The 31st Annual Festival of Japan Arizona Matsuri - Theme is 'Tanuki' - Awa Odori, Mikoshi Parade, Beer Garden.. (2 Days)NEW

The 31st Annual Matsuri Festival takes over Heritage & Science Park in downtown Phoenix on Saturday and Sunday. This two-day celebration features colorful displays of authentic Japanese art, crafts, and entertainment. Traditional Japanese food and merchandise are also for sale.

Featuring
Japanese Exhibits, Demonstrations, Arts and Crafts, Children's Activities, Bonsai Displays, Japanese Food and Entertainment and 3 stages of live entertainment.

What's New
For 2015, what is a Tanuki, you might ask…A Tanuki is a trickster character from Japanese mythology and children's stories. He is often depicted carrying a sake flask as he likes to have a good time; and, often he carries a bill of sale which he promises to pay but never does.

Here the tanuki appears in a children's song: a Tanuki hears a monk beating a mokugyo - a wooden block - while he chants the sutra; and the Tanuki realizes he can make the same sound by slapping his tummy. All the Tanuki's friends join him in the beautiful garden, under the full moon, and slap their tummies in time with the mokugyo.

Cost
Free

Date
Saturday & Sunday

Date
Feb 21-22, 2015

Time
10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Schedule
Join us for our Awa Odori & Mikoshi Parade!
The Matsuri Parade will start at 10 AM on Saturday, February 22rd.
Anyone in Japanese attire is invited to participate in our parade!
Please begin gathering next to the Plaza Stage at 9:30 AM.

Asahi Beer Garden open both Saturday and Sunday from 11 AM ~ 5 PM. All proceeds benefit the Arizona Matsuri. We will be serving Asahi Beer and premium Japanese sake by PIL! Thanks to our sponsors!

Shan Ichiyanagai, the candy man, will be performing Amezaiku (Japanese Candy Sculpting) on Saturday and Sunday.

Ramune Drinking Contest on Saturday at 4:50 PM and 4:45 PM on Sunday at the Plaza Stage. Two contests, one children's and one adult's, 5 contestants each. Sign up at Water Yo-yo Booth
Three stages of traditional arts, taiko and martial arts

New merchandise and food vendors!

Fun children's activities, calligraphy and more!