While other concours events make use of gorgeous lakes and mountain ranges as the ideal backdrops for the cars to sing and champagne flutes to clink, guests of the Concorso d 'Eleganza Japan can anticipate an immersive two-day experience featuring curated car exhibitions, as well as exclusive ceremonies and unrivalled hospitality within the ultimate setting of the imperial temple's 1300-year legacy. This juxtaposition of timeless automotive design icons and Japanese culture made for a true sensory overload in 2025, and an experience that left us wishing for more! 

We caught up with Alexander Boller, who – after making the trip over to Japan for last year’s edition and joined as a “Friend of Concorso” without bringing his own car. He was so moved by the experience that he decided to participate next time with his own car! He echoed our admiration for this unique event: “For me, as a passionate enthusiast of automotive culture, it was a particularly special event, as it was also my first visit to Japan. A Concorso d’Eleganza held in the ancient imperial city, right in the midst of the famous Yakushiji Temple, unimaginable! A world was opened up to me that I never thought possible.” Now that we've got you excited, let's take a closer look at how the event is scheduled...

Concorso d'Eleganza Japan

Saturday April 11,2026 will officially mark the first day of the upcoming Concorso d'Eleganza Japan, and will once again set the tone for a truly refined celebration of automotive heritage. Judging will commence promptly, which will see an expert panel carefully consider each entrant based on their originality, rarity, as well as overall style and significance. With each car thoughtfully laid out around the sacred grounds of Yakushiji Temple, visitors are given the chance to soak in every angle of these prized machines within this incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site.  

As evening falls, the iconic "Night-time Special Celebration" will return, with a dramatic runway-style presentation of the cars illuminated against the temple's ancient architecture. The first day will come to a close after an exclusive gala dinner for Premium VIP guests, which brings with it a blend of culture, craftsmanship, and camaraderie that marks the start of one of the world's most unique concours weekends. However, the following day promises to be just as exciting as the judges' decisions are revealed. 

On Sunday, April 12, the second day of the event begins with its signature "Morning Time Special Celebration" at Yakushiji Temple, beginning in the pre-dawn "magic hour" from 5:30am to 8:30am. Whilst it may be an early morning wake-up call for some, it’s more than worth it for a chance to soak in the peaceful surroundings as historic cars are brought into focus by the rising sun, creating a breathtaking fusion of automotive artistry and spiritual calm. Afterward, the Showfield opens, allowing visitors to stroll between over 60 exhibition vehicles displayed across beautifully manicured temple lawns. The day culminates in an exclusive Award Ceremony where jurors will honour class winners before crowning the coveted Best of Show winner, bringing the weekend to an elegant close.  

Tour d'Eleganza Japan

After the ancient dust has barely settled, the Tour d'Eleganza Japan 2026 with commence on 13th April through to Saturday April 18th, with six full days of adventure allowing participants the opportunity to soak up all of the country’s culture, heritage and atmosphere. Between the starting point of Kyoto and finish line in Tokyo, along the way drivers will experience many of Japan's cultural and natural wonders, including the mountains of Gifu Prefecture, where Shirakawa-go is located, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once ticked off, the convoy of classic cars will then proceed to the Kurumayama Highlands and the Hakone area, where participants can take in breathtaking views of the Japanese Alps and Mount Fuji. As they make their way toward the final destination of Tokyo, the journey takes a cinematic turn — with the cars gliding through the illuminated Shuto Expressway at night — shifting from serene countryside roads to an exhilarating, energetic two-day urban adventure in the heart of the city. 

Alexander had this to say about the event’s driving portion: “The subsequent tour towards Tokyo, crowned by the sight of the blooming cherry blossoms, made it an event of the highest class and definitely a journey worth taking. The traditionally reserved Japanese society, with its strict customs, opened up so warmly and offered such exceptional hospitality, it was simply incredible. Thanks in no small part to the tireless efforts of Hidetomo Kimura as the organiser, with the professional support of Classic Driver.” 

If you’re looking to add Concorso d 'Eleganza Japan to your event calendar for 2026, we urge you to stay tuned, as for the second year, Classic Driver will once again proudly support the Concorso d’Eleganza Japan as a media partner. 2026 will require all visitors requiring a pass to admire the cars on display, and, thankfully for those desperate to experience the event in its entirety, a limited number of “Friend of Concorso” packages are still available, where we urge you to contact the event directly to secure your spot before they're all snapped up!

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