The Sakura Matsuri’s Arts and Culture section provides a deeply engaging and hands-on experience of Japanese tradition, while also serving as a space for understanding the ongoing relationship and cultural impact of Japan in the United States.
Interactive Cultural Activities
This area is dedicated to giving attendees a chance to not just observe, but to participate in traditional Japanese arts and games. This direct engagement fosters a more memorable and personal connection to the culture.
Typical interactive activities and exhibits often include:
Cultural Demonstrations: Displays by various Japanese heritage organizations, which may feature historical items, regional arts, and other cultural practices.
Traditional Arts Workshops: Hands-on demonstrations and opportunities to try techniques such as:
Calligraphy (Shodo): Learning to use a brush and ink to write Japanese characters.
Origami: The art of paper folding.
Japanese Doll-making and other traditional crafts.
Bonsai: Exhibits showcasing the meticulous art of cultivating miniature trees.
Traditional Games: Many exhibitors teach and play classic games:
Go: Instructors are often on hand to teach the ancient strategy board game.
Mahjong (Japanese Riichi style): Opportunities to learn the rules and play.
Karuta: Demonstrations of this Japanese card game, often featuring the Hyakunin Isshu (One Hundred Poems by One Hundred Poets).
2026 Arts & Culture Vendors
CELESTIAL BONSAI
Japanese traditional Bonsai Trees grown and cultivated since 1992.
CHIBOO BAKERY
CHIBOO Bakery is a gourmet macaron microbakery bringing unique flavors and fun designs! Flavor highlights: Sakura, Uji Matcha, Hojicha and Black Sesame
DC Riichi Mahjong
Learn the basics and experience the thrill of Japanese Mahjong!
Dolci Gelati
Visit our gelato cart for handcrafted Italian Gelato and Sorbetto with a Japanese twist! Enjoy unique, Japan-inspired flavors made fresh.
Gratitude, compassion, wisdom – Learn more with our diverse sangha at our American Shin Buddhist temple in northern VA.
International Student Conferences (ISC) / National Association for Black Engagement with Asia (NABEA).
Join ISC and NABEA to play Japanese games and learn about our programs.
Japan Rail Modelers of Washington DC
Japanese N Scale model train display with Japanese trains and scenes.
Japanese Americans’ Care Fund
Experience Japanese calligraphy and origami. Also, kimonos, Manga, Japanese studying materials, and Japanese household items are available.
Matcha Cafe Maiko Tysons
Matcha Everything (Drinks, Soft Serve, Powder)
Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation
Building networks of experts in the U.S.-Japan relationship. Learn about our program for federal employees!
National Asian Heritage Festival Fiesta Asia
Previewing interactive Asian Art & Craft activities & an immersive cultural booth experience
National Go Center
Presenting the game of Go, one of the four talents of a cultured person in ancient Japan.
Oishii
Oishii is excited to return to the Sakura Matsuri with the world’s most delicious Strawberries, fresh from our Smart Farm, the pioneer of sustainable agriculture!
Pearl Fine Teas
Pearl Fine Teas is a woman-owned tea business specializing in direct source premium loose leaf teas and herbals blends.
Reischauer Center
Learn about Japanese culture, enjoy Japanese activities, and learn about the Reischauer Center!
ROYCE’ Chocolate
Precisely crafted using only the highest quality ingredients, ROYCE’ has been making exquisite, world class confections in Hokkaido.
Sasakawa USA
Join Sasakawa USA and the Embassy of Japan’s Defense Section to discuss the U.S.-Japan alliance.
Study Japanese in Arlington
Discover SJA through origami making, relaxed Japanese conversation practice, and authentic matcha tasting that highlights culture, creativity, and connection.
TABLE FOR TWO USA
Join our fun #EdamameChamp Chopsticks Challenge and discover Japanese bento culture while supporting food education!
Temple University, Japan Campus
Japanese Card Making Studio: Decorate a card with Japanese characters!
Toimoi Bakery
Asian-fusion croissants (think mango mochi, black sesame marshmallow) + fresh bakes at TOIMOI’s buzzing tent.
