Spirit of Japan celebrates its second Denver event

By Kaelyn Diep

Ever wanted to take a trip to Japan, wander the streets of Tokyo and taste the cuisine of its locals? Well now you can without a passport when the Spirit of Japan Festival returns to Sakura Square in Denver.

The Sakura Foundation event will occur for its second year Sept. 12 to 14. Located at 19th and Larimer streets, the festival commemorates the vibrant sights and flavors of traditional and contemporary Japanese food and drinks, as well as music and dance.

Hosted by Colorado’s Sakura Foundation with help from Japan Taste Marketing, the event embraces the community and story of Japan through taste and immersion.

“Spirit of Japan is a way for us to live our mission to celebrate and share Japanese and Japanese American (JA) culture and heritage in order to promote a more compassionate, resilient and equitable society,” executive director of the Sakura Foundation Stacey Shigaya says. “Japan Taste Marketing wanted to present a Japan-focused food event in Denver and we quickly came to the consensus that a fruitful partnership could result in an engaging and unique event for the Rocky Mountain region.”

With last year’s event being such a success, the Sakura Foundation aims to preserve the traditions of Japan once more.

When it comes to food, the three-day event offers a variety of tastings and experiences for visitors to savor.

Types of food range from traditional Japanese dishes like yakitori (grilled chicken), osakana zangi (fish nuggets), takoyaki (fried octopus) and much more from several featured vendors. As for drinks, you can sample different Japanese spirits, including sake (rice wine), shochu (Japanese vodka) and whiskey alongside the cultural experts.

Those who attend can also learn more about the refreshments, such as their origin, craftsmanship and tasting notes.

“Many people may not be aware that people of Japanese descent have been in Denver since the late 1800s, and that there is a thriving JA community here,” Shigaya says. “We are proud of our community and culture and want to share it with others and encourage them to know their own backgrounds so they can celebrate and share as well.”

She sees the event as an opportunity to appreciate Japan’s food while enjoying a festive atmosphere of rich culture, tradition and entertainment.

Shows and stage performances also add character to the festival. From live DJs and cultural performers to tuna cutting and taiko (Japanese drums), Spirit of Japan displays the spirit of the country through its arts and practices. By integrating its sound, symbolism, and specialities, the event highlights the traditions and people of East Asia.

“We are amazed and grateful for the thousands of people who came to explore our inaugural event last year,” Shigaya explains. “For the 2025 event, we have increased the overall footprint and will offer staggered entry times with multiple entrance lines at 19th and Larimer Streets. We look forward to continuing to foster cultural exchange, promote international travel to Japan and strengthen our community bonds.”

Ticket packages for Spirit of Japan are on sale now. The Yatai Pass – $45 in advance and $55 at the door – includes an original tote bag from the event and 10 tickets that can be used in exchange for food and drinks. The Yatai Pass with premier access, which costs $65 in advance, includes 12 tickets for refreshments, two complimentary signature event cocktails, a tote bag and exclusive entry to the festival at 11 a.m.

The other ticket package available is the Matsuri Pass – $75 in advance and $85 at the door – which includes 20 tickets for food and drinks along with a tote bag and a traditional Japanese masu cup. When purchasing the Matsuri Pass with premier access costing $100 in advance, guests are given 22 tickets, two signature drinks, a tote bag, a sake masu cup as well as exclusive entry.

For more information about the Spirit of Japan Festival and where to buy tickets, click here.

Thirst Colorado intern Kaelyn Diep is a senior at Metropolitan State University of Denver. She is majoring in journalism and minoring in communication studies and plans to become a news editor. Besides working for The Metropolitan school newspaper as the social media editor, she enjoys playing video games, crocheting, reading, exploring the outdoors and hanging out with her friends and boyfriend. One of her favorite things to do with her partner is build LEGOs.