Thank you to our wonderful community for an incredible Matsuri!

Nearly five thousand visitors came to Matsuri! We thank our incredible community, staff, volunteers, performers, vendors, and workers for making this possible. We welcome feedback via our survey.

Share your Matsuri photos and videos here!

Admission to the Matsuri Festival and all performances are FREE, and paid food and activities are budget-friendly. All events and activities will take place outside in the Arboretum rain or shine.

Japan House will celebrate the end of the spring semester and 25 years in the Arboretum at the University of Illinois with a celebratory day of performances, food and artistry followed by fireworks.

Matsuri, the Japanese word for festival, will be held Saturday, May 6 from 12pm to 9pm in the Arboretum just south of Japan House, a new location for the event. The schedule includes a variety of free performances, including Ho Etsu Taiko drum group, DJ Van Paugam, martial arts demonstrations, hula, and more.

During the family-focused portion from 12pm-6pm, there will be something for everyone to do. Younger guests can enjoy the amazing artistry of Joyful Bubbles, try their hand at origami (paper folding),or be mesmerized by “The Candyman”, a Japanese street performer whose specialty is the ancient Japanese art of amezaiku, a method of sculpting hot taffy-like candy into fantastic shapes of animals and other creatures. Over a dozen artists and artisans will be located in a large Retail Tent featuring handmade crafts and goods with demonstrations and performances scattered throughout. A variety of restaurants will be lined up offering delicious Asian-inspired food and beverages for all.

Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremonies will be offered by the Chado Urasenke Tankokai Urbana-Champaign Association inside, and outside near Japan House hourly. Tickets ($15) are required to attend (NOW SOLD OUT). Guests receive a bowl of matcha and wagashi (Japanese Sweet).

In the interactive Activities Tent, ticket holders get to experience 3 traditional Japanese arts hourly: ikebana (flower arranging), yukata (informal summer kimono) dressing, and a chance to create a one-of-a-kind art piece with Japanese artist Zenkyu Niwa or Japanese calligraphy artist Seiran Chiba. Tickets ($30) are required to enter (NOW SOLD OUT).

Visiting artist Zenkyu Niwa has been a longtime supporter of Japan House and has created this year’s Matsuri mascot, an adorable maneki-neko (beckoning cat) traditionally seated, holding a koban (oval gold coin), with one paw raised in a beckoning gesture. Festival t-shirts and other items featuring Zenkyu’s artwork will be available for sale during the day.

A Libations Tent featuring a limited-edition Japan House beer and sake seltzer from Triptych Brewing will be alongside Michael’s Catering serving Japanese Street Food until 8pm. Returning for their third time, the crowd favorite, international Japanese all-female band, the 5. 6. 7. 8’s will end the day rocking out from 7pm until the fireworks start at approximately 9pm.

All food and retail vendors will be independently taking credit card/cash. The tea ceremonies and activity tent require pre-paid tickets from EventBrite to participate.

Purchase tickets and t-shirts today!

Event Schedule

Food and Retail Vendors | 12:00pm - 6:00pm

Performances, Family Area, Paid Activities | 12:00pm - 6:00pm

Dining Tent | 12:00pm - 6:00pm with City Pop music by DJ Van Paugam

Main Stage Performances

  • 12:00 | Opening Remarks
  • 12:15 | Halau i Ka Pono - Hawaiian Hula School from Chicago performing Hawaiian dance
  • 12:45 | Seiran Chiba - Large scale Japanese calligraphy demonstration
  • 1:00 | Awa Odori Mikoren - Japanese dance group from Chicago performing awa odori
  • 1:30 | Chicago Koto Group - Japanese koto group performing traditional Japanese music
  • 2:15 | Illini Wushu Club - UI Registered Student Organization demonstrating Chinese martial arts
  • 2:30 | K-Project - UI Registered Student Organization performing K-Pop dance
  • 2:45 | Philippine Student Association - UI Registered Student Organization PSA Modern will be performing hip-hop dance
  • 3:00 | Awa Odori Mikoren - Japanese dance group from Chicago performing awa odori
  • 3:30 | Chicago Koto Group - Japanese koto group performing traditional Japanese music
  • 4:15 | Gah Rahk Mah Dahng - UI Registered Student Organization performing Korean traditional drumming
  • 4:30 | Ho Etsu Taiko - Japanese drum ensemble based in Chicago
  • 5:00 | K-Project - UI Registered Student Organization performing K-Pop dance
  • 5:15 | Philippine Student Association - UI Registered Student Organization performing Bulaklakan, a festival flower dance, and Binasuan, a celebratory dance balancing water glasses.
  • 5:30 | UIUC Fataaka - UI Registered Student Organization performing Bollywood fusion dance
  • 6:00 | Ho Etsu Taiko - Japanese drum ensemble based in Chicago with large-scale calligraphy execution by Seiran Chiba
  • 7:00 | 5. 6. 7. 8's - World famous Tokyo Rockin’ Garage trio
  • 9:00 | Fireworks!

