We're putting together our biggest programme yet: live music, martial arts, performances and the Anime Dreamlight Secret Concert – right in the heart of Cologne.
Don't miss the first act announcementsStep into a world where Japanese tradition, modern pop culture and anime come together for a unique festival experience.
A taste of Osaka in the heart of Cologne. Enjoy Japanese street food, authentic flavours and the atmosphere of a bustling city's backstreets.
Discover traditional crafts, Japanese stationery, anime merchandise and unique collectables. Find the vendor stalls in Club Volta and Carlswerk Victoria.
Martial arts, music and live performances bring the atmosphere of a Japanese festival to both days.
Experience the Anime Dreamlight concert like never before. Look forward to an exclusive setlist featuring brand-new songs we've never played live, and let us surprise you with a piano, string quartet or even a full band.
Two festival days in Cologne for the first time! Choose a day ticket or get a weekend pass for the complete experience.
The lowest ticket price for NATSU HIKARI Cologne 2027 is here. Get your ticket now and join the first two-day NATSU HIKARI festival in Cologne.
Prices rise as you wait! The pricing tiers also apply to weekend and VIP tickets.
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Schanzenstraße 6–20, 51063 Cologne
Keupstraße (line 4), Wiener Platz (lines 4, 13, 18), Schanzenstraße/Schauspielhaus (bus 150)
A 3–15 minute walk from the stops
There is a car park with 440 spaces right next to the venues.
18:00–08:00: €5.00; otherwise €2.00/hour
Everything you need to know before visiting the festival.
The Hikari Japan Festival is a cultural and community event celebrating Japanese pop culture, anime, manga, gaming, art and music.
For the first time, the NATSU Hikari Japan Festival Cologne takes place over two days in 2027: Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 July 2027.
Find us at Carlswerk Victoria & Club Volta, Schanzenstraße 6–20, 51063 Cologne.
The event runs from 09:00 to 22:00.
Visitors aged 14 and over may attend on their own. Visitors under 14 must be accompanied by a supervising adult.
Yes, the festival also takes place in Berlin and Zurich. Visit our website for more information.
Tickets are available online exclusively through our website.
Depending on availability, tickets may be purchased at the box office.
Tickets cannot normally be exchanged. However, they are not personalised and may be transferred to someone else. Please note that each ticket becomes invalid after its first use to enter the venue and cannot be used again.
No, a digital ticket on your smartphone is sufficient.
There are several ticket categories, and you can book an additional ticket for the Anime Secret Concert. See our ticket overview for the details.
VIP tickets are available for one day or the weekend. They include the corresponding festival admission, Fast Lane and an exclusive goodie bag. See the ticket overview for prices, validity and further benefits.
No, we don't offer group tickets. Children's tickets are available.
Yes! Cosplay is very welcome at the Hikari Japan Festival. We look forward to seeing your creative costumes.
Yes, provided they are safe.
No.
Alongside food trucks and vendor stalls, we offer a varied programme on the NATSU HIKARI Stage.
Yes! The NATSU HIKARI Stage hosts a varied programme throughout the day, including musical performances. The evening highlight is our Secret Anime Dreamlight Concert (ticket required for admission).
No.
The festival features a wide range of vendors and artists offering Japanese culture, art, design, collectables and pop culture. Find their stalls in Club Volta and Carlswerk Victoria.
Yes. To take part with a stall, email a short application with details of what you offer to hikari@dreamlight-labs.com. We'll then send you the terms and further participation information by email.
You can apply for a stall now.
Yes. The festival will have a selection of food trucks and food stalls, with a focus on Japanese cuisine, including popular street-food specialities and traditional dishes from Japan.
Yes, the food trucks offer vegetarian and vegan options.
You may not bring your own food and drinks onto the festival grounds.
No, weapons of any kind are prohibited.
Yes, bags are checked at the entrance. Please do not bring: - Weapons of any kind - Knives or other sharp objects - Pepper spray or similar irritants - Pyrotechnics or fireworks - Glass bottles - Your own food and drinks - Dangerous or realistic-looking cosplay props We reserve the right to prohibit other items where necessary for safety reasons.
We reserve the right to remove visitors who breach the event rules.
Yes. Photographs and videos will be taken during the event for documentation and marketing. They may be used on our website, social media, in press coverage and in future event announcements. By entering the festival grounds, you agree that photographs and videos may be taken and published.
Yes.
Children under 4 enter free and do not need their own ticket. Children aged 4–14 need a discounted ticket. Visitors aged 14 and over need a regular ticket. See the ticket shop for more information.
Accessibility can vary between festival areas. Please contact us before booking for information about accessible areas, access routes and assistance.
Yes.
No.
No.
No.
Animals are not allowed on the festival grounds. Assistance and guide dogs are exempt. Please have the relevant documentation for assistance dogs ready.
Yes, seating is available both indoors and outdoors.
Yes! If you'd like to join our team and help at the Hikari Japan Festival, apply by emailing hikari@dreamlight-labs.com.
Yes, partner and sponsor stalls are available subject to space and availability. If you're interested, email hikari@dreamlight-labs.com and we'll send you further information and terms.
Yes, trained staff will be on site to handle emergencies during the event.
Any questions? Contact our support team
Whether you have a question about tickets, stall applications or press enquiries, our team is here to help and will get back to you as soon as possible.
Get in touchOr email us directly: hikari@dreamlight-labs.com