Washington DC Inishie Karuta Club
We exhibit various Hyakunin-isshu karuta cards and related books and demonstrate kyogi karuta. The audience joins in the games, too.
Yama the Firetruck
This working kei fire engine protected Fukui Prefecture from fire starting in 1993.
Ginza Marketplace
Named after Tokyo’s premier luxury shopping district, the Ginza Marketplace is the festival’s dedicated retail hub, offering a curated experience for those looking to bring a piece of Japanese aesthetics, craftsmanship, and seasonal beauty home. The vendors in this section showcase a blend of authentic imports and locally made, Japan-inspired creations. In essence, the Ginza Marketplace is an economic and cultural exchange that connects the spirit of Japan’s most stylish shopping district with the springtime tradition of the cherry blossoms, ensuring every attendee can find a beautiful, meaningful souvenir.
2026 Ginza Marketplace Vendors
*Paper*Crane*Heart
Paper jewelry, handmade from an endangered type of washi called chiyogami. Chiyogami is hand-silkscreened in Japan by small, family-owned companies.
Arise Bazaar
Arise has traditional Japanese textiles–Silk Kimono, Haori, Happi Coats, Ceramics, Japanese Woodblock Prints, and a Professional Kimono Dresser.
Art by Zachary Sasim
Original paintings and prints
Asian Artique
Specializing in antique Japanese scroll paintings and antique Kokeshi dolls.
Baz LLC
Baz specializes in customized handcrafted exotic wood chopsticks and unique wood art.
Castein
Handmade stone and crystal bracelets, jewelry, and festival items inspired by nature, and reflects the beauty and meaningful culture of Japan.
Chikako Designs
Chikako Designs offers a collection of handcrafted handbags, accessories and clothing with an Asian flair. ’East that sometimes meets West’
D’BohoMama
Baz specializes in customized handcrafted exotic wood chopsticks and unique wood art.
Everybody Loves Ramen
Ceramics from Japan. We sell ramen, rice, donburi and serving bowls, chopsticks and chopstick rests, daruma cats, spoons, sushi and sake sets.
Gabiani Design
Sterling silver jewelry featuring cherry blossom designs, along with a special collection of Japan-inspired toys, souvenirs, and ornaments.
Greentea Design
Greentea Design specializes authentic Japanese merchandise such as wall scrolls hand painted fans Ninja hats boots shoes and wooden Getta. We also carry anime cosplay items from clothing to jewelry to wooden samurai swords.
Hiromi Katayama
Traditional Japanese paintings and sumi ink paintings—original art and prints—bringing timeless culture, movement, and quiet beauty to life.
Issei Mochi Gummies
ISSEI Mochi Gummies are gelatin-free, pillowy soft chewy candies inspired by the ancient Japanese tradition of mochi treats.
Japanwave
Genuine Japanese items for you
Kilaarts
Original Japanese paintings on canvas, made with acrylic paint. Artwork is inspired from Japanese are woodblock prints from the 16 to late 1800s. I create Japanese scenery, Samurai’s, yokai, and cherry blossom paintings. I also have matted prints of all my work.
Kimono Cat
Handmade Japanese-inspired kimono and pants with modern twist—unique, comfortable, fun, and crafted from 100% cotton.
Knitnoi
Charming crochet flower booth offering handmade blooms—guests choose favorites and receive a custom bouquet, featuring beautiful, delicate Cherry Blossoms.
L & N Cake
Celebrate Sakura with L & N Cake! Enjoy cinnamon rolls, pop tarts, cakes and cookies as beautiful as the blossoms.
Lovely Macarons
Madame Butterfly Nagasaki
Upcycled from Japanese traditional kimono and Obi to bags, hats,coin case , accessories, kimono jackets and more .
Matcha Time Gift Shop
Traditional and modern Japanese gifts, blind boxes, textiles, dishes, Matcha ware, etc.
Mihoko Textiles
Unique handwoven garments such as tunic, jacket, scarf, and hats. Variety sizes of pouches and more.