Retail Tent Demo Stage Performances

Family Area

  • Japan Information Center (JIC) - meet staff from the Consul-General of Japan of Chicago and interact with Paro-chan, a robotic seal!
  • Candyman (Masaji Terasawa) - Japanese street performer of amezaiku (Japanese sugar craft artistry)
  • Joyful Bubbles - bubble entertainment for a wide variety of audiences
  • Origami & Calligraphy Tattoos Tables - create fun pieces with Matsuri volunteers

Japan House Dry Rock Garden Deck

  • 1:30 | Shakuhachi - traditional Japanese bamboo flute music performed by Omar Francis
  • 2:30 | Cello - classical music performed by Satoshi Kamei
  • 3:30 | Shakuhachi - traditional Japanese bamboo flute music performed by Omar Francis
  • 4:30 | Cello - classical music performed by Satoshi Kamei

The Bonsai Society of Central Illinois will have a small display of bonsai trees for viewing on the deck. Please enjoy the gentle music with the quiet art of bonsai!

Activities Tent (PAID TICKET HOLDERS ONLY - Purchase tickets on EventBrite! No walk-ins.)

  • 12:30 | Yukata dressing, ikebana, and Japanese calligraphy (Ticket required from EventBrite) - SOLD OUT
  • 2:00 | Yukata dressing, ikebana, and Japanese calligraphy (Ticket required from EventBrite) - SOLD OUT
  • 3:30 | Yukata dressing, ikebana, and Japanese calligraphy (Ticket required from EventBrite) - SOLD OUT
  • 5:00 | Yukata dressing, ikebana, and Japanese calligraphy (Ticket required from EventBrite) - SOLD OUT

Japan House (PAID TICKET HOLDERS ONLY - Purchase tickets on EventBrite! No walk-ins.)

  • 12:30 | Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony (Ticket required from EventBrite) - INDOOR/OUTDOOR SOLD OUT
  • 1:30 | Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony (Ticket required from EventBrite) - INDOOR/OUTDOOR SOLD OUT
  • 2:30 | Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony (Ticket required from EventBrite) - INDOOR/OUTDOOR SOLD OUT
  • 3:30 | Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony (Ticket required from EventBrite) - INDOOR/OUTDOOR SOLD OUT
    There are indoor and outdoor options for tea ceremony. Accessible table-style tea ceremony where guests are seated in chairs will be held outdoor by the Japan House pond.

Garden Tours (PAID TICKET HOLDERS ONLY - Purchase tickets on EventBrite!)

  • 1:00 | Garden Tour (Ticket required from EventBrite)
  • 3:00 | Garden Tour (Ticket required from EventBrite)
  • 5:00 | Garden Tour (Ticket required from EventBrite)

This is an outdoor walking tour and has areas that may be difficult to navigate. The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes. Please arrive a few minutes early so we may start on time.

Retail Vendors

Craft/Art Vendors

  • Tangerine Mountain Imports and Designs - New and vintage kimono and obi sets, haori, kimono grab bags, fabric, zori, tabi, kitsuke accessories, and more
  • Fast Food Anime - DVDs, manga, CDs, key chains, patches, pins, plushies, wall scrolls, figures, assorted novelty merchandise, and snacks (including Pocky, ramune, and gummies)
  • pipapo - Jewelry with personality
  • Sansei Artisans - Sumi-e style paintings by Jack Matsumoto
  • The Wright Soapery - Palm oil free soap made in the traditional cold process method
  • Piper Pottery + Crafts - Handmade pottery for the home
  • SNL Designz - Japanese inspired jewelry, scarves, clothing and furoshiki
  • Japan House - Matsuri t-shirts, art by Zenkyu Niwa, and other delightful gifts!
  • The Literary - books such as manga and more from a local indie bookshop/bar
  • Aqua and Ink - locally made watercolor and traditional Japanese black ink art pieces by Satomi Kamei
  • Jace and Judy - locally made goods that are useful and novel (often with a face because that is Judy's aesthetic!)
  • Fabrikate - Handmade, one-of-a-kind purses, wallets, backpacks, festival bags and more
  • Angel's Wire Art - metal wire art by Luis Angel Lopez
  • Balloon Design at Illinois - delightful and creative balloon creations
  • Japanese Student Association - custom made stickers and key chains

Food and Drink Vendors

Please click on each vendor to see menus and pricing. Vendors will be independently taking credit card or cash. Be sure to try unique items offered only during Matsuri! Prices and item availability are subject to change. Please be understanding and respectful to vendors. Thank you!

