If you’ve ever wanted to sip matcha, watch martial arts performed with jaw-dropping precision, and shop for handcrafted treasures all in one place — mark your calendar. The Fort Worth Botanic Garden (FWBG) is rolling out its annual Fall Japanese Festival on Nov. 1-2, and it’s shaping up to be a weekend that blends culture, cuisine, and community like nowhere else in North Texas.
Partnering with the Fort Worth Japanese Society, the festival promises a lineup of cultural demonstrations, live performances, and a marketplace brimming with traditional clothing, art, and unique handmade goods. And with the Japanese Garden at the heart of it all — recently recognized as the most peaceful spot in Texas and among the quietest in the world — the setting couldn’t be more perfect.
2025 is the year of the wood snake according to the Japanese zodiac, a symbol of wisdom, transformation, and reflection — a theme that fits seamlessly with the season’s introspective glow. Attendees can watch tranquil tea ceremonies, cheer on martial arts performances, and explore a variety of flavors from traditional Japanese dishes and Asian-inspired food trucks.
The festival runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with the last tickets sold at 3 p.m. and final entry at 4 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors 65+, $6 for children 6–15, and free for kids under 5 when purchased online. Members of the Garden get in free, and parking is available at no cost in the main and remote lots. You can also purchase tickets at www.fwbg.org.
Sponsorship comes courtesy of Ito En, a global leader in Japanese tea culture. Rob Smith, chief sales officer at Ito En North America, sums up the festival’s spirit: “At Ito En, we are honored to support the Fall Japanese Festival at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden and celebrate the Japanese community of North Texas. This festival beautifully reflects the traditions and spirit of Japan, and we are proud to help share that culture through tea, art, and community engagement.”