Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on May 2013

Tachikawa’s spacious Showa Kinen Park is the venue for a yearly extravaganza that pulled in some 191,000 punters last year. The purpose of Manpaku is found in its name, which has elements of full stomach (manpuku) and wide knowledge (hakuran). There are seven themed areas to eat your way around—world, curry, ramen, gyoza, karaage, sweets, and gotochi (Japanese regional food). Look out in the sweets zone for the eye-catching Melon Maru Goto Cream Soda (¥800; pictured). At night Manpaku transforms into a humongous beer garden, with locally brewed beers like Shonan Gold and Yokohama XPA alongside all the faves. Showa Kinen Park, Tachikawa, May 18-Jun 3, entry ¥500/day.