[2025] What is Okayama's spring festival, the "Okayama Sakura Carnival"? When will it be held this year?

[2025] What is Okayama's spring festival, the "Okayama Sakura Carnival"? When will it be held this year?の画像

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. We'll introduce the event schedule, highlights, food stall information, and access.

2025.02.25

Okayama Sakura Carnival 2025 Event Details

Date and time: Friday, March 28th, 2025 to Sunday, April 6th, 2025, 10:00-21:00

Venue: Asahikawa riverbank (east side of Okayama Korakuen Garden/ between Horaibashi and Aioi)

Price: Free admission

Inquiries: 086-803-8015 (Okayama Sakura Carnival Executive Committee)

*For inquiries during the event, please contact: 090-8719-9744 (Local Motobu)

Highlights of the Okayama Sakura Carnival

[A row of Somei Yoshino cherry trees stretches for about 1 km!]

The venue stretches for about 400 meters between Horai Bridge and Aioi over the Asahikawa Asahikawa . Approximately 250 Somei-Yoshino cherry trees are planted along this stretch, stretching for about 1 kilometer, and when they are in full bloom, you can enjoy the shower of cherry blossoms up close.

[The combination of cherry blossoms in full bloom and the castle is a must-see!]

Okayama Castle from the venue and Okayama Korakuen Garden , and there are many viewing spots where you can see the Okayama Castle over the cherry blossoms in full bloom.

[You can also enjoy the illuminations after sunset!]

From sunset until 9 pm, the cherry blossoms are lit up with floodlights and paper lanterns. This fantastical sight, which is different from daytime, is a must-see.

Will there be food stalls?

During the event, approximately 50 food and drink stalls will be set up on the riverbank. Food trucks will also be making their first appearance in 2025!

*The food stall area is on the south side of the venue, so it is closer to go from the Aioi area.

A wide variety of gourmet foods, from classics to Okayama flavors

You can enjoy local delicacies unique to Okayama, as well as standard festival foods such as fried chicken, potatoes, beef skewers, oven-baked pizza, Chiya beef ramen, Hinase oysters, local beer, and local sake. *The photo shows the event in 2024.

There are sweets like crepes and chocolate bananas, as well as food you can eat while walking around. There are also fun activities like colored balls and goldfish scooping! *The photo shows the event in 2024.

Is there parking at the venue?

There is no dedicated parking, so please use public transportation such as buses and trams. Okayama Korakuen Garden is also a short walk away.

Are there toilets at the venue?

During the event, temporary toilets will be set up within the venue. There will be men's and women's toilets on either side of the food stall booths.

Precautions

Please observe proper etiquette when viewing cherry blossoms. The trash cans within the venue are for food stalls only . Please be sure to take home any trash from sheets, charcoal, bento boxes, food, and drinks you brought with you.

How do I get to the Okayama Sakura Carnival?

【access】

Bus: Take the bus from bus stop (No. 1) at the East Exit (Korakuen Exit) of JR Okayama Station for about 15 minutes, get off at "Korakuen-mae", and it is a short walk to Horaibashi Bridge. Tram: Take the tram bound for "Okayama" from the "Mount Higashiyama Ekimae" tram stop for about 5 minutes, get off at "Joka", and it is about a 10-minute walk to Horaibashi Bridge.

When is the best time to see the flowers in 2025?

Okayama Prefecture official tourism website, "Okayama Tourism WEB," provides information on the current state of cherry blossom blooming at cherry blossom spots within the prefecture. Check out " Asahikawa Sakura " to see the current state of blooming at the Okayama Sakura Carnival venue!

Cherry blossom blooming status in Okayama Prefecture

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