About this Event
Passport to Japan
No passport. No jet lag. Just one unforgettable evening.
Join the Japan America Society of Iowa for Passport to Japan, an immersive cultural experience celebrating the flavors, traditions, and diverse regions of Japan.
Travel through five regions of Japan, each featuring educational exhibits, regional cuisine, cultural traditions, and unique experiences that showcase what makes each destination special. Along the way, enjoy five distinctive Japanese dishes, sample 15+ premium sake selections, experience live cultural performances, and explore interactive demonstrations including Japanese calligraphy, tea ceremony, and more.
Upgrade to the VIP Experience for exclusive early entry and two signature dishes created by Chef Dom Ianarelli of Prime & Providence before the main event begins.
Whether you're a longtime admirer of Japanese culture or discovering it for the first time, Passport to Japan offers an evening of exceptional food, premium sake, and authentic cultural experiences, all while supporting the Japan America Society of Iowa's mission to strengthen friendship and cultural exchange between Iowa and Japan.
Date: Friday, November 20, 2026
Location: The French Way, 413 Euclid Ave., Des Moines, IA
Reserve your passport and experience Japan, without ever leaving Iowa.
Agenda
🕑: 06:00 PM - 07:00 PM
VIP Access
🕑: 07:00 PM - 09:30 PM
General Admission
Info: • Learn how to taste sake and refine your palate
• Experience matcha and see the basics of a tea ceremony
• Explore JASI’s teahouse project and upcoming expansion
• Bid on Japanese and community items in the silent auction
Event venue & nearby stays
The French Way Building, 413 Euclid Avenue, Des Moines, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.