Michael's Catering

$6 - Matsuri Dog - All Beef Hot Dog with Teriyaki Sauce, Kewpie mayo, Aonori, and Bonito
$6 - Yakitori - 2 Skewers of Japanese Grilled Chicken
$5 - Okonomiyaki - Japanese Savory Pancake with or without Pork
$4 - Yakisoba - Japanese Stir-Fried Noodles, no meat
$4 - Miso Corn – Corn on the Cob with Miso Butter and Aonori (seaweed flakes)
$3 - Ramune Soft Drink
$3 - Bottled Water

Siam Terrace

$8 - Panang Curry Chicken or Tofu over rice (Gluten Free)
$8 - Teriyaki Chicken or Tofu over rice
$8 - Basil Minced Chicken over rice
$6 - Pad Thai - No meat/No peanut (Gluten free) - Add chicken OR tofu for $2
$2 - Egg Roll Vegetable (Vegan)
$1 - Crab Rangoon
$1 - Pot Sticker (Vegan)
$3 - Thai Iced Tea
$3 - Thai Iced Coffee
$2 - Bottled Water

Aroma Indian Restaurant

$7 - Chili Chicken
$7 - Butter Chicken Curry Bowl
$7 - Paneer Butter Masala Curry Bowl
$2 - Samosa
$2 - Veg Spring Rolls (2)
$2 - Chicken Egg Roll (1)
$5 - Mango Lassi
$3 - Specialty Beverage
$1.50 - Soda

Suzu's Bakery

$5 - Mini Mochi Cakes (GF)
$5 - Mini Okara Cakes (GF+V)
$4 - Yuzu Cake
$4 - Mochi (GF+V)
$4 - Cookie Pan
$4 - Chocolate Chip Mochi Cookie
$3 - Brownie Bites
$3 - Cookie Pack
$4 - Bottled Tea (Jasmine Peach or Green Tea)

Latea Bubble Tea Lounge

$6.25 - Cream Brulee Matcha Latte
$6.25 - Cream Brulee Thai Milk Tea
$5.50 - Brown Sugar Milk Tea
$5.50 - Tropical Punch
$5.50 - Grapefruit Green Tea
Add-Ons: $1.00 Brown Sugar Boba OR $1.00 Logan Honey Boba OR $1.00 Cream Brulee
Milk Substitute: Oat Milk $0.75 OR Almond Milk $0.75

Broadway Food Hall

$12.50 - Meat Skewers (4 sticks)
$8 - Short Ribs
$6 - Fried Rice
$6 - Pancit
$5 - Egg Rolls
$2 - Drinks

ISHI Sushi x Kaori's Oven x Pond Street

$20 - Deluxe Kaisen Don
$15 - Kaisen Don (w/salmon+maguro)
$12 - Kaisen Don (w/salmon)
$7 - Hiya-jiru w/seared salmon (Chilled summer miso soup w/ seared salmon)
$5 - Hiya-jiru (Chilled summer miso soup)
$5 - Spam Omusubi
$5 - Ichigo Daifuku (strawberry mochi)
$5 - Matcha Cake
$2 - Mugicha (barley tea)

Kimchi Factory

$10 - Bulgogi plate (serve with rice, dumpling, and kimchi)
$5 - Korean Cheese Corn Dog
$5 - Korean Potato Corn Dog
$2 - Korean drinks - Sacsac juice (grape flavor), Milkis (assorted flavor)

Baldarotta’s Porketta & Sicilian Sausage

$4 - Nikuman - Steamed Pork Buns stuffed with Berkshire pork from Kilgus Farms, Shiitake, Carrots, Cabbage
$4 - Porketta Sliders - Italian Pork Roast, Salsa Verde, Provolone, Banana Peppers, Focaccia
$2 - Coleslaw
$2 - Japanese Potato Salad - carrots, cucumber, Kewpie corn

Wok with Tak

$5 per serving - Fried Rice - Tak will be cooking a variety of regional styles throughout the day. Fried rice types include: Mixed vegetable fried rice, shrimp fried rice, chicken fried rice, broccoli fried rice, hot dog fried rice, Shanghainese fried rice, and Singapore fried rice!

