(1) What is Sakura Matsuri?
The Sakura Matsuri-Japanese Street Festival is the largest celebration of Japanese culture in the United States. The Matsuri boasts four stages of performances (including J-pop, traditional Japanese music and martial arts), alongside hundreds of cultural exhibitors and vendors with Japanese products and food!
(2) When/Where is Sakura Matsuri?
Location: Pennsylvania & Constitution Aves. 3rd-7th St NW, Washington, D.C. Our Entrances are located at:
- 7th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue: closest Metro Stop – Archives-Navy Memorial on the Green/Yellow lines
- 7th Street and Constitution Avenue: closest Metro Stop – Archives-Navy Memorial on the Green/Yellow lines (keep walking down 7th Street to reach this entrance!)
- John Marshall Park & Pennsylvania Avenue: closest Metro Stop – Judiciary Square (use F Street Exit and walk south towards John Marshall Park).
Date & Time:
- Saturday, April 12, 10:30 am – 6:00 pm
- Sunday, April 13, 10:30 am – 4:00 pm
(3) Can I bring my own food/water into the Matsuri?
Yes, you can, however no outside alcohol can be brought to the Matsuri. If you have dietary requirements, download our Guidebook App to search the menus of the food vendors to see what options they have for you.
(4) What happens if it rains?
The Sakura Matsuri takes place rain or shine so dress for the weather and come on down!
(5) How much do tickets cost?
Visit our ticket sales page for pricing and to make a purchase – tickets range from $10 – $20 for a one-day ticket. Children 12 and under are always free.
(6) Can I use my credit/debit card?
Most booths at the Matsuri will accept credit cards. In our Guidebook app, each food vendor listing states whether they take credit cards or not . All sales stations managed by the Sakura Matsuri do also – such as Beer Gardens, Sake Tasting Pavilion, and Matsuri Markets.
(7) Are there ATMs?
We will not have ATMs at either the entrance to or within the Sakura Matsuri so please bring any cash you want with you.
(8) Can I come back in if I leave?
Yes – get a hand-stamp when you enter and that will serve as your return ticket, or you can go to one of our 3 paid entrances when you exit and get your hand stamped then.
(9) Can I bring my dog?
Yes − but they will need to be on a leash. If your dog displays any aggressive behavior, we may ask you to leave the Matsuri.
(10) Where can I find the event map?
You can access the event map here.
Matsuri Pro Tips
If attending Saturday, try to arrive before noon or after three o’clock to avoid the post-Parade rush and potentially longer lines at the entrance gates. Buy your tickets online in advance for fastest entry. If you prefer to avoid the crowds entirely, Sunday is typically more relaxed at the Matsuri!
If you plan to have lunch in the Taste of Japan area, grab your food early! Lines from noon to 3:00pm can be long. There will also be a wide range of Japanese snacks available at the Matsuri Markets. You are welcome to bring food and non-alcoholic beverages into the Matsuri.
If you plan to watch performances, some seating will be available, but feel free to also bring a packable chair.
Be sure to visit the Matsuri Market tents for all official Sakura Matsuri – Japanese Street Festival merchandise!
How to Get to the Matsuri
Metro fare lines can be long, so try to buy your Metro SmarTrip fare ahead of time. If you purchase your fare Saturday morning, you should buy a round-trip ticket to avoid a second wait at the machines in the afternoon.
- METRO: The Sakura Matsuri is just across for the exit of the Archives-Navy Memorial (Yellow/Green Lines), and just south of Judiciary Square (Red Line)
- Capital Bikeshare: here is a bike dock right next to the Sakura Matsuri
- Car Parking: There is also plenty of parking in the area, and you can even reserve it!
Tickets can be bought in advance online and at the gate on the day-of. Children 12 and under always free. Ticket sales on the day of the Matsuri are cash and card. There will be special entrance lanes for pre-paid ticket holders, so we encourage you to get your Sakura Matsuri tickets in advance. (Gates may temporarily close at anytime due DC maximum capacity laws – pre-purchased tickets will have priority when gates reopen.)
Entrances
Our three Entrance gates at the Sakura Matsuri are located as follows:
- 7th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue: closest Metro Stop – Archives-Navy Memorial on the Green/Yellow lines. THIS IS OUR BUSIEST ENTRANCE– if the line is long, please consider using the other entrances.
- 7th Street and Constitution Avenue: closest Metro Stop – Archives-Navy Memorial on the Green/Yellow lines (keep walking down 7th Street to reach this entrance!)
- John Marshall Park & Pennsylvania Avenue: closest Metro Stop – Judiciary Square (use F Street Exit and walk south towards John Marshall Park).
If you have any other questions about the festival on your mind, feel free to contact us at sakuramatsuri@jaswdc.org