Mark your calendars for the Concorso d'Eleganza Japan 2026

Most of us have been to the grand celebrations of classic car culture at Villa d'Este, Pebble Beach and Goodwood. But why don't you try something new next year and treat yourself — and your favourite classic car —with a trip to Japan for one of the most exciting new collector car events of the season? Created by the influential collector and entrepreneur Hidetomo Kimura, the Concorso d’Eleganza Japan attracts some of the rarest automobiles from not only the country's most secret car collections, but also unicorn cars from abroad.

As the official media partners, Classic Driver were fortunate to attend the most recent edition of this fascinating event back in March, which starred the otherwordly Lancia Stratos Zero concept, flown in from Los Angeles by its owner, the collector Philip Sarofim. With more than 60 world-class collector cars built between 1921 and 2024 assembled in the old imperial capital of Nara, it was a true celebration of automotive history – and a rare moment of zen.

What sets the Concorso d’Eleganza Japan apart from other events is not just the display of cars usually hidden from the world, but its unparalleled setting: promising an experience on par with the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d’Este and the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance while celebrating the rich cultural history of Japan, the high-level event itself takes place at the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Yakushiji Temple in Nara. "When the participants started their thundering engines on Saturday evening and a herd of automobiles in all forms and shapes paraded along the Golden Hall’s three-story pagoda, it was a sight of almost surreal beauty," Classic Driver reported with undisguised enthusiasm. "Even the cherry blossoms had opened in time to create the perfect backdrop for the concours."

Next year, on the first day of the concours, the cars will be inspected by a group of renowned judges before starting their engines for a dramatic night-time parade on the sacred grounds of the fully illuminated Yakushiji Temple. On the second day, participants and guests are invited to marvel at the cars during the magic hour before dawn, leading to the grand award ceremony and the announcement of the winner of the "Best of Show" trophy. The Concorso d’Eleganza Japan is followed by a six-day Tour d’Eleganza around the country from 13 April to 18 April, starting in Kyoto and visiting some of Japan's most iconic destinations, such as the UNESCO world heritage village of Shirakawako, the Kurumayama Shrine and Mount Fuji before arriving in Tokyo for the ultimate night cruising experience.

For the second year, Classic Driver will support the Concorso d’Eleganza Japan as a media partner — and we are already looking forward to an exceptional concours experience in Japan. Will we see you and your car in Nara next spring?