Mono Japan Fair returns to Rotterdam, with Japanese craft, design, food and workshops at Supernova Hotel and the Nieuwe Instituut.
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Mono Japan Fair: Japanese craft and design in Rotterdam

HAPPENING 23–25 JAN 2026 | Mono Japan Fair is back in Rotterdam for a tenth anniversary edition, and this round is special. From Friday 23 to Sunday 25 January 2026, Supernova Hotel and the Nieuwe Instituut host a long weekend of Japanese craft, design, workshops and food under the theme “Until we meet again”. It is the final edition in the current yearly fair format, so it feels a bit like a farewell party. 

 

What is Mono Japan?

Mono Japan is a Japanese craft and design fair that focuses on everyday objects with a strong sense of quality and heritage. The name “mono” simply means “thing” in Japanese, and the fair highlights objects that sit somewhere between daily use and small works of art. 

Since its first edition in Amsterdam in 2016, Mono Japan has been a platform for encounters between Japanese makers and European visitors, bringing together brands, designers, craftspeople and food specialists. Over the years it has grown into a trusted place to discover carefully made ceramics, textiles, paper goods, furniture, glassware and lifestyle items. 

 

What to expect in 2026

For the anniversary edition, Supernova Hotel in Rotterdam once again turns into a living showroom. Each hotel room becomes a small gallery where Japanese brands and makers present their work. Expect a mix of ceramics, tableware, textiles, towels, glass, furniture, stationery and home accessories, often presented by the makers themselves. 

The cultural programme takes place at the Nieuwe Instituut, where you can join talks, lectures and workshops on Japanese craft and design. Previous editions have included topics such as traditional techniques, contemporary design practice, food culture and collaborations between Dutch and Japanese makers. A similar mix of content is planned for 2026, with detailed schedules published closer to the fair. 

Food and drink are part of the experience. The organisers highlight Japanese food, sweets and drinks that reflect the same care and attention to detail as the objects on display, so you can combine browsing and shopping with a good cup of tea or a snack. 

 

A tenth anniversary and a pause

Mono Japan 2026 marks ten years since the first fair took place in Amsterdam. The team has announced that the January 2026 fair will be the last edition in the current once-a-year exhibition and sales format. The theme “Until we meet again” hints at a pause rather than a goodbye, with the organisation planning to continue its mission of connecting cultures in new ways. 

Alongside the fair, Mono Japan already runs the MONO JAPAN Store in Rotterdam, which offers a curated selection of Japanese clothing, tableware, food products and lifestyle items based on the i-shoku-ju concept (clothing, food, shelter). 

 

Satellite locations: Mono Tomo in the city

During the fair weekend, Mono Japan stretches into the city through MONO TOMO, a network of satellite locations in Rotterdam. These partners host their own events, pop-ups and small exhibitions, creating a route that links Japanese craft, design and food across town. 

Expect participating spots such as cafes, design shops and salons that collaborate with Japanese makers or adopt a Japanese-inspired concept for the weekend. The full list of MONO TOMO locations and activities will be announced on the official Mono Japan channels as January approaches. 

 

Dates, times and locations

Mono Japan Fair 2026 takes place from Friday 23 to Sunday 25 January 2026. Opening hours are: 

  • Friday 23 January: 11.00–19.00
  • Saturday 24 January: 11.00–19.00
  • Sunday 25 January: 11.00–17.00

Main locations: 

  • Supernova Hotel – exhibitions and sales
    's-Gravendijkwal 68, 3014 EG Rotterdam
  • Nieuwe Instituut – cultural programme, talks and workshops
    Museumpark 25, 3015 CB Rotterdam

 

Tickets and pricing

Tickets for Mono Japan Fair 2026 are sold per day, with early bird and three-day options: 

  • Early bird day ticket: €13
  • Online day ticket: €14 (adult), €12 (youth 13–18)
  • At the door: €15 (adult), €13 (youth)
  • Three-day ticket: €32
  • Children up to 12 years: free entry

Workshops at the Nieuwe Instituut require a separate workshop ticket in addition to a day ticket for the fair. 

Find out more about Mono Japan by visiting their official website

 

How to get there

Supernova Hotel sits just off 's-Gravendijkwal, within walking distance of Rotterdam Centraal if you do not mind a 15–20 minute urban stroll. Several tram lines stop nearby on 's-Gravendijkwal and Nieuwe Binnenweg, and there are bike racks around the hotel and Museumpark area.

The Nieuwe Instituut is located in Museumpark, close to the Kunsthal and Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen, and is easy to reach by tram or metro via Eendrachtsplein and Dijkzigt. If you are planning to visit multiple MONO TOMO locations as well, expect to move between the city centre, Museumpark and nearby streets on foot, by bike or by public transport.

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