Finally Made It to the OC Japan Fair
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
That’s right, folks — we finally made it to the OC Japan Fair at the Costa Mesa Fairgrounds, and let’s just say… it was a decent little adventure. We went on opening day, full of excitement, and while we expected a bit more “Japan” in the Japan Fair, we still had a fun time browsing through the vendors and exploring what the event had to offer.
To be honest, it felt more like a Japanese-themed swap meet than a traditional cultural fair. There were lots of booths to shop from — snacks, trinkets, handmade items, anime goods, and more — but not as many shows or cosplay as you might expect. We saw a few cosplayers here and there (and we mean a few), but if you’re going for the visual flair or performance aspect, maybe aim for a day when they advertise a big lineup.
We did catch a couple of live bands in different arenas, which helped add to the vibe. So if you’re into the music scene or love discovering new artists, it’s worth checking the event schedule beforehand.
Family Tips:
Bring your own seating: There aren't many places to sit and eat, and with so many food vendors tempting your taste buds, you’ll definitely want to post up somewhere to enjoy your bites. Folding chairs or even a picnic blanket wouldn’t be a bad idea.
Stroller must! If you're coming with littles, bring that stroller. It’s a good walk from the parking lot, and navigating the fairgrounds can wear tiny legs out quickly. Bonus: strollers also double as mobile storage units for all those impulse buys.
Dogs are allowed! We spotted a few happy pups rolling along in dog strollers. So if you're bringing your furry family member, definitely come prepared. It can get crowded, so a dog stroller keeps your pup safe and happy.
Restrooms: Major win here — no porta-potties! The restrooms were clean, maintained, and fully stocked. As parents, we know how much that can make or break a trip. You’ll appreciate that if you’re bringing littles (or just enjoy clean hands after a sticky mochi treat).
Overall Vibe:
If you go in with expectations of a chill, shop-and-snack kind of day, you'll have a good time. It’s great for families looking for something different to do in Orange County, especially if you’re into Japanese culture and want to browse unique items and enjoy some tasty food. Just don’t expect a full-on cosplay convention or cultural performance showcase — at least not on opening day.
📝 What We Wish We Knew Before Going to the OC Japan Fair
If it’s your first time heading to the OC Japan Fair, here are a few tips we wish someone told us — so you can go in fully prepped for the fun:
1. There’s more modern Japanese influence than traditional. Think K-pop, LED-lit booths, and up-and-coming Asian-American artists rather than taiko drums and yukatas. There’s definitely a modern flair here, which was fun — just different than what we expected!
2. Entertainment is spread across three stages. From morning yoga to K-pop dance groups, and even small indie acts — there's something going on throughout the day. Make sure to grab a schedule or check the lineup online so you don’t miss out on a performance you’d love!
3. The food scene is busy — and worth it. My daughter devoured a toro sushi sample like she was auditioning for a food show. The variety is amazing — from Japanese street food favorites to fusion creations. But again, not many places to sit, so plan accordingly.
4. Bring your own seating. We’re not kidding — whether it’s a compact stool, picnic blanket, or camping chair, having your own spot to sit will make your visit so much more enjoyable. Great for kids who need a break, or grown-ups juggling food trays and matcha lattes.
5. Strollers save the day. For kids and dogs! The layout covers a good bit of walking, and crowds can be thick in the vendor zones. We saw plenty of dog strollers and honestly loved that pets are welcome (just keep them hydrated and cool!).
Address: OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626.
Parking: $12 per vehicle. Payment can be made via cash or card.
Hours:
Friday, April 4: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Saturday, April 5: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Sunday, April 6: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
For more details, visit the official website: OC Japan Fair
Commentaires