Yokohama Sweet Potato Expo 2026: Top Shops at Red Brick
Yokohama Sweet Potato Expo 2026 runs Oct 9–13 at Red Brick Warehouse. Discover 31 specialty shops, aged roasted sweet potatoes, gourmet parfaits, mont blanc desserts, and visitor gifts.
As the crisp autumn air settles in, cravings naturally awaken for the comforting, velvety sweetness of golden roasted sweet potatoes. The premier gourmet food festival "Yokohama Oimo Expo 2026" (Yokohama Sweet Potato Expo 2026) will take place over five days from Friday, October 9 through Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at the iconic Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Event Plaza.
Organized and produced by Kansai Television (KTV), the "Oimo Expo" is one of Japan's most acclaimed food festivals dedicated exclusively to sweet potatoes, drawing massive crowds wherever it is held across Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya. For the autumn 2026 edition in Yokohama, over 30 premier sweet potato specialty shops from across Japan will gather in one stunning seaside venue. Visitors can explore a rich world of sweet potato delicacies, ranging from variety-specific tastings of aged roasted sweet potatoes to innovative gourmet creations such as parfaits, mont blanc desserts, donuts, curry bread, and tempura.
This comprehensive guide details the full directory of all 31 participating shops and must-try signature menus, timed entry ticket information across 4 daily sessions (105 minutes each), visitor gift perks from Calbee, and insider tips for making the most of your visit to the Minato Mirai waterfront.
【Yokohama Sweet Potato Expo 2026 Event Overview】
・Dates: Friday, October 9 – Tuesday, October 13, 2026 (5 Days)
・Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:45 PM (Timed entry / 105-min sessions / 4 sessions daily)
- Session 1: 10:00 AM – 11:45 AM
- Session 2: 12:00 PM – 1:45 PM
- Session 3: 2:00 PM – 3:45 PM
- Session 4: 4:00 PM – 5:45 PM
・Venue: Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Event Plaza (1-1 Shinko, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture)
・Admission (tax incl.): Advance Tickets ¥500 / Same-Day Tickets ¥700 (Free for preschool children)
・Visitor Perk: One complimentary bottle of Calbee's new "Tsugi no Milk Sweet Potato" beverage per ticket (excluding preschool children / while supplies last)
1. What is Yokohama Oimo Expo? Leading Japan's Sweet Potato Culture#
Japan is currently experiencing a flourishing "Fourth-Wave Roasted Sweet Potato Boom." Beyond the classic fluffy varieties (such as Beni Azuma), the emergence of ultra-sweet varieties (Anno Imo, Beni Haruka) and velvety varieties (Silk Sweet), combined with long-term aging techniques and specialized pot-roasting methods, has elevated roasted sweet potatoes from a nostalgic street snack into a refined gourmet dessert and wholesome superfood.
The "Oimo Expo" is a grand celebration uniting this culinary craftsmanship, providing a platform where passionate farmers and artisan patissiers showcase their finest creations. Held in the open, sea-breeze atmosphere of the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, the festival has earned immense popularity among food lovers nationwide.
For the autumn 2026 edition, the festival spans five full days and employs a four-session timed-rotation system (105 minutes per session) to prevent overcrowding and ensure a relaxed, enjoyable tasting experience. Securing advance date-and-time specific tickets online is strongly recommended.
2. Nationwide Lineup: All 31 Specialty Shops and Signature Menus#
The 2026 Yokohama event brings together 31 renowned sweet potato specialty shops from across Japan, spanning from the Kanto region to Tokushima, Kyoto, Osaka, and Kagoshima. From traditional charcoal pot-roasted potatoes to photogenic creative sweets and savory snacks, each booth showcases distinctive artisanal creations.
| Shop Name | Location | Specialty & Signature Menu Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Azumaya Imoan | Tokushima | Traditional roasted sweet potatoes and confections made with authentic Naruto Kintoki |
| Awajishima Gold Award Curry Bread Sunheart | Hyogo | Award-winning crispy curry bread packed with sweet potatoes and sweet Awaji onions |
| Imo to Cha Itadaki | Osaka | Exquisite pairing desserts harmonizing selected Japanese teas and premium sweet potatoes |
| Imoya Ginjiro | Kagoshima | Authentic Kagoshima aged honey sweet potatoes roasted to luscious caramel perfection |
| Imoya Mitsusaburo Kurashiki Bikan | Okayama | Candied Daigaku-imo and rich sweet potato cakes crafted in historic Kurashiki |
| Oise Taiyaki Eniya | Mie | Crispy fish-shaped waffle cake generously filled with rich, creamy sweet potato paste |
| OIMO cafe | Saitama | Farm-direct cafe from Kawagoe highlighting distinct varietal characteristics |
| Oimo Cafe Minatoya | Kanagawa | Local Kanagawa favorite offering handmade creative sweet potato parfaits and baked goods |
| Oimo Sweets Specialty Imomaru | Kagawa | Rich sweet potato puddings and soft-serve ice cream sundaes from Kagawa |
