Japan Car Meet Calendar: The Big JDM Events Month by Month
I go to Japan several times a year, and the first question people ask is when to go. The answer depends on what you want to see. Here are the big car events I plan around, month by month, plus the spots that run every week. Dates move from year to year, so always confirm on the organizer's site before you book flights.
January: Tokyo Auto Salon
The biggest tuning show in the world, at Makuhari Messe in Chiba. Tokyo Auto Salon 2027 runs January 15–17, 2027. The show is only half of it: the nights around it are some of the busiest of the year at Daikoku.
February: Nostalgic 2Days and Osaka Auto Messe
Nostalgic 2Days at Pacifico Yokohama is Japan's big classic car show, usually held in February.
Osaka Auto Messe at Intex Osaka is the Kansai answer to Tokyo Auto Salon, usually in February too.
August: FuelFest Japan
FuelFest Japan takes over Fuji Speedway around the Mountain Day holiday in August, with drifting, movie cars and a huge car show. My FuelFest Japan 2026 recap.
Autumn: R's Meeting, NSX Day and B2B
R's Meeting at Fuji Speedway is the annual all-GT-R gathering, from Hakosuka to R35.
NSX Day at Suzuka Circuit is a full day dedicated to Honda's NSX.
B2B Japan Car Show at Fuji Speedway is another big day of builds and tuners.
I'm covering all three this month. Here's the plan for the trip, and Fuji Speedway is on the JDM Legends Map.
December: Nismo Festival
Nismo Festival at Fuji Speedway has traditionally closed out the year in late November or early December, with Nissan race cars old and new on track.
Every week
Daikoku PA, any night, but no schedule and no guarantees. Read my Daikoku PA guide first.
Akihabara UDX on Saturday nights for itasha. See the map page.
Hakone on weekend mornings for touge drives and car spotting. Hakone on the JDM Legends Map.
Final thoughts
If you can only make one trip, January gives you Tokyo Auto Salon and the wildest Daikoku nights of the year. If you want track days and one-make gatherings, go in autumn. Which event is on your list? Let me know in the comments!
Watch next: The Real Auto Salon: Daikoku PA on TAS Weekend
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