Naked Decor
Handmade Home Accessories with DC Theme such as tea towels, coasters, totes, oven mitts and more
NUT n BETTER
Wonderful smelling Roasted Almonds, Pecans & Cashews. A treat for all!
ObaGami Origami House
Modern Origami and Japanese Folk Art
Olive and Daisy
Handmade cherry blossom–inspired jewelry created especially for the Sakura Festival. Each piece is carefully crafted to reflect the beauty and freshness of spring. Simple, elegant, and unique — perfect for celebrating the season or giving as a thoughtful gift.
Origami by Kannika
Delicate origami jewelry and art—intricate folds, vibrant designs, and wearable Japanese-inspired creations to admire and treasure!
Peachade
Peachade is a small jewelry boutique that specializes in whimsical and asian inspired accessories.
Piccole Gioie Studio
All hand-made Japanese traditional kimono fabric accessories including kanzashi, hair accessories, handbags, shoulder bags, pouches, and more!
POWPAPER
Hand cut paper art and screen printed art.
Saiyre Illustration & Design
Saiyre Illustration & Design is an artist owned designer brand specializing in digital illustrations of original artworks, designer apparel, and specialty accessory lines.
Sumiyo Toribe
Watercolor paintings, pottery, and apparel inspired by Japanese seasons, cherry blossoms, Mount Fuji, and folklore.
The Blooming Jewel
Whimsical Asian jewelry & hair accessories
Uni One
At Uni One, we hand-craft jewelry and accessories inspired by the intricate beauty of East Asian Arts and the vibrant spirit of the Pride community. Our pieces aren’t just accessories; they are wearable celebrations of culture and identity.
Ya’s For Y’all
Handmade Japanese-inspired jewelry, Tsumami Zaiku art, silver pieces, and unique pet accessories and pouches.
Zen Art Calligraphy
Live Japanese calligraphy, personalized name calligraphy, and original Zen-inspired creations.
Viet Street Corner
Sugar cane, bubble tea, fruit smoothie, Dubai chocolate.
Taste of Japan
Japanese food and drink constantly rate as the most popular item at the Matsuri. This year’s Matsuri is truly a Japanese food and drink festival-within the festival.
Beer Garden Sponsor
Must Visit
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 101 Experience
Enjoy a staple of Japanese springtime celebrations as you sample 7 different sakes and learn about the sake brewing process.
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.
And be sure to visit the Matsuri Market tents for all official Sakura Matsuri – Japanese Street Festival merchandise!
* Drink responsibly! A 100% ID check will be enforced.
2026 Food Vendors
Asian Taste
Enjoy Japanese festival favorites: yakitori, tempura, gyoza, and refreshing yuzu lemonade.
BentOn
Premium Japanese bento with fresh Buri (Hamachi), crafted with authentic flavors, seasonal ingredients, and a perfect balance of taste and presentation.
Crisp and Cool
Japanese street food bites
Duangjai Thai kitchen
Asian fusion and drink
Ekiben
Providing unique blend of Taiwanese and Ethiopian flavors creating if not one of, but THE BEST BITE OF BALTIMORE!
E-San Food and drinks
Japanese street food, freshly made, quick service, and full of flavor
FOOD FEST
Celebrate Sakura Matsuri with Food Fest’s sakura-inspired drinks, Japanese milk tea, fresh fruit smoothies, flavorful bao buns, and pink sakura mango sticky rice!
Golden Taiyaki
Traditional taiyaki made on site. Crisp golden outside, soft and chewy inside, in five delicious flavors.
Gyozilla
Japanese Dumplings
Happy L Food
Traditional Handmade Street Japanese Food.
Hokkaido Ramen Santouka
World-famous Hokkaido Ramen Santouka presents its iconic ramen, celebrated for signature pork bone broth and perfectly crafted noodles.
House Japanese Curry
Chicken Cutlet Curry, Croquette Curry, and Wagyu Beef Curry. Double size available. Japanese comfort food you’ll crave instantly.
