What this is
A free neighbourhood street festival in Beppu's Minato Town district where the headline draw is a rock-paper-scissors tournament with a Nintendo Switch 2 as the top prize. Beyond the tournament, the day fills out with working vehicles on display, a brass band performance, and free giveaways including succulents and freshly baked bread. It's a genuinely local affair — the kind of community event that rarely makes it onto tourist itineraries but offers an unfiltered slice of everyday Japanese neighbourhood life.
Who should go
Families with young children will get the most out of it, especially for the vehicle displays and giveaways. Budget travellers in Beppu looking for a free half-day activity on 27 September should also consider swinging by.
Good to know
Entry is completely free with no tickets required — just show up at Tokusetu Kaijo Plaza on the day. The rock-paper-scissors tournament is the centrepiece event; registration is likely handled on-site, so arriving at or before 10:00 gives you the best chance to enter. Cash is advisable for any food stalls that may be present, as small community events in Japan rarely accept cards. The pedestrian mall setting means the event is open-air, so check the weather forecast and bring sun protection or a light rain layer depending on conditions. No parking is available on site, so use Beppu Station as your base and walk or take a local bus to the venue.
This event was sourced and translated from Japanese by What's On Japan. Details may change — verify with the official source before attending.