Yokohama hosts some of the world’s best exhibitions, and our enduring favorite is the annual Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show. This year marks the 34th iteration of this family-friendly event featuring the beauty and engineering genius of custom cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles. It’s also a celebration of the industry’s unique culture, with live music, art, apparel vendors, and much more.
The roots of this festival go back to Dean Moon (1927-1987). Moon was a legendary American automobile designer who took hot rods and custom cars to great heights. He was the founder of the company MOONEYES which still operates today, selling artful but functional car and motorcycle parts, accessories, clothing, and related items. Beyond its original location in California, there’s a branch in Honmoku, Yokohama (with a wonderful cafe, too). Since the early 1990s, the company has been led by Shige Suganuma, a close friend of the Moon family.
Suganuma is recognized around the world for keeping the spirit of Moon’s movement alive, and that includes his hosting of this annual event. If you’ve never been, it’s an exhibit probably like none you’ve ever seen, with dazzling displays of machinery and interesting cultural history. We’re not ‘car fanatics’ and yet we love the event; we think you will, too!
As the largest indoor custom car and motorcycle show in Japan, expect to see several hundred cars and motorcycles with unique designs and engineering, some of them historic. We like to describe it as a museum where machines meet art. We at the Seasider attend every year and hope to see you there.
Date: Sunday, Dec. 6th, 8am to 5pm
Venue: Pacifico Yokohama
Tickets: ¥4950 adv; ¥6050 day of; 12 & under, free!
Information: yokohamahotrodcustomshow.com