Hoshino Sushi Tacos
Sushi Tacos
Inari Zushi
Handcrafted inari sushi featuring dashi-infused tofu pockets, seasoned Japanese rice, and a variety of savory toppings
KATSU SANDO by Mr. K
The World Most Famous Japanese Sandwich
Karlsballs
NYC’s Osaka-recognized takoyaki–made from scratch, cooked live, authentic flavor exactly like Osaka
Ko Japanese Dining
Modern Japanese comfort food. Fresh Onigiri savory karaage, and potato croquette from Dupont’s Ko Japanese Dining. Authentic flavor, festival energy.
Kokumi Kitchen
Japanese hibachi fried rice and noodles, sizzling on the griddle with smoky flavor, served with refreshing Japanese drinks
Master grill
Master grill offers freshly prepared made with high-quality ingredients and clean food good taste
Menya Jiro
Award-winning Ramen restaurant from Kagoshima, Japan. We have been featured as The Best Ramen in the U.S. in Thrillist
Okonomiyaki & Takoyaki
Japanese savory cabbage pancake with house sauce and toppings
Ootoya
OOTOYA’s signature dishes, now reimagined as onigiri—Enjoy something different!
Otafuku Foods Inc.
Cooking and Serve Okonomiyaki
Ramen MENRI
Dashi-first. From Scratch. Always.
Sakura Shack
Savory Japanese Street Eats & Refreshing Sips
Sarin Grill
Authentic Asian street flavors grilled chicken, smoky squid, fried rice, and classic Pad Thai, freshly made and festival-ready!
Spicy Food Near Me
Crispy gyoza, savory takoyaki, flavorful Japanese stir-fry, and refreshing Japanese drinks! Fresh, hot, and festival-ready!
Taiyookie
Unique taiyaki, soft serve, and specialty matcha and coffee
Takomaru (Menya Jiro)
Japanese Octopus Ball
TK Grill
Asian cuisine that specializes in grilled teriyaki chicken alongside tasty sides and fresh lemonade
Tokyo Grill
Authentic Japanese street food and refreshing homemade lemonade, bringing vibrant festival flavors to Sakura Matsuri
TORIBIEN
Indulge in delicious onigiri and refreshing kakigori. Authentic Japanese flavors await!
Va Vendors Food Services
Fast, fresh festival favorites with bold flavors: Virginia Vendors keeps guests smiling!
Yokote Yakisoba
Yokote Yakisoba: one of Japan’s three biggest yakisoba cities. Chewy noodles, savory-sweet sauce, irresistible aromas! Taste authentic festival flavor that creates unforgettable matsuri memories in DC
Yume Asian Fusion
Yume Asian Fusion offers a variety of Asian fusion, savory, sweet and sips from Japanese onigiris to fresh fruit matcha!
Yummy Food Corner & Grill
Savor yakitori, spring rolls, okonomiyaki, gyoza, pad thai, fried rice, and refreshing matcha, sakura, and Thai tea!
Japan Now
The Japan Now section of the Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival is a vibrant, modern area dedicated to showcasing contemporary Japanese popular culture, lifestyle, and commerce. It provides a dynamic contrast to the festival’s more traditional Arts & Culture area.
This area is designed to immerse visitors in the exciting trends of modern Japan, offering a blend of shopping, technology, and interactive experiences.
Retail and Shopping: Japan Now, along with the Ginza Marketplace, is a prime destination for attendees looking to purchase authentic Japanese and Japanese-inspired products. This includes merchandise related to pop culture, fashion, and unique commercial goods.
Modern Entertainment (Japan Wow! Pavilion): A central feature is often the Japan Wow! Pavilion, which blends traditional Japanese fun with cutting-edge technology.
VR Zone: Attendees can try out the latest Japanese-inspired Virtual Reality (VR) games, often featuring unique art styles, rhythm-based challenges, or experiences inspired by anime and J-Pop.
Akiba Cafe: Inspired by the unique café culture of Akihabara (Tokyo’s electronic and pop culture district), this is a social and interactive space. Local staff, often in themed attire, act as cultural guides, teaching attendees a variety of popular traditional Japanese games (like board games, card games, or tabletop challenges) in a relaxed setting.
