For those who appreciate Asian culture, there’s nothing better than visiting a Japanese festival in São Paulo. Our city is home to the largest Japanese community outside of Japan, which is reflected in a packed schedule of concerts, performances, and cultural experiences.
Whether you’re looking to savor classic dishes like ramen and sushi or discover ancient traditions from specific regions of Japan, these festivals are the perfect opportunity to gather family and friends in São Paulo. Check them out!
Bunka Matsuri – The Japanese Culture Festival
Now in its 20th edition, the festival celebrates Japan’s rich culture in the traditional Liberdade neighborhood. The program features traditional dances, taiko ( Japanese drum) performances , sumo demonstrations, and cosplay and Miss Nikkey contests. There will also be arts and crafts workshops (such as pottery, ikebana, and cooking) and the Geek Arena with card games, retro arcade games, and Just Dance.
In addition to enjoying half-price admission to the Japanese Immigration Museum all weekend long , visitors can indulge in a food court featuring traditional dishes and imported products, as well as check out original works at the Artist’s Alley art fair.
50th Japan Festival
The traveling festival reaches its 50th edition, transforming Campinas into a little piece of Japan during three days of celebration! The main attractions are live taiko ( Japanese drum) performances and the mystical Shishimai lion dance.
But visitors can also indulge in the best of Asian cuisine, check out parades and cosplay contests, and watch beautiful folk dance performances. In other words, it’s worth taking a day trip just to check out this Japanese festival in the interior of São Paulo!
This festival is dedicated to the rich culture of the island of Okinawa. The southern province of Japan was an independent state known as the Kingdom of Ryukyu until 1879, when it was annexed to Japanese territory. Because of this unique history, Okinawa still maintains a distinct and fascinating culture, language, and traditions that are very different from the rest of the country.
With over 500 artists and 200 vendors, the festival invites the public to experience this unique heritage through activities such as Eisa performances ( a traditional drum dance) and interactive workshops led by instructors from Japan, who teach everything from Ryukyu hairstyles to tile-breaking ( Kawara Wari).
At the food court, you can try authentic dishes like Okinawa Soba ( wheat noodles with pork and fish) and Sataa Andagui, also known as “Japanese doughnuts.”
Another traditional Japanese festival in São Paulo is the cherry blossom festival at Parque do Carmo. The event celebrates the blooming of the sakura, a symbol of Japan, with typical Japanese attractions.
Attendees can enjoy folk dance performances and Taiko drumming groups, as well as traditional Japanese cuisine and the hanami ritual of flower viewing. Admire some 4,000 cherry trees while experiencing Japanese culture in São Paulo!
The Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the most traditional Japanese festivals in the interior of São Paulo. Once a year, the event celebrates the blooming of the sakura with a rich cultural program, including origami workshops, traditional dances, and the famous tea ceremony.
What sets this festival apart is its charitable nature. Organized by the Japanese-Brazilian community, all proceeds from the event go toward maintaining Sakura Home Residencial Sênior, a nursing home in Campos do Jordão.
