Autumn in Tokyo is a wonderful season for visiting university festivals, and Tokyo University of Agriculture’s Harvest Festival is a perfect example! These festivals, held at many universities, are open to everyone and offer a great chance to experience the local campus atmosphere.
Tokyo University of Agriculture (Tokyo Nodai) is a unique university that values its connection with the local community. The campus is open to the public, and the security staff are friendly, making it easy for families to explore.
The university is famous for its original products, including sake and miso. They often hold sake tasting events, which are very popular and give visitors a chance to experience local flavors. They sell out quickly, so it’s a must-see for food enthusiasts!
Nearby, the Food and Agriculture Museum offers free exhibitions that are perfect for children. Kids can explore interactive displays and learn about farming, food production, and agricultural science in a fun, hands-on way.
Visiting Tokyo Nodai is not just about seeing a university—it’s a chance to experience local culture, enjoy unique food products, and have an educational and entertaining outing for the whole family.
At the festival, you can explore student-run stalls, enjoy food and drinks, and check out various student exhibitions and presentations. Families can even visit the university co-op and see student life up close.
During our visit, my child insisted on buying a snack from one of the stalls, and we enjoyed some freshly popped popcorn for just 200 yen. It was such a simple treat, but the best part was seeing my child interact with the students, ask questions, and get a glimpse of university life.
Whether you’re a local family or visiting Tokyo, a university festival is a fun and educational outing. Take a stroll around the campus, try some festival food, and enjoy the lively student atmosphere – it’s a unique cultural experience you won’t want to miss!
Daikon Dance at Tokyo University of Agriculture
One of the highlights of Tokyo University of Agriculture’s festivals is the Daikon Dance.
“Daikon” means Japanese radish, and this quirky performance features students dressed in colorful costumes, dancing with lively and humorous movements.
The university is known for its warm community ties and strong sports spirit. Its cheer squad, dressed in traditional black school uniforms (gakuran), performs the Daikon Dance to celebrate harvest festivals and cheer on their teams. This long-loved tradition reflects Nodai’s agricultural roots, creativity, and sense of humor.
Nodai has also been gaining attention in Ekiden, Japan’s long-distance relay road race. Each runner passes a sash called a tasuki to the next teammate, symbolizing teamwork, perseverance, and school pride—values deeply rooted in Japanese sports culture.
The Daikon Dance is especially fun for children, who love the colorful costumes and playful choreography. Families visiting the campus can often enjoy this cheerful and one-of-a-kind performance.
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