Join in the largest celebration of Japanese culture in the U.S. and one of the premier events of the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

The Japanese community hosts its annual Sakura Matsuri or cherry blossom festival along Pennsylvania Avenue (between 3rd and 7th Streets NW).  NBV will provide group tickets at a reduced $10 entrance fee for a full day’s admittance on April 13th to the multi-block festival area. However, the entrance fee for NBV members changes to $15 after March.  Normal day fees are $20. Nearest metro station to 4th Street festival entrance gate is Archives station on yellow/green lines, (transferring from red line at Gallery Place).  

 NBV members can browse the many vendor stalls, watch cultural and musical presentations shown on any of four stages (some seating available), or try Japanese art or games during the day (10:30 am to 6:00 pm).   In addition, NBV festival goers are invited to take a break and join in a village lunch from 12:00 to 1:00 pm in the John Marshall Park across from the Festival’s 4th Street entrance on the north side of Pennsylvania Avenue.  Ticket holders should have hands stamped for re-entry into the festival after lunch.

 Please note that the DC Cherry Blossom parade will be along Constitution Avenue, ending at 7th Street at 12 noon. As many parade goers may shift over to the festival, NBV members are urged to purchase their lunches before 12 noon when the festival food areas may become swamped with parade watchers and others.  

Learn more about festival at https://sakuramatsuri.org

Also, the festival also provides sake tasting – tickets are sold separately for $50 (including a festival entry fee).  These tastings require pre-set tasting appointments.  If interested, order tickets online separately at: 

https://sakuramatsuri.festivalpro.com/form/zhEWPOjHPBcGiJTbmzpU/55