Santa Cruz, California
JAPANESE CULTURAL FAIR
June 7th 2025
Japanese culture, crafts, music, and food!
We showcase traditional Japanese Culture in Santa Cruz, CA
103 Emmett St. Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Our Mission:
The purpose of the Japanese Cultural Fair is to provide an opportunity for the community to increase its awareness and understanding of Japanese culture. We believe that through increased education and exposure to the culture of Japan, we can help to improve mutual understanding among neighbors of the Pacific Rim and enrich the community of Santa Cruz.
Participate
We are always looking for volunteers for the Fair. There are many positions open. Your time is greatly appreciated.
Click here to volunteer or find out more!
Donate
Click on the image below to find out more information on donating to the JCF through Zeffy
Although Zeffy doesn’t charge us fees, they will ask you to support them in their mission to help non-profits
Japanese Cultural Fair is a 501 (C)(3) non-profit educational organization
Donate!
Thank you for helping keep the Japanese Cultural Fair alive!
2024 Design Contest
The 2024 Design Contest has come to a close. We wish to thank all those who submitted designs to be featured on our t-shirts, poster and promotional materials. We would especially like to thank the E A Hall Social Studies class of Akiko Minami for their wonderful work. We always appreciate the participation of our younger community members in all our events and functions.
Congratulations to this year’s design contest winner, Taeko D’Andrea! The contest was close, but in the end, her design won. Thank you to all those who participated. We always enjoy seeing how much creative spirit lives in Santa Cruz County
(Artwork by Taeko D’Andrea for 2024)
Access Information:
FREE SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE
No need to worry about finding a parking spot or waiting in traffic when you ride the FREE JCF Shuttle Bus courtesy of Santa Cruz Toyota. Every year, shuttle service to and from the Santa Cruz Government Center to the Fair is provided free of charge! We thank them for their continued support.
Public parking is available on downtown Santa Cruz streets and parking garages — a 3-5 minute walk from downtown to Mission Plaza Park — across the street from Holy Cross Church & the Santa Cruz Mission.
This year, the shuttle will be making stops at the River Front and Locust Street Garages when heading to the Fair. To get back, you will need to make the loop from the Government Center. A map of parking garages can be found here. Parking at the Ocean Street Government Center will be free, but only available on a first come, first served basis. Shuttle service will not be available between the hours of 12:30 and 1:30.
People are encouraged to bike or carpool to get to the Fair. Designated bike parking will be available at the park. No sidewalk bike parking.
Kindly leave your dogs at home — SERVICE DOGS ONLY ON A LEASH in Park on day of the Fair.
Handicap Access
HANDICAP PARKING
Vehicles properly displaying a valid handicap placard or handicap license plate can park FREE at any designated handicap parking stall or metered stall without paying the meter. Not applicable unless the physically disabled person is present in the vehicle.
Handicapped parking spaces will be available on Emmett Street.
We do our best to make this event accessible to everyone who wishes to attend. If any special accommodations are needed, please contact us either by phone or by email. Phone: (831) 462-4589 email: info@jcfsantacruz.org
SHUTTLE SERVICE TO AND FROM THE GOVERNMENT CENTER AND THE FAIR IS FREE !
(But Donations to the Fair are GREATLY appreciated)
About
Learn about our 35+ years of history, meet our team, and find out how to get involved!
Donate
Want to help us make the festival even better? You can become a contributor to our cause by making a donation here, and by saying thank you to our vendors for their support of the Japanese Cultural Fair.
Special Thanks to UC Santa Cruz for being a major sponsor for the 2024 Japanese Cultural Fair!
The Japanese Cultural Fair can only happen through the generous support of our sponsors and people like YOU!