Arizona Matsuri

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Cultural & TraditionalPhoenix
DatesDates TBA · Usually FebruaryCheck locally before booking
Duration2 daysListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forLiving tradition, ritual symbolsArizona Matsuri stands out for being
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD
CategoryCultural & TraditionalFestival type
The story

Arizona Matsuri in Phoenix

Arizona Matsuri is a Japanese cultural festival founded in 1984 and held every last full weekend of February in Phoenix. Organized by a coalition including the Arizona Buddhist Temple, the Japanese American Citizens League, and the Phoenix Himeji Sister City Committee, the festival has grown from 18 vendors in 1994 to more than 70 today, drawing over 100,000 visitors for Japanese food, taiko drumming, martial arts, tea ceremony, and bonsai displays.

In 1984, a coalition of Phoenix's Japanese-American community organizations came together to launch a public festival introducing the arts and culture of Japan to the wider Valley.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Arizona Matsuri stands out for being organized not by a single promoter but by a coalition of Japanese-American community organizations, including the Arizona Buddhist Temple, the Japanese American Citizens League, the Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix, and the Phoenix Himeji Sister City Committee, reflecting Phoenix's decades-long sister-city relationship with Himeji, Japan

02

The mystery stays covered

That community structure has let the festival grow steadily since 1984 into one of the largest annual Japanese festivals in the United States, expanding from 18 vendors in 1994 to 74 by 2023 while drawing over 100,000 attendees

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The festival carries forward Phoenix's sister-city relationship with Himeji

Water and renewal

Living ritual

and continues traditional Japanese cultural practices

The sacred route

Living ritual

including bonsai cultivation

The local code

Living ritual

tea ceremony

Tradition 5

Living ritual

taiko drumming

Tradition 6

Living ritual

and martial arts

Tradition 7

Living ritual

presented by the region's Japanese-American community organizations that have organized the event since 1984

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually February

Getting around

Use the city as a planning base, then confirm the exact venue, route, or meeting point close to the date.

What to wear

Casual outdoor clothing suits late-February Phoenix weather, which is mild by day and cool after sunset; comfortable shoes help for walking between four stages and vendor areas across the...

Safety

Keep valuables light, follow local instructions, and watch how residents use the space before joining in.

Where to stay

Stay near the part of the city you will actually use, with a simple return route after the main event.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map33.45 N, 112.07 WOpen in Google Maps

Phoenix, AZ

Nearest airportPHX — Phoenix Sky Harbor
TransportUse the city as a planning base, then confirm the exact venue, route, or meeting point close to the date.
Stay areaStay near the part of the city you will actually use, with a simple return route after the main event.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Phoenix via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Phoenix, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for February.Compare faresFestival gearCasual outdoor clothing suits late-February Phoenix weather, which is mild by day and cool after sunset; comfortable shoes help for walking between four stages and vendor areas across the park grounds.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for United States and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Arizona Matsuri?

Arizona Matsuri is listed for Past edition: 21–22 February 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Arizona Matsuri take place?

The festival is listed in Phoenix, United States. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

2 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Phoenix, AZ

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLazmatsuri.org
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually February
Source statusOfficial source linked
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