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This September will see the return of one the most anticipated cultural events of the year for Japan Festival Houston. The annual cultural festival is one of the largest of its kind in the United States, featuring two days of Japanese music, dance, and arts performances, food, ceremonies, and more at Hermann Park – plus, it’s absolutely free.
What is Japan Festival Houston?
Co-sponsored by the City of Houston and Houston Parks and Recreation Department, Japanese Festival Houston is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that promotes Japanese cultural heritage through exhibitions of Japanese traditions and customs. The non-profit sponsors the Japan Festival Houston which itself is in its 32nd year.
As one of the largest attended festivals of its kind in the US, Japan Festival Houston regularly features a wide array of contemporary and traditional performances in music, martial arts, dance, as well as Japanese food and retail vendors more. The festival is free and family-oriented.
What to expect at Japan Festival Houston 2025?
Headlining Japan Festival Houston 2025 will be the Takarazuka OG Show. The theatrical, all-female production will include the renowned, Wataru Kozuki, performing songs from Japanese manga-inspired Takarazuka musicals.
For its martial arts performances, the festival will include demonstrations in a variety of martial arts including karate, aikido, iaido, kendo, and jujutsu.
The festival will also host the Texas Kendama Open 2025 – an open competition for practitioners of Kendama – a traditional still toy consisting of a handle, cups, a spike, ball, and string.
Furthermore, the festival will also feature a special tea ceremony and Ikebana exhibition. The Art of Tea Ceremony will be held in the Cherie Flores Garden Pavilion and will involve a traditional preparation of matcha. This event is ticketed, priced at $45.
The Ikebana exhibition, also known as the “way of flowers”, is a classical Japanese Art of flower arrangement. The festival will host multiple experiences and hands-on workshops where the public can make their own beautiful arrangements.
When is Japan Festival Houston 2025?
Japan Festival Houston takes place on from 10 am to 6 pm, then later at 8 pm on Saturday, September 6, and from 10 am to 6 pm on Sunday, September 7.
Photo credit: Carlos Gerardo Where will Japan Festival Houston take place?
Japan Festival Houston 2025 will take place in large part Hermann Park located at 6001 Fannin, Houston, TX 77030. On Saturday, September 6, the festival will host performances at Miller Outdoor Theatre beginning at 8 pm.
Do I need to get ticket for Japan Festival Houston?
No. As the event is free to the public, no advance purchasing of tickets nor RSVPs are necessary. That said, be apprised that food and retail vendors, as well as select activity participation, do charge.