Akimatsuri San Diego
Celebrate the Season, Celebrate Community
Saturday, November 1 from 11am – 6pm
At the Julep Venue, 1735 Hancock St, San Diego, CA 92101
Saturday, November 1 from 11am – 6pm
At the Julep Venue, 1735 Hancock St, San Diego, CA 92101
This fall, experience the very first Akimatsuri San Diego Japanese Festival, presented by Kiku in cooperation with Japanese nonprofits, vendors, and community organizations across San Diego. This inaugural festival is the start of a new annual tradition.
Admission: $5
*Free Admission for Seniors and Children Under 12
*Free Admission for Seniors and Children Under 12
Why Akimatsuri?
In Japan, autumn (aki) is a season of harvest and gratitude, a time to savor the bounty of food and prepare for the winter ahead. Our festival honors this spirit and celebrates what it means to be both Japanese and Japanese American (Nikkei) in San Diego today. From Oceanside to Chula Vista, our community is vibrant but spread out. Akimatsuri brings everyone together in one joyful gathering.
Why Akimatsuri?
In Japan, autumn (aki) is a season of harvest and gratitude, a time to savor the bounty of food and prepare for the winter ahead. Our festival honors this spirit and celebrates what it means to be both Japanese and Japanese American (Nikkei) in San Diego today. From Oceanside to Chula Vista, our community is vibrant but spread out. Akimatsuri brings everyone together in one joyful gathering.
What to Expect
- Delicious Eats: Seven popular Japanese food vendors serving festival favorites—from savory to sweet.
- Premium Drinks: Sip and sample from leading names like Hakutsuru, Asahi, Suntory, Aya Sake, and Heaven Sake.
- Marketplace & Crafts: Shop unique merchandise, discover local artisans, and visit informational booths highlighting community organizations.
- Kids’ Corner: Hands-on fun with origami and creative crafts for families and children.
- Live Performances: Eight musical acts and taiko drummers fill the day with rhythm and energy.
What to Expect
- Delicious Eats: Seven popular Japanese food vendors serving festival favorites—from savory to sweet.
- Premium Drinks: Sip and sample from leading names like Hakutsuru, Asahi, Suntory, Aya Sake, and Heaven Sake.
- Marketplace & Crafts: Shop unique merchandise, discover local artisans, and visit informational booths highlighting community organizations.
- Kids’ Corner: Hands-on fun with origami and creative crafts for families and children.
- Live Performances: Eight musical acts and taiko drummers fill the day with rhythm and energy.
A New Annual Tradition
While San Diego hosts beloved Japanese events — Obon festivals, Cherry Blossom celebrations, ramen and sake gatherings — there has never been a hallmark autumn Japanese festival. Akimatsuri is here to fill that space, celebrating culture, food, and togetherness every fall.
Join us for the first of many years to come and help us launch a San Diego tradition that will grow and thrive with our community.
👉 Save the date and be part of history.
A New Annual Tradition
While San Diego hosts beloved Japanese events — Obon festivals, Cherry Blossom celebrations, ramen and sake gatherings — there has never been a hallmark autumn Japanese festival. Akimatsuri is here to fill that space, celebrating culture, food, and togetherness every fall.
Join us for the first of many years to come and help us launch a San Diego tradition that will grow and thrive with our community.
👉 Save the date and be part of history.
Enjoy live entertainment!
Food vendors on-site.