Tokyo Car Events in January 2026: Auto Salon Week Guide 🇯🇵
January has long been the month for automotive enthusiasts in Japan, and 2026 is shaping up to be one of the busiest yet. With Tokyo Auto Salon 2026 anchoring the calendar, the days surrounding it are packed with pop-ups, parties, track events, and late-night meetups that turn Tokyo and nearby prefectures into a non-stop car culture festival.
If you’re planning a Japan trip around Tokyo Auto Salon, this guide covers every notable January event happening alongside it—from Daikanyama pop-ups to night car meets.
Tokyo Auto Salon 2026 (Jan 9-11)
📅 Dates: January 9-11, 2026
📍 Location: Makuhari Messe, Chiba
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tokyo Auto Salon is Japan's largest and most influential custom car show. Expect world-class builds, tuner debuts, OEM concept cars, and booth designs that rival full auto expos. Most international visitors plan their entire trip around this weekend—and for good reason.
Why it matters: The centerpiece of January car culture in Japan
Pro tip: Many of the best events happen after the show floor closes.
Source: Official Site
Built by Legends TOKYO POPUP (Jan 7-20)
📅 Dates: January 7-20, 2026
📍 Location: Daikanyama T-Site
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
A rare long-running popup featuring the Built by Legends SPOON EK9, displayed in one of Tokyo's most stylish neighborhoods. This is an easy stop between cafes, shops, and photography spots.
Source: Instagram
Kerrera Daikanyama Garage (Jan 9-11)
📅 Dates: January 9-11, 2026
📍 Location: Daikanyama Garage
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Running the same weekend as Tokyo Auto Salon, Kerrera's pop-up brings curated cars and exclusive merchandise into the heart of Tokyo—perfect if you want something closer than Makuhari.
Source: Instagram
City Circuit Orange (Jan 7)
📅 Date: January 7, 2026
📍 Location: City Circuit Tokyo Bay, Odaiba
⏰ Time: 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM
A car meet and kart competition event that's perfect for warming up before the main Auto Salon weekend. Odaiba's waterfront location provides stunning Tokyo Bay views as backdrop for photography.
Source: Instagram
RWB New Year Party 2026 (Jan 8)
📅 Date: January 8, 2026
📍 Location: Hard Rock Cafe Tokyo, Roppongi
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
RWB's annual New Year Party celebrates Porsche tuning culture with enthusiasts and special guests. This is where you'll find serious Porsche builders and the international RWB community gathering before Auto Salon kicks off.
Source: Instagram
The Exceed x CHRNCLS Pop-up (Jan 8-12)
📅 Dates: January 8-12, 2026
📍 Location: Calif Art Gallery, Tokyo
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Presented by ENEOS, this pop-up along the Meguro River brings together automotive art and culture. Perfect for those looking to explore Tokyo's creative automotive scene beyond the main show.
Source: Instagram
Super Mamachari GP 2026 (Jan 10)
📅 Date: January 10, 2026
📍 Location: Fuji Speedway, Shizuoka
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
A unique racing event featuring 'mamachari' bicycles at one of Japan's most iconic circuits. This quirky event showcases Japan's ability to turn anything into organized motorsport chaos—and it happens right in the middle of Auto Salon weekend.
Source: Fuji Motorsports Forest
Mega Show Night Reception (Jan 10)
📅 Date: January 10, 2026
📍 Location: Funabashi Racetrack, Chiba
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
An exclusive night reception during Auto Salon weekend, featuring networking opportunities and special presentations. This is where industry insiders and serious collectors gather after the show floor closes.
Source: Instagram
Meet and Greet Sunday - Garage Bar 1961 (Jan 11-12)
📅 Date: January 11-12, 2026
📍 Location: Garage Bar 1961, Tokyo
⏰ Time: 5:00 PM - 12:00 AM
The perfect way to wind down from Auto Salon weekend. This casual meet brings together car enthusiasts in a relaxed bar setting where stories from the weekend get shared over drinks.
Source: Instagram
NoWhereToGo - Peaches Japan (Jan 12)
📅 Date: January 12, 2026
📍 Location: City Circuit Tokyo Bay, Odaiba
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
An exclusive event hosted by Peaches Japan, featuring unique car showcases and social gathering. Perfect for the final night of your Japan car culture week—think of it as the unofficial afterparty for Auto Salon.
Source: Instagram
🏎️ Planning Your January 2026 Trip
January 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most packed months for car culture in Japan. Here's how to make the most of it:
Week Structure:
- Jan 7-8: Pop-ups and warm-up events in Tokyo
- Jan 9-11: Tokyo Auto Salon main weekend
- Jan 12: Afterparty events and wind-down
Access note: Most Tokyo entries here are easy by train, but Makuhari, Fuji, and late-night meet locations are significantly easier with a rental car or taxi budget.
Last verified: December 30, 2025. Instagram-announced pop-ups and party events can change fastest, so check the source links again before heading out.
January 2026 Tokyo Car Events FAQ
Is Tokyo Auto Salon the only reason to visit in January?
No. Auto Salon is the anchor event, but the surrounding week is full of pop-ups, parties, and smaller gatherings that make Tokyo far more interesting than a single convention visit.
Do I need a car for January events in Tokyo?
Not for most central Tokyo events. You can do a strong January itinerary with trains and taxis, then add a rental car only if you want to reach spots like Fuji or late-night expressway locations.
Where should I look for last-minute updates?
Start with the official sources linked in each section, then check the events calendar for newer additions and the latest monthly roundup once it is published.
See the EVENTS page for even more upcoming events throughout 2026!