| Oimo no Kokoro | Osaka | Natural sweetness maximized in artisan roasted sweet potato chips and pastes |
| OSAKA Tempura Ten-carat | Osaka | Crisp, light golden tempura encasing meltingly tender, sweet potato slices |
| Owari Imoya Imokichi | Aichi | Artisan slow-roasted sweet potatoes crafted with meticulous temperature control |
| Kyoto Imoya Imo to Yasai | Kyoto | Refined Kyoto aesthetics featuring additive-free chilled roasted sweet potatoes |
| Creamy Croquette | Osaka | Gourmet croquettes blending velvety bechamel sauce with sweet potato chunks |
| Koedo Kawagoe Imofukudo | Saitama | Freshly squeezed fine-thread sweet potato mont blanc and caramelized brulee |
| Oimo Lab. | Kanagawa | Silky smooth Silk Sweet potato puddings perfected through culinary science |
| 39Café | Hyogo | Stylish specialty sweet potato latte drinks and freshly prepared crepes |
| sweet & healthy SAZANKA | Miyazaki | Ultra-aged roasted sweet potatoes boasting sugar levels exceeding 50 degrees Brix |
| Sweet Angel | Saitama | Delightful baked sweet potato pastries, tarts, and gift sweets |
| Setouchi Koguma Bakery | Hyogo | Soft, chewy artisanal bread loaves generously kneaded with sweet potato paste |
| Chibi Taiyaki Yume-kobo | Osaka | Bite-sized mini taiyaki waffles filled with fragrant sweet potato bean paste |
| Tsuboyaki-imo Nabe-chan | Saitama | Melt-in-your-mouth sweet potatoes slowly charcoal-roasted inside special ceramic pots |
| Ten's Baked Donuts | Nara | Healthy oil-free baked donuts paired with the gentle sweetness of sweet potatoes |
| Narukoro | Tokushima | Cute bite-sized Naruto Kintoki sweet potato snacks and crispy chips |
| Pie Specialty pie,guruguru | Nara | Multi-layered flaky pie crusts filled with dense sweet potato custard cream |
| HIBIYAKIIMO TOKYO | Tokyo | Innovative Tokyo style roasted sweet potatoes served with butter, cheese, and spices |
| Hoshi-imo Hyakkaten | Ibaraki | Premium dried sweet potato tasting assortments from Ibaraki, Japan's top producer |
| Mitsu-imo Kenkyujo | Ibaraki | Scientifically perfected aged sweet potatoes with peak sugar content and creamy texture |
| Yakiimo Specialty Imoyasu | Ibaraki | Viral sensation menus including roasted sweet potato sandwiches and thick milkshakes |
| Roman Yakiimo Imo no Su | Osaka | Decadent "Honey Cheese Roasted Sweet Potato" drizzled with house blend cheeses |
| Wakaron Specialty Waka | Osaka | Fluffy Japanese-style macaron sandwiches filled with sweet potato mousseline |
3. Culinary Trends: From Varietal Tastings to Savory Sweet Potato Dishes#
The true charm of Yokohama Oimo Expo lies in experiencing the multifaceted evolution of sweet potatoes in one vibrant setting:
- Aged Sweet Potato Varietal Tastings: Experience firsthand the distinct profiles between Anno Imo (intensely rich), Beni Haruka (caramel sweetness), Silk Sweet (velvety smooth), and Naruto Kintoki (subtle elegance). Both piping hot roasted potatoes and concentrated chilled sweet potatoes are available.
- Live Artisan Creations: Indulge in freshly squeezed fine-thread mont blanc, torch-caramelized sweet potato brulee, and creamy soft-serve sundaes crafted right before your eyes.
- Savory Meals and Bakery Items: Explore satisfying savory pairings such as golden award-winning curry breads, creamy croquettes, and crisp sweet potato tempura that balance sweet and savory notes.
Every visitor holding an admission ticket (advance or same-day) will receive one complimentary bottle of Calbee's innovative plant-based beverage "Tsugi no Milk Sweet Potato" (excluding preschool children / while supplies last). Enjoy the gentle sweetness and wholesome richness of this exciting new creation!
4. Venue Access and Visitor Tips for a Smooth Experience#
Located on the scenic waterfront of Minato Mirai, the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse offers a picturesque backdrop. Here are essential tips for an optimal visit:
・Advance Tickets Highly Recommended: Due to capacity limits per 105-minute session, popular time slots (such as lunch Session 2 and afternoon Session 3) frequently sell out. Advance tickets (¥500) offer savings over same-day tickets (¥700).
・Bring Cooler Bags: Many items such as chilled sweet potatoes, puddings, and dried sweet potatoes are ideal for takeout. Bringing an insulated cooler bag is recommended.
・Access by Train:
- Approx. 6-min walk from Bashamichi Station or Nihon-odori Station (Minatomirai Line)
- Approx. 12-min walk from Minatomirai Station (Minatomirai Line)
- Approx. 15-min walk from JR / Subway Sakuragicho Station or Kannai Station
・Access by Bus: Take the "Akai Kutsu" tourist loop bus or "BAYSIDE BLUE" articulated bus from Sakuragicho Station directly to the Red Brick Warehouse stop.
5. Conclusion: Savor the Ultimate Autumn Delicacies in Yokohama#
Showcasing the boundless creativity of 31 premier artisan shops from across Japan, the Yokohama Sweet Potato Expo 2026 offers an unforgettable gourmet journey set against historic red brick architecture and coastal ocean views.
Join fellow food enthusiasts from October 9 to 13, 2026 at the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse for a delicious celebration of autumn's sweetest harvest.