Escape into a world of natural wonders at Japan’s renowned flower festivals! Sunflowers, hydrangeas, lavenders — What are you waiting for? Check out what flower festivals are coming up this year (and the next)!
It’s that time of the year again: The holidays are coming up, and it’s the perfect opportunity to embark on an adventure! For those who don’t have a particular destination in mind, consider Japan! As the warm summer sun casts its golden glow, a magical transformation takes place across the country. Vibrant flower festivals burst into life, painting the scenery with a kaleidoscope of colours. Japan’s flower festivals are not just vibrant blooms, they’re a celebration of nature’s beauty and a feast for the senses.
For years, flower festivals have been an important part of Japanese culture and customs. Different kinds of flowers have different cultural significance, and watching them bloom symbolises the ephemeral nature of life. These popular festivals not only signify a celebration of the changing of seasons, but also fosters a sense of community and joy as people from all walks of life come together to admire the breathtaking displays, participate in traditional performances, and savour delicious seasonal delicacies. Some might say that flower festivals serve as a time of reflection and gratitude, reminding us to cherish the fleeting moments of beauty in our lives.
So if your eyes (and cameras!) are itching for a taste, look no further than this guide for some of the best flower festivals in Japan to look forward to this year!
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1. Katsushika Iris Festival, Tokyo
Image credits: Ikidane Nippon
Home to over 6,000 plants, Horikiri Shoebuen Iris Garden has long been famous for its blooming irises, inspiring artists such as Utagawa Hiroshige and Utagawa Toyokuni. Revered for its resilient nature to bloom gracefully even in marshy areas, the Katusushika Iris Festival hopes to celebrate the pure strength and determination found in these flowers as summer arrives. Capture Instagram-worthy shots in June as you pose against a backdrop of picturesque bridges and tranquil waterways!
❗ To make the most of your Katsushika Iris Festival experience, here are a few tips: Take the Katshushika Shobu Meguri bus from Kanamachi Station or Kameari Station to reach the gardens quickly, visit on the 11th for the festival parade, and check on the status of the irises on the official website!
Dates: 29 May – 18 June 2023
Location: Horikiri Shobeun Iris Garden, 2-19-1 Horikiri, Katsushika City, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 8 AM – 6 PM
Ticket Prices: Free
Flower Festivals In Japan To Look Forward To 2023: Find out more here
2. Bunkyo Hydrangea Festival, Tokyo
Image credits: GoTokyo.org
In early summer, over 3,000 hydrangeas around Hakusan-jinja Shrine and Hakusan Park come into bloom, brightening up the city during Japan’s rainy season. The Bunkyo Ajisai Matsuri (Hydrangea Festival) is a traditional flower festival held in Tokyo annually for over 30 years and is one of the most popular events during the month. Associated with the rain and believed to bring luck and protection, the hydrangeas celebrate the ever-changing nature of human emotions and relationships as it has the ability to change colours depending on the soil acidity. As a flower first discovered in Japan, viewing these petite blooms have become a much-loved Japanese tradition over the years.
❗ To make the most of your Bunkyo Hydrangea Festival experience, here are a few tips: Pack an umbrella or a poncho for the season, be respectful of the structures near the shrine, and consider packing a light picnic to enjoy amidst the hydrangea displays.
Dates: 10 June – 18 June 2023
Location: 5-31-26 Hakusan, Bunkyo, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 6 PM
Ticket Prices: Free
Flower Festivals In Japan To Look Forward To 2023: Find out more here
3. Iriya Morning Glory Festival, Tokyo
Image credits: Plaza Homes
Held in the historical Iriya neighbourhood, the Asagao Matsuri is the largest festival in Japan dedicated to morning glories. During the festival, Kototoi-dori Road and Iriya Kishimojin Temple are lined with stalls run by morning glory specialists for guests to purchase these bright blooms. Said to have earned renown towards the end of the Edo period, these morning glories were cultivated by Iriya’s gardeners into over 1,000 different breeds. Come experience a summer tradition that dates all the way back to ancient times!
❗ To make the most of your Iriya Morning Glory Festival experience, here are a few tips: Wake up early to see the morning glories bloom, visit the stores at night to avoid crowds, and get your food to-go to enjoy at Ueno Park nearby!
Dates: 6 July – 8 July 2023
Location: 1-12-16 Shitaya, Taito City, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 5 AM – 11 PM
Ticket Prices: Free
Flower Festivals In Japan To Look Forward To 2023: Find out more here
4. Furano Lavender Festival, Hokkaido
Image credits: Good Luck Trip
For those who are afraid of missing out on the Fuji Shibazakura Festival by the time you read this article, fret not as Hokkaido has another summer flower festival in the months of July and August. The enchanting Hokkaido Lavender Festival in Furano celebrates the region’s natural beauty and agricultural prowess as visitors are drowned in fields of four different types of lavender at Farm Tomita. Beyond the dreamy purple seas of calming lavender, artisans, and local vendors showcase their craft and products, including lavender-infused soaps, essential oils, and bakes. Indulge in lavender-flavoured ice cream during the hot summer months and participate in craft workshops as you learn about the various uses of this versatile flower.
