In July, the 2026 São Roque Cherry Blossom Festival will transport visitors straight to the fields of oriental flowers! Also known as Sakura Matsuri, the festival celebrates the blooming of the sakura ( cherry blossoms), a symbol of Japanese culture. Therefore, in addition to being a spectacle of nature, the event is an opportunity to connect with the ancient traditions of the Land of the Rising Sun.
Organized by the Brazilian Society of Japanese Culture and Social Assistance (Bunkyo), the festival offers free admission and will provide transportation from São Paulo. Check out the details and enjoy the most flower-filled season of the year up close!
Tradition, art, and cuisine at the 2026 São Roque Cherry Blossom Festival
Created in the 1990s, the Sakura Matsuri in São Roque invites the public to experience the ancient custom of hanami: the act of contemplating the beauty of the flowers while celebrating the transience and renewal of life.
Now in its 29th edition, the festival expects to welcome around 60,000 visitors over two weekends. The public will be able to enjoy more than a thousand cherry trees in bloom, as well as an extensive cultural program. Check out the highlights:
- Tea Ceremony;
Martial arts demonstrations and taiko ( Japanese drum) performances; - Tooro Nagashi, a tribute to ancestors involving the release of small boats on the lake;
- Food court featuring tempura, bento, gyoza, yakisoba, sweets, and other Asian delicacies;
- Agro Space with fresh and regional products;
- Cosplay and photography contests.
Plan your visit to Sakura Matsuri
For those planning to drive, the Cherry Blossom Festival offers secure parking for R$ 60 per vehicle. In this case, we recommend arriving early to avoid traffic, and if you wish to stay overnight in the region, plan your accommodations in advance.
If you prefer not to drive, the organization provides exclusive buses departing from Bunkyo’s headquarters in São Paulo’s Liberdade neighborhood to São Roque. The round-trip fare is R$ 60 per person. Vans, minibuses, and tour groups can also register in advance for specific operational fees.
Since this is a charitable, non-profit event, all proceeds from transportation and parking go toward maintaining the park and the festival. Let’s plan this trip!
📍 Bunkyo Kokushikan Park: Estrada Municipal do Carmo, 801 – Canguera, São Roque/SP
📆 July 4, 5, 11, and 12, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
🎟️ Free admission
🌸 Check out more information about the festival on Bunkyo Park’s social media
