Last Updated on April 7, 2026
As someone who has lived in Tokyo for 20 years, rediscovering the city from a fresh perspective is always a great joy. In this guide, I’ll show you how to enjoy the vibrant Vietnam Festival at Yoyogi Park, what to bring for a stress-free visit, and how to style the accessories I picked up there by color.
The purpose of this guide is not just to introduce a local festival, but to help you enjoy cultural events in Tokyo more comfortably while finding small, meaningful inspirations you can bring into your everyday life.
What you will find in this guide:
- What the Vietnam Festival is like: Food, atmosphere, and what to expect at Yoyogi Park
- What to eat: Vietnamese dishes and street food worth trying
- What to bring: Essential items for a smooth and comfortable festival visit
- Cultural experience: A glimpse into Vietnamese culture in Tokyo
- Style inspiration: Wearing festival souvenirs with simple outfits
Vietnam Festival
In late May, an old friend invited me to the festival held in Yoyogi Park. Tokyo hosts many international festivals throughout the year, and Yoyogi Park is the most iconic venue for these events. Even though Tokyo has plenty of Vietnamese restaurants, I had never been to Vietnam, so I was really excited to check out the official festival.
Yoyogi Park is just a short walk from Harajuku Station. It was already lively when I arrived. Vietnamese food stalls and bright, colorful decorations greeted visitors right at the entrance. Coincidentally or not, a motorcycle parking area was right behind the decorations, which made it feel even more like Vietnam. This unexpected sight instantly transported me to the busy streets of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
We started by trying some Vietnamese snacks at the booths and then explored the festival grounds. Hand-washing stations were scarce, so I recommend packing plenty of wet wipes. I brought some, but they weren’t enough! Our hands got super sticky from the sweet sauce.
There were various stalls, including the traditional Vietnamese conical hats (Non La), shops selling local cashew nuts, Southeast Asian–style clothing, as well as booths from Vietnam Airlines and the Vietnamese Embassy.
It was a bit hot that day, and seeing the dancers wearing conical hats made me want one too. However, they were too big to take home, so I gave up on the idea. When we both tried them on, the Vietnamese staff member said, ‘Kawaii~!’ (Kawaii means ‘cute’ in Japanese.) If they had been available for rent, we might have asked to rent them.
I didn’t realize Vietnam was a cashew nut producer. The sample I tried had a richer flavor, partly thanks to the thin skin. The individual nuts were quite big as well. It’s not something I often see, so I skipped buying it there, but I’d like to buy it if I find it somewhere else next time.
Don’t Forget Extra Wet Wipes
Many Vietnamese street foods feature delicious but sticky sweet-and-spicy sauces. Since hand-washing stations in Yoyogi Park can be scarce and often have long lines, I highly recommend bringing more wet wipes than you think you’ll need. A small bottle of hand sanitizer is also a lifesaver for staying comfortable while enjoying your meal.
Vietnamese Lunch
As it got close to lunchtime, we returned to the food stall area. The banh mi sandwichies looked tempting, but I went with Bún bò Huế and black tea infused with lemongrass this time.
Bún bò Huế is a spicy beef noodle soup that originated in Hue, the ancient capital in central Vietnam. It features thick rice noodles (bún) and a rich broth flavored with lemongrass and chili, topped with beef, pork, fish cakes, and fresh herbs.
The soup offered a more complex flavor profile than pho, and surprisingly, this stall’s version wasn’t spicy at all despite its appearance. Loaded with fresh ingredients and perfectly seasoned, every spoonful was a delight. The meat may look red, but it’s fully cooked, so no worries!
The black tea with lemongrass was lightly sweet, served cold, and really tasty. I can see myself getting addicted to it! It offered a unique, refreshing herbal aroma that was different from just adding lemon. I really enjoyed that distinct, earthy flavor. It’s going to be the next big thing in Japan!
Customizing Your Flavor
Vietnamese cuisine often uses fresh herbs like coriander (cilantro). If you are sensitive to strong herbs or very spicy flavors, it’s perfectly okay to ask the staff “No coriander, please” or check the spice level before ordering. Most festival stalls are used to these requests and will happily accommodate you so you can enjoy your meal to the fullest.
Street Food Bliss
We grabbed some skewers and Vietnamese-style sausages. There’s something about eating skewers outside that makes them extra delicious. The red one looked spicy, but it turned out to be sweet.
Since there weren’t many chairs, we had to eat standing up. A picnic sheet would have made it a lot more comfortable. All in all, it was the ultimate festival lunch – a bit messy, but absolutely wonderful!
A Little Something to Remember
My friend came across a shop full of cute bracelets. With so many colors available, we couldn’t decide at first, but I picked the gray one in the end.
It was a Japanese shop, so I don’t know if the bracelets were made in Vietnam, but we loved them. They are slightly sheer, making them perfect for summer, but their muted colors mean they could also be worn in autumn. Choosing something I can wear every day as a travel memento makes me feel happy whenever it catches my eye.
A Sweet Afterglow
Since this was an official festival, it felt truly authentic. For someone like me with little time for overseas travel, it was the perfect event. It gave me new discoveries and a wonderful change of pace, making it a very well-spent time. In high spirits after the Vietnam Festival, we went to Harakado mall and enjoyed some sweet Vietnamese coffee while having one last chat.
Festival Essential Items
- Wet wipes: Handy for cleaning your hands after enjoying street food.
- Cash (small bills/coins): Many food stalls may not accept credit cards or digital payments.
- A foldable fan or sunshade: To stay cool while walking through the crowds.
- A plastic bag: Useful for keeping any trash until you find a bin.
