Step into the heart of Japan without leaving Washington D.C. at the Sakura Matsuri – Japanese Street Festival. For two days, Pennsylvania Avenue, at the foot of Capitol Hill, transforms into a bustling hub of Japanese culture, stretching from 3rd to 7th Streets NW. This immersive festival, a highlight of the city’s spring season, offers over 24 hours of captivating Japanese cultural performances, authentic Japanese culinary delights, exquisite handmade crafts, and an array of engaging activities for all ages.
Organized by the Japan-America Society of Washington DC, the Sakura Matsuri – Japanese Street Festival, alongside the prestigious National Japan Bowl Japanese Language Competition, stands as a vibrant celebration of the enduring friendship between Japan and the United States. It honors the iconic cherry trees, a generous gift from Japan over a century ago, that have become synonymous with springtime in the Nation’s Capitol. This grand event is a collaborative effort, proudly supported by the Embassy of Japan, the District of Columbia Government, the National Park Service, the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Inc., the National Conference of State Societies, and numerous dedicated partner organizations. As a Premier Event of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, the Sakura Matsuri is a cornerstone of this celebrated annual tradition.
Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival banner welcoming visitors to experience Japanese culture in Washington DC during the Cherry Blossom Festival.
Pro Tips for Navigating the Japanese Street Festival
To make the most of your visit to the Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival, a little planning can go a long way. If you’re joining us on Saturday, consider arriving either before noon or after 3 PM. This strategy helps you bypass the peak post-parade crowds and potentially reduces waiting times at the entrance gates. For the quickest entry, purchasing your tickets online in advance is highly recommended.
Food enthusiasts planning to explore the Taste of Japan area should aim to grab lunch earlier in the day. Between noon and 3:00 PM, lines can become quite long, reflecting the popularity of the authentic Japanese cuisine on offer. However, a diverse selection of Japanese snacks will also be readily available throughout the Matsuri Markets, providing ample opportunities to sample Japanese flavors. For your convenience, attendees are welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages into the festival grounds.
If you’re eager to enjoy the captivating performances, some seating will be provided. For guaranteed comfort and flexibility, feel free to bring your own packable chair, allowing you to relax and fully immerse yourself in the cultural showcases.
Getting to the Heart of the Japanese Street Festival
Navigating to the Sakura Matsuri is straightforward with public transportation. Metro lines can experience higher traffic during the festival, so purchasing your Metro SmarTrip fare in advance is a smart move. If you’re traveling on Saturday morning, consider buying a round-trip ticket to avoid a second queue at the fare machines when you depart in the afternoon, ensuring a smoother journey.
Tickets to this exciting Japanese street festival can be conveniently purchased online ahead of time, and are also available at the entrance gates on the day of the event. Children aged 12 and under are always admitted free of charge. Please note that ticket sales on the day of the Matsuri accept both cash and card payments. Express entrance lanes are designated for attendees who have pre-purchased their tickets, further incentivizing advance ticket purchase for a seamless entry experience. (Please be aware that gates may temporarily close at any time to comply with DC maximum capacity regulations – attendees with pre-purchased tickets will receive priority access when gates reopen.)
Entrance Locations for Easy Access
The Sakura Matsuri provides three convenient entrance gates to welcome visitors:
- 7th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue: The closest Metro stop is Archives-Navy Memorial, accessible via the Green/Yellow lines.
- 7th Street and Constitution Avenue: Also near the Archives-Navy Memorial Metro stop on the Green/Yellow lines (simply continue walking south on 7th Street to reach this additional entrance).
- John Marshall Park & Pennsylvania Avenue: The nearest Metro stop here is Judiciary Square. Use the F Street Exit and walk south towards John Marshall Park to find this entrance.
Meet Sakura-chan: The Beloved Mascot of the Japanese Street Festival
Sakura Usagi, affectionately known as Sakura-chan, embodies the spirit of the Sakura Matsuri as its charming mascot. Sakura-chan, a delightful rabbit, had long dreamt of visiting the United States and was overjoyed to be appointed as the Sakura Matsuri Mascot by JASWDC. In Japan, the rabbit symbolizes springtime, harmony, and good fortune, making Sakura-chan the perfect representative for this springtime festival.
Each spring, Sakura-chan dedicates herself to bringing the richness of Japanese culture to Washington, DC. We invite you to hop over to the Sakura Matsuri to meet Sakura-chan and experience all the wonders she has brought directly from Japan! As the face of the Sakura Matsuri, Sakura-chan will be prominently featured throughout the festival and on the website. Stay connected with us on Facebook and Instagram for fun facts and engaging activities featuring Sakura-chan as we approach the next festival.
For more detailed information and helpful tips to enhance your experience at the Japanese Street Festival, please visit our comprehensive FAQ page.
FAQ
The Sakura Matsuri – Japanese Street Festival celebrated its remarkable 62nd anniversary on April 13-14, 2024. This milestone event welcomed an impressive 35,000 visitors over two vibrant days, showcasing a captivating array of cultural demonstrations, music, dance, and authentic Japanese cuisine in the heart of Washington, DC. The Sakura Matsuri proudly stands as a premier event within the world-renowned National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC, continuing to be a highlight of the city’s cultural calendar.
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2024 MATSURI REPORT
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