Rev Your Engines for Winter: The Mito Classic Car Festival 2026!

Japan, a land where tradition seamlessly blends with cutting-edge innovation, also boasts a passionate and huge car culture. From its iconic drift scene to meticulously preserved vintage beauties, there's always something for every auto enthusiast. We at TS Japan Tours are already buzzing about a fantastic event set to ignite the winter chill: the Mito Classic Car Festival!

What to Expect at the Mito Classic Car Festival

Mark your calendars, because on Sunday, January 25, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Senba Park Community Square – Seseragi Square in Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture, will transform into a petrolhead's paradise. Imagine strolling through a picturesque Japanese park, surrounded by approximately 500 stunning automobiles, each a gleaming testament to automotive history.

This isn't just any car meet; it's a carefully curated display of vehicles manufactured before 2006. Get ready to feast your eyes on a dazzling array of Japanese domestic market (JDM) legends, European classics, and American muscle; all beautifully maintained and passionately showcased. You'll see everything from sports cars to sedate family sedans, each telling its own story.

A true highlight for many will be the dedicated Toyota Crown contest! As one of Japan's longest-running and most revered luxury sedans, seeing multiple generations of Crowns side-by-side, competing for top honors, is a rare treat sponsored by a local Toyota dealership. It's a fantastic opportunity to appreciate the evolution of this iconic model through the decades.

For now, it looks like Sunday's forecast is sunny with partial clouds, but please note, as with many old car events in Japan, the festival will be cancelled in case of rain, so keep an eye on the weather as the date approaches!

Planning Your Visit to Mito

Mito City, the capital of Ibaraki Prefecture, is easily accessible and well worth the journey, offering more than just cars with its famous Kairakuen Garden nearby.

Getting There:

The most convenient way to reach Mito is by train. Take the JR Joban Line from Ueno Station in Tokyo directly to Mito Station. The journey typically takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes. From Mito Station, Senba Park Community Square – Seseragi Square is a short bus ride or taxi journey away, or about a 20-25 minute walk through the scenic park itself.

What to Bring:

• Your Camera: With 500 classic cars, you'll want to capture every gleaming detail!
• Warm Layers: January in Ibaraki can be quite chilly. Dress warmly with multiple layers, a good coat, hat, and gloves to fully enjoy your time outdoors.
• Comfortable Shoes: You'll be doing a lot of walking as you explore the vast display of vehicles.
• Enthusiasm: Bring your passion for cars and Japanese culture, and get ready for an unforgettable day!