Vancouver’s Nikkei Place in Burnaby is home to the Nikkei National Museum, a Japanese-Canadian cultural centre and various events throughout the year.

The centre is a multi-purpose facility located at 6688 Southoaks Crescent just off Kingsway.

This article includes the following information about Nikkei Place:

Events | O Hanami in Spring | About the Nikkei Museum | Other Information

Burnaby’s Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre

The Nikkei National Museum is a small museum that showcases the history and culture of Japanese-Canadians in Canada. Located within the same facility, the Nikkei Cultural Centre is a Japanese-Canadian community centre that puts on events and activities for the general public.

The Nikkei Cultural Centre hosts seniors’ activities, cooking classes and arts, culture and fitness programs. It also offers Japanese language lessons, children’s camps and martial arts classes.

In addition to the museum, at Nikkei Place there is a seniors’ housing facility and a Japanese garden. On-street parking in the area is limited; however, there is a parkade underground.

“Nikkei” (pronounced “nee-kay”) means a person of Japanese descent living abroad. There are many Canadians of Japanese ancestry living in the Vancouver region. Their history is an important part of both Canadian and British Columbian history. Since its opening in 2000, Nikkei Place is at the heart of the local Japanese-Canadian community in Metro Vancouver.

Events at the Nikkei Centre

Nikkei Place hosts a number of events every year. The largest is the annual Nikkei Matsuri which typically happens on the Labour Day weekend in early September. At this event there is live entertainment, market vendors and family-friendly games and activities. It’s a great festival, especially if you like Japanese culture and food!

Events that take place at Nikkei Place most years are listed below. (Note: Event details and dates are subject to change.)

• Spring Bazaar – an event featuring market vendors and garden products for sale on May 3rd and 4th in 2025.
• Nikkei Garden Farmers Market – a Japanese-themed market that used to run on select Sundays from June to October. It’s not happening, however, in 2025.
• Tanabata Market – a Japanese star festival event on July 6th this year.
• Nikkei Matsuri – the largest and most significant event of the year at the Nikkei Centre which takes place on the first weekend in September. 2025 dates are to be confirmed.
• Craft Fair – a craft market at the venue on November 15th and 16th in 2025.
• Nikkei Holiday Boutique – a Christmas artisan market on December 6th this year.

The above are just some of the many events that take place at the facility. Click Nikkei Centre Events to learn about upcoming events.

About the Nikkei Museum

The Nikkei National Museum showcases the history and culture of Japanese-Canadians living in the Lower Mainland, BC and Canada. It’s a small but interesting museum.

The museum is open between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm from Tuesday to Saturday. It’s closed on Sundays, Mondays and public holidays.

Visitors to the museum learn about the history of Japanese immigrants to Canada, their descendants and their contributions to Canadian society. You’ll learn about the sad history of internment camps during World War II, discrimination and other challenges that Japanese-Canadians have faced.

At the museum you’ll also learn about sports achievements and other successes, and what life was like for new immigrants and the Japanese community in Vancouver. There are artifacts in display cases, photos and information to read.

Admission to the museum is often by donation for adults which helps offset the costs of operating the facility for the non-profit society. Students can visit the museum for free.

Other Information

For more information about the museum and cultural centre, check out the Nikkei Place website.

To learn about upcoming events at the facility, click Nikkei Centre Events.

Other articles that might be of interest include the following:

• Sakura Days Japan Fair – a Japanese-themed festival celebrating “hanami” (i.e. cherry blossom-viewing season) at VanDusen Garden in April.
• Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival – a series of events (including the Sakura Days Japan Fair) celebrating Japanese cherry blossoms in Vancouver in April.
• Vancouver Japan Market – a market with a Japanese theme that only runs for a few days per season.
• Powell Street Festival – a Japanese-themed festival on the BC Day holiday weekend in August.
• Nikkei Matsuri – the Japanese festival held at the Nikkei Cultural Centre on the September Long Weekend.
• Steveston Village – a touristy waterfront neighbourhood in Richmond that’s home to historic buildings and Japanese-Canadian history.
• Vancouver History & Culture – a list of places in the Lower Mainland to learn about culture and history.