La Villette to host a 2,000 m² immersive exhibition on Japan in March 2026

Japanese culture comes to Paris in a big way in 2026. In the heart of La Villette, an extraordinary immersive exhibition covering more than 2,000 m² will take place. It promises a sensory voyage between ancestral traditions and Japanese modernity, to be experienced from spring onwards.

Passion Japon: a giant exhibition at La Villette

The event is called Passion Japon. It’s an immersive exhibition designed to amaze all audiences, from families to Asian culture enthusiasts. The chosen venue, the Grande Halle de La Villette, offers a majestic setting for this plunge into the Japanese archipelago.

The tour takes in a considerable amount of space. Each zone recreates a different part of Japan, with 360° projections, sound effects and life-size backdrops. Visitors can move from a light-filled Shinto temple to a bustling Tokyo street in just a few steps.

This cultural proposal is distinguished by its multi-sensory approach. Scents of cherry blossom and incense accompany the images. What’s more, tactile installations allow visitors to interact with the works and experience them in an active way.

“Passion Japon wants to offer a bridge between two cultures, making Japan tangible for those who have never been able to visit.”

A journey between tradition and pop culture

The journey is not limited to landscapes and temples. A large section is devoted to Japanese pop culture, with manga, anime and video games taking pride of place. Visitors can travel from feudal Japan to the creative effervescence of today.

Practical workshops punctuate the visit. Calligraphy, origami or tea ceremonies: these participative moments make the immersive exhibition even more memorable. Suitable for children and curious adults alike.

• Immersive 360° projections over 2,000 m² of floor space
• Calligraphy, origami and tea ceremony workshops
• Zones dedicated to manga, anime and video games
• Sounds and smells to recreate the atmosphere of Japan
• Spaces adapted for families and people with reduced mobility

Practical information: dates, times and prices in 2026

Passion Japon opens its doors in spring 2026 at the Grande Halle de La Villette, in the 19th arrondissement of Paris. The exhibition is accessible by metro via line 5, Porte de Pantin station. The site is therefore easily accessible from the center of the capital.

Opening hours are generally from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., with late-night openings on certain weeknights. It’s advisable to book a slot online to avoid waiting on site. Weekend slots often sell out quickly.

Budget prices are around €15 to €20 for an adult. Discounts are available for children, students and the unemployed. Certain cultural passes can also cover part of the entrance fee.

The average visit lasts around 1 h 30. However, participatory workshops can extend this time. You should therefore allow half a day to take full advantage of each space.

Why this immersive exhibition is so appealing

The immersive format has been enjoying growing success in Paris for several years now. Classic exhibitions still attract visitors, but audiences are now looking for more engaging sensory experiences. This trend explains much of the excitement surrounding Passion Japon.

Japan, in particular, fascinates a large French audience. Between gastronomy, martial arts, Zen aesthetics and geek culture, there are many points of interest. An immersive exhibition focusing on this theme meets a real demand from all generations.

What makes this experience unique in Paris 2026?

Several exhibitions on Japan have been held in Paris in the past. Yet few have combined such a large surface area, an immersive scenography and such a rich participatory component. Passion Japon is therefore positioned as a major cultural event for spring 2026.

The scenography was designed in collaboration with Japanese artists and designers. Each room reflects a remarkable attention to detail, from the textures of the walls to the play of light. The result is a sense of leaving Paris for the duration of the visit.

Accessibility has also been carefully considered. Wheelchair-accessible paths and devices for the visually impaired have been integrated. As a result, this immersive exhibition is for everyone, without exception.

Whether you’re a fan of Japanese culture or simply looking for an original way out, Passion Japon is well worth a visit. The event is part of an ever-increasing number of sensory and interactive experiences on offer in Paris, confirming the capital’s position as a privileged playground for this type of creation.

• immersive exhibition