- A picnic blanket: Some venues may not have enough seating, so it’s useful for taking a break on the grass.
Gray Stone Accessory Style
Now, I’m excited to show you how I style the jewelry I found at the Vietnam Festival. The gray beaded jewelry I found at the Vietnam Festival was so lovely that it inspired me to find a gray ring. The subtle, sophisticated tones of both pieces now complement each other perfectly in my daily styling.
I rarely wore accessories while raising my child, as they often got in the way. But now that my child is older, a friend encouraged me to rediscover them—and I found pieces I truly love. I will introduce my favorite accessory styling with gray jewelry and some color ideas for daily outfits that make me feel special every day.
About the top photo, since the day was approaching fall, I paired it with a navy short-sleeve knit, a gray long pencil skirt, and black pumps.
I usually wear basic outfits like this, but just this unique bracelet instantly brightened up my look. This gray skirt is from GU, UNIQLO‘s sister brand. GU is known for offering more trend-focused designs that are especially popular with younger people, all at even more affordable prices.
Black & Gray
Next, I paired it with a black long-sleeve knit. This black knit top is from MUJI. It’s a high-gauge mock neck knit that adds a touch of refined elegance to the outfit.
My black pointed-toe shoes broke, so I bought a new pair of black square-toe pumps. The skirt is the same as before, but I added a scarf made in India with lots of small tassels.
Moments like this—when I catch a glimpse of my favorite bracelet—always lift my mood. I owe a lot to the old friend who suggested this accessory. She always guides me to discover new experiences, softly opening up a whole new world.
Gray Jewelry Ring
I had gotten used to not wearing rings lately, but I decided to give them a try again for a change of pace. Since I really liked the gray bracelet I bought last time, I chose a ring in a similar tone. This moonstone ring is something I found in Yurakucho.
Beige & Gray
The gray ring also went really well with beige outfit. With such a casual outfit, the ring may not have been the best match.
But since I bought it, I want to wear it as much as possible. And with the coming season, on days when I wear a ring, I need to take a little care, like using hand cream. The beige knit is from UNIQLO, and I’ve paired it with a beige insulated jacket from Costco. Although it’s not actual down, the high-performance synthetic fill keeps it warm and lightweight.
Pink & Gray
I have this dusty pink vest with a slightly curly texture. To be honest, stepping out in it always makes me a little anxious since my usual style is so simple.
I feel like I’m wearing a fluffy little cloud. Still, it’s fun to step out of my comfort zone sometimes. The knit I paired with the vest has a basic shape, but its pinkish-gray color complements the vest perfectly.
Quick Tip: Pollen Allergies
You might wonder if this vest works for spring, but I actually avoid it during that time. In Japan, spring is the peak of “Kafunsho” (cedar pollen season), and fluffy pieces like this tend to attract pollen like a magnet. To keep allergies at bay and avoid bringing pollen into my home, I stick to smooth-surfaced clothes in the spring. That is why I choose to wear this specifically in fall.
After World War II, large areas of cedar were planted in Japan, which has led to massive pollen production and caused many Japanese people to develop allergies. As a result, wearing masks has become a familiar practice. Nowadays, efforts are being made to reduce the number of cedar trees or replace them with pollen-free varieties.
Cedar pollen affects the largest number of people with pollen allergies, so in March, you’ll likely see many Japanese people wearing glasses and masks. Around this time of year, drugstores start stocking masks for hay fever. Many of them now come in colors like pink, beige, and gray that match your outfit, so it’s worth taking a look.
Choosing Fabrics During Pollen Season
In Japan, the peak of cedar pollen (Kafunsho) occurs in March and April. To avoid bringing pollen into your home, try to wear smooth, high-density fabrics like nylon or smooth cotton when heading outdoors. Avoid “fluffy” materials like wool or faux fur during this time, as they act as a magnet for pollen. This small adjustment can significantly reduce your allergy symptoms.
Conclusion
For those who love simple outfits, gray stone accessories are a perfect match and never distract from your overall look. Even with a bold design, the neutral tone of gray adds a quiet elegance, making your style feel effortlessly refined.
If you come across a piece you love, I encourage you to try incorporating it into your everyday outfits.
When life gets busy, I sometimes lose interest in fashion. When taking care of my appearance starts to feel like a chore, I find myself wanting to go out less. That’s why I try to create a little more space in my daily life—so I can continue to enjoy the small things that bring me joy, like choosing what to wear.
Recommended For:
• Travelers interested in cultural festivals in Tokyo
• Food lovers eager to try international street food
• Visitors looking for casual, local experiences beyond major tourist spots
• Anyone who enjoys finding small, meaningful souvenirs
• Those interested in simple, everyday fashion inspiration
Check out my Yurakucho visit below:
Information
Information, prices and exchange rates are current as of my visit but may change. Please check official sites.
Yoyogi Park Event Plaza
Access
– About 850 ft (260 m) from Harajuku Station
Harakado
Access
– About 1150 ft (350 m) from Harajuku Station
– Google Maps
The next three stores in Yurakucho can all be visited in one go.
GU
Pencil skirt
– ¥2,990 (approx. $19.0 / €16.1)
Access
– Ginza official English website
– About 850 ft (260 m) from Yurakucho Station
MUJI Ginza
Mock neck knit
– ¥2,990 (approx. $19.0 / €16.1)
Access
– About 980 ft (300 m) from Yurakucho Station
– Google Maps
Gray Stone Ring
Price as of my visit
– ¥35,000 (approx. $223 / €191)
Access
– About 590 ft (180 m) from Yurakucho Station
– cui-cui
