Save the Date for Sakura Sunday
The wait is over and the springtime celebration of the season is here! Come to National Harbor's official participating event of the 2025 National Cherry Blossom Festival, Sakura Sunday.
Join us on Sunday, March 30 from Noon - 5pm for a wide array of free cultural activities including an artisanal Japanese marketplace, cultural performances, culinary delights, a Sakura Spirits Garden, Water Lantern Festival and more!
Scroll down for the list of performers and marketplace vendors.
Cultural
Performances
Taking place on the Plaza Stage
Experience Japanese culture first-hand with a variety of musical and dance performances, demonstrations and more!
Kenkonkai dojo (Capital Area Budokai): We train in the japanese sword, we will demonstrate basic sword techniques, perform (embu) "kata" as a group, kumitachi, (paired kata between two swordsmen, and shizan (live blade cutting demonstration performed on tatami.
Capital Area Jodokai: The Capital Area Jodokai practices Shindo Muso Ryu jojutsu which focuses on the use of a staff against a sword as well as incorporates the use of several other weapons.
OFF-KNOWNEOUS: Live Band featuring musicians performing in both English and Japanese featuring drums, guitars and lead vocals.
Nen Daiko: Nen Daiko is the taiko ensemble of Ekoji Buddhist Temple in Fairfax Station, Virginia, and has been performing in the Washington DC metropolitan area since 1994. With the guidance of then-Rev. Kenryu Tsuji and our sister groups Soh Daiko (New York City, NY) and Hoh Daiko (Seabrook, NJ), Nen Daiko sought to represent our temple by emphasizing the basic philosophies of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism and its connection to taiko and kumi-daiko (ensemble playing of taiko).
Check back soon for additional performances!
Cherry Coke Fun on the Plaza! Swing by the Plaza for FREE Cherry Coke samples and cherry seeds, courtesy of Coca-Cola—while supplies last! Don’t miss your chance to meet the Coca-Cola Polar Bear from 1–3pm! Then treat yourself to Cherry Coke Floats at the Ben & Jerry’s Airstream from 2–4pm.
Japanese
Market
Under the Capital Canopy
Explore Japanese crafts, merchants and artwork as well as sweet and savory bites at the Sakura Sunday Marketplace.
FOOD OFFERINGS:
Panda Tea House: Indulge in delicious boba tea, waffles, macarons and mochi donuts from National Harbor's own Panda Tea House.
Phowheels DC: Banh Mi: Vietnamese sandwich, Tacos: Vietnamese style, Pho: Vietnamese beef noodle soup, eggrolls, shrimp chips, iced Thai tea, iced Vietnamese coffee.
KUSSHI: Serving Japanese street food, snacks and drinks. Takoyaki, ika geso, gyoza, shumai.
Dolci Gelati: Gelato cart with Japanese inspired flavors.
Stuffed Sushi: Original homemade sushi roll and rice ball plushies in assorted sizes and "flavors" as well as chopsticks, bento boxes and bento making tools.
GIFT VENDORS:
Baz LLC: Baz woodworking specializes in Japanese inspired wood art creating customized chopsticks made from unique exotic woods from around the world. Their art focuses on exceptional quality and sustainability from puzzles to bookmarks.
Arise Bazaar: Japanese and Asian kimono, art, and antiques.
Manjisart: Canvas artworks with acrylic mediums.
Jeneko in Japan: Retro Japanese video games, plushies, figures, and other collectibles imported directly from Japan.
Hikari wo Sagasu: Original Handmade Accessories inspired by Anime and Japanese pop culture trends! Gorgeous handmade origami rose hair accessories, and traditional fabric kanzashi hair combs that are perfect for daily casual wear, Lolita coordinates, yukata, and kimonos! Our Windchime inspired Earrings are very popular featuring Japanese beads. We also feature hand designed home decor such as Glass Windchimes, Cute Mugs, Sakura Glass Can cups, Etched Wine Glasses, Lunch Bento Boxes, and Tote Bags.
Holy Cow Anime: Vintage Japanese anime and gaming products. Tshirts, plushies, figurines, totes, pillows, towels, gashapon, keychains, kigurami, board games, and more.
Naked Decor: Home accessories with Washington DC and Cherry Blossom themes. Items include tea towel, coasters, kitchenware, and more.
Origami Club: We sell handmade origami accessories, greeting cards, and other origami-inspired goods. We blend tradition and creativity to make origami both stylish and useful.
Black Lotus Art: Black Lotus Art is an independent artist who specializes in painting and digital art for clothing, skateboards and abstract canvases.
Anime USA: AnimeUSA is a nonprofit that promotes education of Japanese culture and entertainment. Stop by for flyers, tees, pins, pens and water bottles to promote their event in October.
CLOTHING VENDORS:
Shamkids Closet: Clothing
Dykemint: Custom Anime and Japanese Culture Inspired Streetwear
Sonny Bunny Shop: Apparel and accessories: Corsets, tops, hats, bags, etc.
Belladonna Fashions: Lolita fashion clothing and accessories, jewelry, body lotion, candles, wax melts
Check back soon for additional merchants!
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