The Okayama Sakura Carnival is held on the banks of the Asahikawa River near Okayama Korakuen Garden and Okayama Castle . This annual spring event has been held since 1986 and attracts approximately 70,000 visitors each year. This article introduces the event schedule, highlights, food stall information, and access.
2026.03.17-
Table of Contents
- Overview of the 2026 Okayama Sakura Carnival
- Highlights of the Okayama Sakura Carnival
- Are there any food stalls?
- A diverse range of gourmet food, from classic dishes to Okayama specialties, is gathered here.
- Is there parking available at the venue?
- Are there toilets inside the venue?
- Precautions
- How do I get to the Okayama Sakura Carnival?
- When is the best time to see them in 2026?
Overview of the 2026 Okayama Sakura Carnival
Date and Time: March 27th (Fri) - April 5th (Sun), 2026, 10:00 - 21:00
Venue: Asahikawa Riverbed (east side of Okayama Korakuen Garden/ between Horai Bridge and Aioi)
Admission fee: Free
For inquiries, please contact: 086-803-8015 (Okayama Sakura Carnival Executive Committee)
*For inquiries during the event: 090-8719-9744 (Local Headquarters)
Highlights of the Okayama Sakura Carnival
[A row of Somei Yoshino cherry trees stretching for approximately 1km!]
The venue is approximately 400 meters long, between Horai Bridge and Aioi over the Asahikawa Asahikawa . Around 250 Somei Yoshino cherry trees are planted along a 1km stretch in this area, allowing visitors to enjoy a dazzling display of cherry blossoms up close when they are in full bloom.
[The collaboration of cherry blossoms in full bloom and the castle is a must-see!]
Okayama Castle is located across from the venue, separated by the Asahikawa and Okayama Korakuen Garden , and there are various viewpoints where you can see Okayama Castle through the cherry blossoms in full bloom.
[Enjoy the illuminations after sunset!]
From sunset until 9 PM, the cherry blossoms are illuminated with floodlights and paper lanterns. The magical scenery, so different from what you see during the day, is a must-see.
Are there any food stalls?
Numerous food stalls will be set up along the riverbank during the event. Following last year's success, food trucks will also be making an appearance in 2026!
*The food stall area is on the south side of the venue, so it's closer to approach from the direction of Aioi.
A diverse range of gourmet food, from classic dishes to Okayama specialties, is gathered here.
A wide variety of shops will be participating, offering everything from fried chicken, okonomiyaki, braised pork rice, and oden to curry, ramen, yakisoba, takoyaki, tempura, beef skewers, and meat-wrapped rice balls.
You can enjoy local sake and craft beer, as well as other alcoholic beverages unique to Okayama. There will also be exclusive drinks only available at the Sakura Carnival!
You can enjoy festival staples like fried chicken, potatoes, beef skewers, wood-fired pizza, Chiya Hinase ramen, Hinase oysters, local craft beer, and local sake, as well as local Okayama specialties.
They offer sweet treats like crepes and chocolate-covered bananas, as well as snacks perfect for eating on the go. There are also fun activities like colorful ball games and goldfish scooping!
Is there parking available at the venue?
There is no dedicated parking lot, so please use public transportation such as buses and trams. It is also just a short walk from Okayama Korakuen Garden.
Are there toilets inside the venue?
Temporary toilets will be set up within the venue during the event. There are men's and women's toilets at both ends of the food stall booths.
Precautions
Please observe proper etiquette while enjoying cherry blossom viewing. The trash cans within the venue are reserved for food stalls . Please be sure to take home all trash, including sheets, charcoal, and any food or drinks you brought with you.
How do I get to the Okayama Sakura Carnival?
【access】
Bus: Take a bus from JR Okayama Station East Exit (Korakuen Exit) bus stop (No. 1) for about 15 minutes, get off at "Korakuen-mae" bus stop, and it's a short walk to Horai Bridge. Tram: Take a tram bound for "Okayama" from "Okayama- Mount Higashiyama" tram stop for about 5 minutes, get off at "Shiroshita" bus stop, and it's about a 10-minute walk to Horai Bridge.
When is the best time to see them in 2026?
The official Okayama Prefecture tourism website, "Okayama Tourism WEB," provides updates on the cherry blossom blooming status at various locations within the prefecture. For information on the blooming status at the Okayama Sakura Carnival venue, please check "Asahikawa Sakuramichi"!
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