and hours
Free admission with registration via Eventbrite. The event takes place in the evenings on weekdays and during the afternoon on weekends.
Tips
It is best to arrive hungry and with plenty of time to sample multiple specialties. The event is also suitable for families with children.
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Where does it take place — VIA Japan
Città dell'Altra Economia
Largo Dino Frisullo 1, 00153 Roma