Japanfest: Sakura Matsuri Japanese Festival

Japanfest is the GW Japanese Cultural Association’s largest annual celebration of Japanese culture, community, and creativity. Now in its 9th year, this year’s theme — 「桜祭り」 (Sakura Matsuri) — transforms the Student Center into a cherry blossom festival inspired by Japan’s spring celebrations of renewal and connection.

🎋Guests can experience live koto music with the GW Koto Society, taiko drumming with Okinawa Kai, cultural activities like calligraphy, a kendama booth hosted by Speak Japanese in Arlington, and opportunities to learn and play Go with the National Go Club. Visitors can also try on a kimono with Tokiya, a kimono and Japanese arts business from Gifu Prefecture, and explore local Japanese DMV artists, craftspeople, and a thrift pop-up.

🍱 Enjoy festival foods like takoyaki, kakigori (Japanese shaved ice), make-your-own onigiri (rice balls), and matcha and hojicha lattes. Bento meals will be catered by Harmonious Kitchen, which also prepares custom bentos for Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

🌟 Ticket Options

• Matsuri Grand Bento — $20: A full bento meal with your choice of tea or water
• Matsuri Festival Plate — $15: Includes 5 pieces of takoyaki and 2 onigiri with tea or water
• Yatai Snack Pass — $10: Includes entry and your choice of 5 pieces of takoyaki or 2 onigiri
• General Admission — $5: Includes entry to the festival, performances, cultural activities, and vendor area.

Ticket costs help cover catering and fairly compensate performers and cultural service providers, including kimono dressing and other experiences. Follow on Instagram for updates. Join us for a night of culture, food, and community!

Info: Festival booths, food, and activities open for exploration all night!

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

University Student Center, 800 21st Street Northwest, Washington, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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