Festivals That Take Place in Japantown
Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival
A major event that takes place is the annual Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival. Every year, approximately 220,000 people visit and take part in this event. The Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival showcases and embraces Japanese culture and the heritage and diversity within it. Festivals and events aid in the continued appreciation for Japanese culture in today’s world and embrace the elements of Japanese history and culture, bringing people throughout Northern California to enjoy and experience them.
Annual Nihonmachi Street Fair
The Annual Nihonmachi Street Fair takes place every year at the beginning of August in Japantown San Francisco. This lively event is a two-day festival and is well loved as it celebrates the diversity of the Asian-Pacific American cultures and is one of the largest festivals to take place each year with approximately 30,000 people going every year. The Annual Nihonmachi Street Fair just had its 47th festival in 2023 and of course, will continue and bring people from all different backgrounds to come and enjoy this incredible festival.
Oshogatsu Matsuri
You may notice many Japanese festival names have the word, "matsuri" in it, which directly translates to "festival" from Japanese to English! The Oshogatsu Matsuri, held at the beginning of January, is a festival celebrating the new year and is a wonderful family and friend event with music, crafts, games, food, stalls, and even mochi pounding.
