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

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.

Written by

Okayama Prefecture Tourism Federation

Okayama Prefecture is located in the Center of Western Japan and is known as the "Land of Sunshine" due to its warm climate and little rain throughout the year. It's conveniently located halfway between famous tourist destinations like Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima! It's also the gateway to Shikoku via the Seto. Okayama is also known as the "Fruit Okayama," and the fruits that are sun-drenched in the warm climate of the Setouchi are of the highest quality in terms of sweetness, aroma, and flavor. You can enjoy seasonal fruits such as white peaches, Muscat grapes, and Pione grapes! Okayama is also home to world-class tourist spots, including Okayama Castle, Okayama Korakuen Garden, one of Japan's three most famous gardens, and Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, which boasts history, culture, and art!

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Table of contents
Okayama Sakura Carnival 2025 Event Details
Highlights of the Okayama Sakura Carnival
Will there be food stalls?
A wide variety of gourmet foods, from classics to Okayama flavors
Is there parking at the venue?
Are there toilets at the venue?
Precautions
How do I get to the Okayama Sakura Carnival?
When is the best time to see the flowers in 2025?

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)

Okayama Sakura Carnival

1-8 Korakuen, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture 703-8257

Beautiful cherry blossoms bloom along a 1.3 km long section of the Asahi River on the east side of Okayama Korakuen Garden. During the carnival, illumination provides visitors with a fantastic view of cherry blossoms at night.

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.

Asahi River Sakura Road

703-8257 East Bank of Asahikawa, Naka Ward, Okayama City, Okayama Pref...

This is a popular cherry blossom viewing spot in the city, where cherry blossoms bloom for about 1km on the east bank of the Asahi River, which runs through Okayama City. The ``Okayama Sakura Carnival'' is held during the cherry blossom season. At night, the rows of cherry blossom trees are illuminated, allowing you to enjoy a fantastic view of the cherry blossoms at night. Cherry blossom season: Late March to early April

[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

Written by

Okayama Prefecture Tourism Federation

Okayama

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