Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Japan at Japan-America Society of Washington DC’s 64th Annual Sakura Matsuri-Japanese Street
Festival, taking place on April 11th and 12th, 2026, in the heart of Washington, D.C. The Matsuri is proud to participate in the National Cherry Blossom Festival as a Premier Event, and promises an unforgettable weekend of Japanese cultural performances, cuisine, and exhibits.
Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Japan at Japan-America Society of Washington DC’s 64th Annual Sakura Matsuri-Japanese Street
Festival, taking place on April 11th and 12th, 2026, in the heart of Washington, D.C. The Matsuri is proud to participate in the National Cherry Blossom Festival as a Premier Event, and promises an unforgettable weekend of Japanese cultural performances, cuisine, and exhibits.
A Celebration of Japanese Arts and Culture
The Sakura Matsuri-Japanese Street Festival, the largest celebration of Japanese culture in the United States, will transform Pennsylvania Avenue into a bustling hub of Japanese activity. With over 24 hours of entertainment across multiple stages, attendees can enjoy a diverse lineup of
performances, including traditional Japanese music and dance, J-Pop and contemporary music, martial arts demonstrations, culinary tutorials, and more.
Proceeds from ticket sales, Kirin Beer purchases, and concessions from “Matsuri Markets” directly benefit Japan-America Society of Washington DC and our year-round programming.
Features of the 64th Sakura Matsuri-Japanese Street Festival
Japan-America Society of Washington DC is delighted to announce the return of USA Sumo at the Matsuri for another thrilling demonstration of the ancient Japanese sport! USA Sumo will feature Ichi (former “Ichinojo”), famed in Japan as one of the great “Yokozuna-killers”, and a winner of Pro Sumo Emperor’s Cup, and All-Star Sumo Champion Zorig.
The Matsuri will also welcome back the Beyond Tokyo Pavilion: Regions of Japan, showcasing Japan’s celebrated regional diversity and specialization, featuring the cultures, landscapes, and products awaiting those who venture beyond the streets of Tokyo. The Pavilion will also introduce you to people that will get you there so that you can plan your next trip to Tokyo and beyond! And this year, we’re happy to announce that the wildly popular Itasha cars will be inside the festival area, making them even easier to see!
A Feast for the Senses
No festival is complete without delicious food, and this year’s Matsuri will offer even more Japanese food than ever before. From traditional festival snacks such as Okonomiyaki and Yakitori, to contemporary favorites such as ramen, sushi, kakigori (shaved ice), and mochi, there’s something to satisfy every palate. To pair with the Matsuri’s food offerings, be sure not to miss the return of Tachinomi Pavilion: Sake, a timed-ticketed “mini sake festival” within the
Matsuri, offering tastes of a variety of different Japanese and American sakes. And this year, don’t miss Tachinomi’s new feature: Tachinomi: Spirits and Brews Fest!
Japan-America Society of Washington DC is proud to welcome back Presenting Sponsor Kirin Beer—one of the favorite features of the Festival is the chance to enjoy a Kirin while strolling through the Matsuri right on Pennsylvania Ave.
Explore Japanese Culture and Traditions
- In addition to the performances and food, the festival features a variety of cultural exhibits and activities: Browse artisan crafts and goods: Discover unique and beautifully crafted items from Japan.
- Participate in workshops and demonstrations: Learn about beautiful and traditional Japanese arts, crafts, and culture.
- Explore travel and tourism opportunities: Plan your future trip to Japan and discover its hidden gems.
- Discover Japanese sake: Get tickets for the Hakutsuru Sake 101 Pavilion, where you will learn about Japanese sake while enjoying a flight of 7 different types of sake offered by one of Japan’s most famous brewers, Hakutsuru.
- Learn about Japanese technology: the Japan-Smart Infrastructure Pavilion introduces you to some of the Japanese products and organizations that play a role in the infrastructure of contemporary American life, present and future.
- Children’s Corner: The Matsuri’s Children’s Corner is perfect for family-friendly Japanese cultural activities for children of all ages, including drawing Sakura trees, calligraphy, and origami!
Join the Celebration
The Sakura Matsuri is a family-friendly event open to people of all ages. Whether you’re a longtime enthusiast of Japanese culture or simply curious to learn more, this festival offers a unique and immersive experience.
Event Details:
- Dates: Saturday April 11th – Sunday April 12th, 2026
- Times: 10:30 AM-6:00 PM Saturday, 10:30 AM-4:00 PM Sunday
- Location: Pennsylvania Avenue, NW (between 3rd and 7th Streets), Washington, D.C.
- Entrances: Pennsylvania Ave and 7th, Constitution and 6th, and John Marshall Park
Ticket Info
See below ticket types. Click here to buy tickets.
One-Day Advance: $20
Two-Day Advance: $30
One-Day Family Pass: $65 (kids 10 and under are free)
Mobility Access
This event is wheelchair-accessible.
Service Animals
Service animals are always allowed.
Additional Accommodations
This event is produced by Japan America Society of Washington DC. For any additional info and other accessibility needs, please reach out to apasour@jaswdc.org.