❗ To make the most of your Furano Lavender Festival experience, here are a few tips: Dress comfortably as Hokkaido’s summer weather can vary, explore attractions beyond the fields, and if you’re able to wait, visit in August to avoid congestion as July coincides with Japan’s school holidays.
Dates: Early July – Early August
Location: Kisen Kita 15-go, Nakafurano-cho, Sorachi-gun, Hokkaido, 071-0704
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 6 PM
Ticket Prices: Free
Flower Festivals In Japan To Look Forward To 2023: Find out more here
5. The Rainbow Flower Festival, Yamanashi
Image credits: Japan Travel
Famed for its spring Fuji Shibazakura Festival, the Fuji Motosukko Resort is hosting a summer event for the first time this year, which promises colourful rows of floral beauty for visitors to enjoy. From begonias and ageratum to zinnias and salvia, the Rainbow Flower Festival stays true to its name and paints the landscape a gorgeous rainbow sea. Guests can even take fascinating photographs at various dedicated photo points, including a vibrant yellow door which opens up to a stunning view of Mount Fuji on clear days.
❗ To make the most of your Rainbow Flower Festival experience, here are a few tips: dress comfortably, check the weather for clear skies prior, and make sure to take a bus or you might have to pay for parking!
Dates: Mid July – Mid October
Location: 212 Fujigane, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0338
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 4 PM
Ticket Prices: ¥800 (S$7.50) for adults, ¥250 (S$2.44) for children over three years old
Flower Festivals In Japan To Look Forward To 2023: Find out more here
6. Kiyose Sunflower Festival, Tokyo
Image credits: Time Out
For those who are looking to bask in a sun-kissed wonderland of vibrant yellow petals, the Kiyose Sunflower Festival is here to ignite your senses and transport you to a blooming paradise! As the summer heat gently fades into autumn, this festival in Tokyo’s Kiyose City promises a dazzling display of sunflowers that will leave you awe-inspired. As you stroll through the tall vast sunflower fields, enjoy the live music performances, bring home a bouquet of fresh-cut flowers and vegetables, and participate in the festival’s photo contest for the ultimate festival experience!
❗ To make the most of your Kiyose Sunflower Festival experience, here are a few tips: Dress comfortably, be sure to pack an umbrella or poncho during the rainy season, and bring along a bit of cash as not all vendors accept cashless payments.
Dates: Mid August – Early September
Location: Ishii Farm/ Kodera Farm, 3 Chrome, Shimokiyoto, Kiyose-shi, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 4 PM
Ticket Prices: Free
Flower Festivals In Japan To Look Forward To 2023: Find out more here
7. Kochia Carnival, Ibraraki
Image Credits: THE GATE
Step into a world of vibrant colours and natural beauty at the Kochia Carnival in September! Held at the mesmerising Hitachi Seaside Park in Ibaraki, the festival celebrates the transition of summer to autumn and the park’s expansive fields transform into a breathtaking carpet of fiery red and orange kochia balls and blooming cosmos flowers. As visitors walk through the endless waves of flowers, they can view the enchanting floral displays that showcase the artistic creativity of the organisers. Admire meticulously arranged flower beds in mesmerising patterns and captivating designs, and enjoy Kochia-themed art installations, live performances, and local food stalls serving Kochia tempura and Kochia-infused pasta dishes.
❗ To make the most of your Kochia Carnival experience, here are a few tips: Pack an umbrella or raincoat, arrive early to ensure you have ample time to explore the vast festival grounds, and check the official site for the best dates to visit.
Dates: Late September – Mid October
Location: 605-4 Onuma, Mawatari, Hitachinaka, Ibaraki 312-0012
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM
Ticket Prices: ¥450 – ¥700 (S$4.39 – S$6.82)
Flower Festivals In Japan To Look Forward To 2023: Find out more here
8. Chrysanthemum Exhibition, Tokyo
Image Credits: Time Out
Held annually at Shinjuku Gyeon National Garden since 1929, the Chrysanthemum Exhibition showcases special chrysanthemum flower beds and arrangements in vibrant hues and intricate patterns. Chrysanthemums hold a place of profound significance in Japanese culture as these flowers symbolise longevity, beauty, and rejuvenation, and are a symbol of the Imperial Family. The garden transforms into a tapestry of colours and fragrances, with thousands of meticulously cultivated chrysanthemums on display in the forms of bonsai, petal arrangements, and sculptures.
❗ To make the most of your Chrysanthemum Exhibition experience, here are a few tips: Bring along a camera, avoid smoking on the garden premises, and follow the paths set out by the event organisers.
Dates: 1 November – 15 November 2023
Location: 11 Naito-machi, Shinjuku 160-0014 Tokyo Prefecture
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 4 PM
Ticket Prices: ¥500 (S$4.87)
Flower Festivals In Japan To Look Forward To 2023: Find out more here
Delight In The Full Force Of Japan’s Flower Power!
And here you have it, a list of flower festivals in Japan to look forward to! And as usual, while booking your plane tickets to Japan and getting your hands on those flower festival tickets, don’t forget to make use of your YouTrip Card to lock in those wholesale exchange rates and skip those pesky bank fees!
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