Celebrate Japanese culture through art, performances, food, and more at Japan Fest, organized by NOMA, the Japan Club in New Orleans, and the Consulate General of Japan in Nashville. 

Sample Japanese cuisine, enjoy traditional dance groups, martial arts demonstrations, tours with the Japanese Garden Foundation, and film screenings throughout the day. Shop a variety of vendors offering unique goods in a festive atmosphere. Costumes are welcome, please see costume guidelines below.

Please note: NOMA’s special exhibition, Fashioning America: Grit to Glamour, will be closed during Japan Fest. The expansion of the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden is not included in the Japan Fest festivities but will be open to the general public. 

Pre-purchasing tickets on NOMA’s website is strongly recommended. Tickets are available for purchase at the admissions tables in front of the museum and in front of the main gate of the Besthoff Sculpture Garden.

$10 General Admission | $5 for NOMA Members | Free for 19 years old and under

Purchase Tickets

Festival Schedule

10:00 am | Kaminari Taiko on the front steps

10:45 am | Welcome and remarks on the front steps

11:oo am–11:30 am | Minyo Japanese Folk Dance Group on the front steps

11:00 am–12:00 pm | PuriKura Panic in the Besthoff Sculpture Garden

11:30 am–12:00 pm | Shogun Martial Arts in the Great Hall

11:30 am–12:00 pm | Japan Society of New Orleans samurai suit fitting on the second floor

11:30 am–12:30 pm | Japanese Garden Foundation tour. Meet at the Japanese Garden Foundation table on the first floor

11:30 am–12:30 pm | Guided tour of the Japanese galleries on the third floor

12:00 pm–12:30 pm | New Orleans Kendo in the Great Hall

12:30 pm–1:00 pm | Kaminari Taiko on the front steps

1:00 pm–1:30 pm | Louisiana Karate Association in the Great Hall

1:30 pm–2:00 pm | Aikido of New Orleans and NOLA Aikido in the Great Hall

1:30 pm–2:30 pm | Japanese Garden Foundation tour. Meet at the Japanese Garden Foundation table on the first floor

1:30 pm–2:30 pm | Guided tour of the Japanese galleries on the third floor

2:00 pm–2:30 pm | Jujitsu Club of SLU in the Great Hall

2:00 pm–2:30 pm | Mechamaid Clubhouse in the Besthoff Sculpture Garden

2:30 pm–3:00 pm | Japan Society of New Orleans samurai suit fitting on the second floor

2:30 pm–3:00 pm | Candy Mix Maids in the Besthoff Sculpture Garden

3:00 pm–3:30 pm | New Orleans Zen Temple Ceremony in the Great Hall

3:00 pm–3:30 pm | NOLA Lolitas Fashion Show in the Besthoff Sculpture Garden

3:30 pm–4:00 pm | Japanese Weekend School with Minyo Dance on the front steps

4:00 pm–4:30 pm | Kaminari Taiko on the front steps

Participants

COSTUME GUIDELINES

For the safety and comfort of all guests, as well as the artwork at NOMA:

• Costume masks that obstruct or cover the wearer’s face are prohibited. Face masks covering the nose and mouth for health reasons are welcomed but not required.
• Accessories or toy weapons, such as swords, greater than 2 feet in length are not permitted.
• No sharp objects are allowed.
• Costume components cannot extend more than 2 feet in length from the body.
• Please keep all costumes family friendly.

Other restrictions may apply at NOMA’s discretion. A check room will be available for any items not in compliance. For questions regarding costumes, please call 504.658.4100. Please note that admission is required for fashion show participants.

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