Japan House Matcha Cafe

$7 - Kakigori - shaved ice with assorted sweet toppings
$5 - Inarizushi (2 pieces) - fried tofu skins filled with seasoned sushi rice
$5 - Matcha Cookies
$5 - Chatsu (2 pieces) - traditional Japanese sweet, matcha biscuit filled with sweetened red bean paste
$5 - Hot Matcha
$5 - Cold Sweet Matcha
$5 - Cold Sweet Hojicha

Watson's Chicken

$11 - Karaage and Kimchi Mac N' Cheese
$6 - Japanese Fried Chicken (Karaage) - Twice fried karaage chicken tossed with Japanese BBQ & drizzled with red chili and rice vinegar mayo
$6 - Kimchi White Cheddar Mac 'n Cheese
$3 - Bottled Water

Triptych Brewing

$7 - MIRAI | BEAUTIFUL FUTURE is a rustic sparkling lager featuring Pilsner malt, puffed Jasmine rice, and just a touch of hop bitterness through the finish. 4.7% ABV
$7 - KANSHA | GRATITUDE is a Nigori Hard Seltzer brewed with Rice, Yuzu, Sudachi, & Vanilla Beans. Our first canned hard seltzer is light and refreshing with lovely citrus notes and vanilla sweetness.
Sold at Libations Tent near Michael's Catering booth - must be 21+ to purchase. Please have valid ID ready!

RiPoppedIt

$5 small, $10 large - Popcorn - assorted flavors of popcorn (Choco Banana, Matsuri Mix, Strawberry Crunch, or Cinnamon Roll)

Maps and Transportation

Matsuri Festival Map

Matsuri Parking Map


Japan House is located in Urbana, Illinois on the campus of the University of Illinois, near the Arboretum and the Vet Med complex, just south of Kirby/Florida Avenue on Lincoln Avenue. The nearest bus stops are about a 2-3 minute walk from Japan House at St. Mary's Road and Lincoln Avenue. For more information on public transportation options to Matsuri, please click here. Lincoln Ave between St. Mary's Road to F-32 will be closed between 12-3pm. Please be prepared to take a detour through St. Mary's Road to go around the Vet-Med Building to access Lots F-22, F-25, and F-27. It is also possible to park near the President's Lawn and F-23.

Sponsors

Zenkyu Niwa's engagement is supported by the Arts Midwest GIG Fund, a program of Arts Midwest that is funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, with additional contributions from the University of Illinois Japan House.

We would like to thank the following organizations and local sponsors for making Matsuri possible with their generous support. To become a Matsuri sponsor, please contact japanhouse@illinois.edu

Japan Foundation New York

Japan House thanks the JFNY for support for bringing Seiran Chiba and Masaji Terasawa (The Candyman) through the Education Grant.

Illinois Arts Council Agency

Japan House acknowledges support from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.

The Republic of Tea

Japan House thanks The Republic of Tea for supporting the Annual Matsuri Fund.

Busey Bank

Japan House thanks Busey Bank for supporting the Libations Tent.

Surfabilly Freakout

Dixon Graphics + Weiskamp Screen Printing

Smile Politely

Kemper Industrial Equipment/Midwest Pottyhouse

CU-MTD

Shorin-Ryu Academy of Martial Arts

Siam Terrace

Ippatsu Salon

College of Fine and Applied Arts

FAQ

How can I support Japan House Matsuri?

You can support Matsuri by donating to the Japan House Annual Fund. Please contact Japan House at japanhouse@illinois.edu if you are interested in becoming a Matsuri sponsor!

What should I wear to Matsuri?

Guests are encouraged to wear traditional clothing such as Japanese yukata, Indian sari or Korean hanbok, as well as your favorite cosplay attire for the day. Limited quantities of Matsuri 2023 t-shirts featuring Zenkyu Niwa's design will be sold at the Japan House booth in the Retail Tent. We ask that guests keep attire and cosplay costumes family-friendly.

Is there a lost and found?

Japan House and the Arboretum are not responsible for lost, missing, or stolen items. All found items of value (cell phones, credit cards, etc.) are sent to Public Safety after Matsuri clean up.

Can I bring my children to Matsuri?

Yes! Matsuri is a family-friendly event! Children should be supervised at all times due to the large crowds.

Can I bring my pet(s) to Matsuri?

We kindly ask that pets be left at home for the safety of all guests and the wellbeing of animal friends since Matsuri is a loud and busy event.

Can I bike to Matsuri?

Yes! There are bike racks stationed at F-31 and F-32. We kindly ask that whether it's a personal bike or a VeoRide, please do not leave bikes in the middle of sidewalks, streets, or parking lot entrances or attached to trees or garden fixtures. Please be considerate for accessibility for all Matsuri visitors.