The Sakura Matsuri – Japanese Street Festival is the largest celebration of Japanese culture in the United States. The festival features over 24 hours of Japanese cultural performances on four stages (including J-Pop, traditional Japanese music, and martial arts) and a diverse range of cultural exhibitors, artisan and commercial vendors of traditional and contemporary Japanese goods, and Japanese and other food and beverages. The festival also spotlights travel and tourism opportunities and innovative Japanese technologies.
Our Japan Now section of the festival has the latest and greatest in modern Japanese fashion, anime-inspired hats and accessories, and the Japan Wow! Pavilion, so you can experience the latest in video games and “Cool Japan” pop-culture!
Kirin Beer Gardens
Whether you choose to relax in our beer garden area with your friends and family or walk around the Matsuri, there is nothing more refreshing than a draft Kirin beer while you enjoy the festival.
Hakutsuru Sake Tasting Pavilion
Enjoy a staple of Japanese springtime celebrations as you sample 7 different sakes and learn about the sake brewing process. This experience is available by pre-registration only. Tickets to the Sake Tasting Pavilion are timed-entry – so you know when to arrive for your experience – and cost $50, which includes Matsuri admission the day of your tasting.
Brought to you by Hakutsuru Sake, one of Japan’s most famous and iconic sake brewers.
Matsuri Market
For snacks and drinks on the go, we have three Matsuri Markets where you can pick up water, Japanese and US refreshments, and a wide selection of Japanese snacks. There is a Matsuri Market next to each of the entrances to the Matsuri.
The vendors in our Ginza Marketplace section of the festival offer a wide and stunning variety of Japanese home goods, accessories, and artwork, either directly from Japan or inspired by the gift of the cherry blossoms.
2023 vendors will be updated in early 2023.
| Arise Bazaar | Largest selection of authentic Japanese kimono, accessories, and housewares |
| Art by Zachary Sasim | Enjoy the artwork of a local artist annually inspired by the cherry blossoms |
| Asian Artique | Handmade traditional Japanese Crafts including wall scrolls. |
| Baz LLC | Handcrafted chopsticks, related accessories and puzzles made from a wide raneg of beautiful and exotic wood. |
| Castein Apothecary | Handmade jewelry inspired by the lightness of spring and Washington’s famous cherry blossoms. |
| Chikako Designs | Come see where east meets west with handcrafted handbags, accessories and clothing made with Japanese inspired fabrics. |
| Gabiani Design | Welcome to ‘Mis Zapatos’ world Unique Japanese handbags and backpacks great for big city rhythm, travel, sports and parties! |
| Greentea Design | We specialize in authentic Japanese merchandise such Ninja hats, boots, shoes and tabi socks. We also carry brush paint wall scrolls, hand painted fans , chopsticks and parasols. |
| Hiromi Katayama | Come browse my collection of original Japanese traditional paintings, watercolors, sumi paintings, and prints. |
| Hodsdon Kokeshi | We craft our kokeshi dolls from tree to finished doll. We believe there is a need and always room for traditional folk art in today’s modern times, it creates a more inspired society through art, history, education and craftsmanship. |
| Japanwave | Wide range of traditional and modern imported items from Japan including new kokeshi lines, and Nemu Nemu sleeping pillows across multiple booths. |
| Jeesuk Oh | Handmade jewelry such as necklace, bracelets, rings, earrings and hair accessories using Japanese beads, freshwater pearl and semi-precious gemstones. |
| KASHIYAMA | Come visit the only Japanese custom tailor in the Washington area and learn about our custom suits, shirting, and jewelry! |
| Kilaarts | Come enjoy original artwork – inspired by Japan from the late 1800’s – alongside anime and Yokai designs and prints |
| Matcha Time Gift Shop | Japanese gift shop selling both traditional and modern Japanese gift items including trading figures, gashapons, Godzilla, Super Sentai , cute goods, and pop culture accessories. |
| Misaky Tokyo | Traditional & innovative Japanese sweets that will bring joy, comfort, and inclusivity to the world. |
| Naked Decor | Japanese inspired hand-screened home accessories such as tea towels, coasters and kitchenware. |
| National Cherry Blossom Festival | Official merchandise booth of the National Cherry Blossom Festival |
| Oba-Gami Origami House | Come see how traditional origami figures create modern artwork and jewelry with woods, paints, fabrics and papers. |
| POWPAPER | Handcut Paper (kirigami) art and screen prints by Eric Pow showing how Japanese and Western imagery and cultures can mix together. |
| Reiko’s Kimono Crafts | Affordable handmade silk kimono accessories, small bags and other crafts made from authentic antique/vintage silk kimonos. Introducing items made with kasuri (Indigo-dyed traditional ikat) cotton fabric this year. |
| TOKIYA JAPAN | We specialize in Japanese kimono, pottery, jewelry and cool interior decor that’s hand crafted by Japanese artists, building on traditional craftsmanship. |
| Ya’s For Y’all | Handmade Japanese traditional fabric art showing tsumamizaiku process to create jewelry using antique/vintage Japanese kimono fabric and pure silver design. |
Japan Now Vendors
| Alicia’s Anime | Anime and video game shirts and accessories for all of your nerdy needs! Wide selection of Japanese Kimmidolls, bento boxes and chopsticks |
| Collectors Anime LLC | Local Northern Virginia vendor of Anime Blu-Rays/DVDs, Figures, and Import Merchandise direct from Japan! |
| Floral Frolic | Watercolor kitsune as plush, books, and wall art! Come see if our pretty fish and cute kitties may also join the kitsune for Sakura Matsuri. |
| Furry Feline Creatives | We are the character design studio and lifestyle brand with a vision to create inclusivity and dedication to family through our original characters in the form of TShirts, dresses, bags, plush toys, kimonos and accessories |
| Gabiani Design | Welcome to ‘Mis Zapatos’ world Unique Japanese handbags and backpacks great for big city rhythm, travel, sports and parties! |
| Hello Kitty Café’ Truck | Come and enjoy supercute merchandise and sweets exclusive to the café’ truck! |
| HKT Import Toys/Mugentoys.com | Premier importer of licensed Japanese toys and collectibles |
| IT Cosplay | IT Cosplay specialize in anime cosplay and Japanese imported anime merchandise and gift items! |
| mintandapple | Cute & cozy apparel and accessories including dresses, sweaters, hats, and bags! |
| National Cherry Blossom Festival | Official merchandise booth of the National Cherry Blossom Festival |
| Sig Toys | Featuring a wide selection of Japanese import toys, cosplay merchandise and Ban Dai model kits. |
| Urban Sheek | Providing you with trending Japanese fashion and toys |