Japan Mania Festival At Mini World Lyon: The Must-attend Event For Fans Of Anime, Manga... And Miniatures!
Need a getaway without leaving the area? From February 7 to 22, 2026, Mini World Lyon embraces Japanese culture and unfolds a burst of pop culture for the whole family. Beware, a kawaii crush is in sight!
A Japanese breeze over the capital of Gauls
Lyon, already renowned for its gastronomy and painted walls, is donning a new outfit: that of the capital of Japanese pop culture. After an initial success (nearly 21,000 visitors in 2024), the Japan Mania Festival is making a strong comeback at the heart of Mini World Lyon. A real boon during the winter break: the metropolis hosts over 6.6 million hotel overnight stays* each year and aims to attract families looking for an original indoor activity. (Honestly, who wants to shiver outside in February?)
Mini World Lyon: The Kingdom of Miniatures... in XXL Version
It's impossible to discuss the event without mentioning the setting: Mini World Lyon is now the largest animated miniature park in France. Spanning 3,000 square meters, its dioramas are filled with nods and winks, featuring over 30,000 figures, 4,500 buildings, 60,000 LEDs, and 40 kilometers of cables—yes, we've counted. Visitors experience a day-night cycle every 20 minutes, while trains, cars, and rides come to life as if by magic. Now imagine this world immersed in the middle of a manga: the wow effect is immediately understood.
Japan Mania Festival, Season 2: A Boosted Lineup
The 2024 recipe had already been a hit, but the 2026 edition is kicking it up a notch:
- Expanded Creators' Village: Illustrators, craftsmen, streetwear brands, and manga publishers are taking over the space (with more than thirty booths announced).
- Unique Thematic Models: Dioramas dedicated to the worlds of Ghibli, Naruto, One Piece, Pokémon, and Jujutsu Kaisen are integrated into the permanent exhibitions.
- Non-stop Activities: Quizzes, J-Pop karaoke, cosplay contests, sword demonstrations, signing sessions...
- Immersive Restaurant: A recreated Japanese square, complete with paper lanterns and the scents of ramen.
All set in a family-friendly atmosphere, designed to welcome newcomers as well as satisfy seasoned otakus.
Pokémon: A Great Miniature Scavenger Hunt
Huge hit in 2024, the great Pokémon game is also making a comeback. The concept? A hunt for creatures hidden in permanent dioramas. Better keep your eyes peeled: Pikachu sometimes hides behind a subway train, Eevee on the roof of a ski resort. Children validate their miniature Pokédex through a dedicated app; parents, on the other hand, rediscover the park from a playful perspective. (Admit it, you still pronounce "Pokémon" with an accent.)
Thematic Models: When Totoro Meets the Thousand Sunny
Mini World has mobilized its modelers to create 1:87 scale iconic pieces of Japan: Miyazaki's moving castle, the floating bridge of Water Seven, the Genin examination hall, and a Pokémon arena inspired by Johto. Each scene is filled with micro-gags (look for the Cat Bus crossing a pedestrian lane) and is sure to be a hit with smartphones. Anime fans can even download an audio guide packed with production anecdotes.
A creators' village for geeky and responsible shopping
Out with impersonal merchandising: the festival is betting on local crafts and micro-publishing. Engraved wooden brooches in the style of ukiyo-e, zen terrariums, ramen-bowl ceramics, neo-manga prints... Everything is produced in small series. Good news: 62% of convention goers claim to be looking for "a unique souvenir rather than a mass-licensed product" (Pop Culture & Consumption 2025 study). In short, your wallet has been warned.
Family Workshops: Origami, Calligraphy & Express Cosplay
Because interactivity is part of the DNA of the place, a plethora of workshops are scheduled:
- Introduction to origami (for ages 6 and up)
- Demonstration of shodo (calligraphy) by a master from Kyoto
- "Cosplay Express" parade, where you create an accessory in less than an hour, using recycled foam board
- Zen moment: mini-course of guided meditation led by a sensei... tucked within 10 square meters of forest scenery
This responds to the park's motto: "Watching is good; participating is better."
An immersive table among lanterns and steaming broths
No Japanese festival is complete without good food. The pop-up restaurant, inspired by a village square in the archipelago, blends a ramen counter, an takoyaki stand, and a bubble tea bar. All hot dishes are prepared right before your eyes, a true spectacle (and an undeniable aromatic lure). The cherry on top of the mochi: a free children's bento menu for under 10s on Wednesdays.
Why such a fascination for Japanese pop culture?
In 2025, manga accounts for 48% of comic book sales in France. Add to this the breakthrough of streaming platforms (Crunchyroll, Disney+ with Bleach...) and the record attendance at Japan Expo Paris (250,000 entries): France is the second-largest market in the world for Japanese comics, just behind Japan itself. It's no wonder that tourist attractions are capitalizing on the phenomenon. Mini World sees a dual benefit: reaching local families and attracting foreign city-breakers who already make up 37% of its visitors.
Practical Information: Tickets, Schedules, and Clever Tips
Dates: February 7 to 22, 2026, 10 am to 7 pm (open until 10 pm on Fridays).
Tickets: €18 adult, €12 child (4-17 years), free for under 4 years. Early bird online: 15% discount until December 31, 2025.
Access: Mini World Lyon, Leisure Hub Carré de Soie, metro line A "Vaulx-en-Velin La Soie" (15 min from Bellecour).
Tip: Come early in the morning or after 4 pm to avoid the peak of attendance. And don't forget a power bank: between taking photos, using apps, and the audio guide, your smartphone will be on the brink of burn-out.
N.B. (Nota Bene)
The terms "otaku" (ultra-passionate fan), "kawaii" (cute), and "HO scale model" (1:87 scale) are scattered throughout the article. Don't panic: you'll come across them everywhere at the festival, a small glossary is handed out at the entrance.