J-Pop and Youth Culture: The area often highlights aspects of J-Pop (Japanese Pop Culture), including anime, manga, and fashion. This appeals directly to the young-at-heart and fans of modern Japanese media.
In essence, the Japan Now section is the festival’s hub for experiencing the current, cutting-edge, and playful side of Japan, offering unique shopping and hands-on engagement with modern Japanese trends and technology.
2026 Japan Now Vendors
Alicia’s Anime
Alicia’s Anime is your trusted source of licensed anime and video game shirts, hats and accessories
Arta Asiatica
Luxury Hair Accessories Handcrafted from Japanese Kimono Fabrics
Beard Papa’s
Japanese Cream Puff from Osaka Japan
Blulious
Come get a piece of Japanese tradition with an omamori charm, lovingly crafted by Blulious Studios!
Cartoon Passion
Japanese anime goods
Collectors Anime LLC
Local vendor specializing in Anime Blu-Rays/DVDs and anime merchandise direct from Japan!
Collectors Universe and Anime Inc
Directly bringing you from Japan the latest figures, plush and keychains
cosplaymoomoo
Good selection, we sell official Anime Figures, plushes, etc.
Cozy Tea
Bubble tea
District Bangle and Jewelry
District Bangle designs luxury stretch bangles set on wire and plated in 14 karat gold.
DMVITASHA
Itasha (anime and manga themed) plus Kei cars
Dragonflies and Cards
We provide gifts that will be kept forever
Floral Frolic
Original art inspired by kitsune! Plush, apparel, bags, pins and more!
Furry Feline Creatives
Furry Feline Creatives is a character-driven art studio creating playful originals, stories, and collectibles that spark joy, imagination, and connection.
Good Day Crepe
Good Day Crepe brings fresh Japanese-inspired sweet and savory crepes, crafted to order for your Sakura Matsuri cravings.
HKT IMPORT TOYS
Imported Japanese toys and collectibles, Licensed character goods as well as traditional Japanese dolls and gift items.
Hoolia’s Crochet
Handmade crochet products made with love! 🙂
IT Cosplay
IT Cosplay carries Japanese exclusive imported figurines 6-9 months early than US release.
KJ Vending
KJ Vending have the treading anime figures, small toys, blindboxes, hoodies and so much more.
Koi Tea
Our company is called Koi Tea (drinkkoitea.com), and our mission is to spread the love of boba and Asian inspired street food.
Loyal Wyvern LLC
Loyal Wyvern is a Japanese inspired nerdy art booth with terrariums and statues all handmade in Charlotte NC.
Mochi & Co.
Mochi & Co. offers thoughtfully curated kawaii-inspired accessories in a welcoming boutique-style shopping experience designed to delight customers of all ages
Sakura Signatures
Get Japanese Fidget toys (like Sushi fidget spinner and Taiyaki Clicker!) & Your Name in Japanese keychains at Sakura Signatures!
Samurai West
Sig Toys
Wide variety of anime toys, hobbies collectibles model.Kits and cosplay merchandise.
Steve Minty
Maker of the ultimate geeky bottle openers and high end playing cards!
The Sister House
Japanese savory bites, sweets, & drinks.
Towka
Japanese Hinoki Masu Box Candles with seasonal kigo-inspired scents, handcrafted for warmth and relaxation.
Urban Sheek
Bringing smiles with every capsule and more!
W By L Crochet
My crocheted flowers are inspired by the elegance of Japanese culture, drawing from the symbolism of iconic blooms like cherry blossoms (sakura), representing renewal and the fleeting beauty of life, and chrysanthemums (kiku), associated with longevity and nobility. Plum blossoms (ume) symbolize perseverance and hope, while wisteria (fuji) reflects grace and romance. I also incorporate the purity and enlightenment of lotus flowers (hasu), the strength and refinement of camellias (tsubaki), and the fleeting beauty of morning glories (asagao). Each flower not only captures the profound connection Japan has with nature but also embodies the harmony, artistry, and respect for the environment that guide my work.
Yume Asian Fusion
Yume offers a variety of Asian fusion sips, sweets, and savory options from onigiris to matcha lattes!