Kiku Matsuri : Chrysanthemum Festival Charms of Japan

When talking about autumn in Japan, many people might think of the red and orange maple leaves changing colors across the mountains. But in reality, this period is also the time for another important festival - the "Chrysanthemum Festival" or "Kiku Matsuri" that transforms gardens and temples into displays filled with various species of chrysanthemums in vibrant colors and unique shapes, as if stepping into a fairy tale!

In this article, Gother will take you on a deep dive into this special festival, along with tips for preparing for a unique autumn flower viewing trip.

The Chrysanthemum Festival is an ancient festival with a long history in Japan, having been popular since ancient times. Originally, this festival is commonly called "Kiku Matsuri" or Chrysanthemum Festival, which is usually held from mid-October to late November, when chrysanthemums are in full bloom.

This festival is also related to "Kiku no Sekku," one of Japan's five seasonal festivals, held on the 9th day of the 9th month according to the lunar calendar, which is the auspicious day of the chrysanthemum. According to ancient beliefs, drinking sake infused with chrysanthemum petals or eating food prepared with chrysanthemum petals is believed to ward off evil, bring good fortune, wisdom, and longevity.

The Chrysanthemum Festival is an ancient festival with a long history in Japan, having been popular since ancient times. Originally, this festival is commonly called "Kiku Matsuri" or Chrysanthemum Festival, which is usually held from mid-October to late November, when chrysanthemums are in full bloom.

This festival is also related to "Kiku no Sekku," one of Japan's five seasonal festivals, held on the 9th day of the 9th month according to the lunar calendar, which is the auspicious day of the chrysanthemum. According to ancient beliefs, drinking sake infused with chrysanthemum petals or eating food prepared with chrysanthemum petals is believed to ward off evil, bring good fortune, wisdom, and longevity.

During the Chrysanthemum Festival, visitors and tourists will encounter various exciting activities, usually held at shrines, public parks, or important historical sites. Here are the highlights not to be missed:

• • Chrysanthemum Variety Displays: Gardeners display thousands of chrysanthemums in various forms, including dome-shaped pots, extra-large flowers, or even chrysanthemum bonsai displays that are exquisitely beautiful and unique to Japan.
• • Chrysanthemum Sculptures: One of the festival's standout features is using chrysanthemums to decorate various shapes, such as large samurai dolls adorned with colorful chrysanthemums, or legendary animal figures created from flowers. This is artwork that requires high precision and patience. A famous example is the "Nihonmatsu Chrysanthemum Dolls Exhibition."
• • Chrysanthemum Beauty Contests: Competitions are held to find the most beautiful chrysanthemums in terms of size, color, and petal perfection.
• • Traditional Cultural Performances: Some venues may feature traditional dance performances, ancient music, or tea ceremony demonstrations, providing excellent opportunities to experience Japanese culture up close.

Chrysanthemum festivals are held throughout Japan during autumn, with popular locations and approximate event times as follows:

Tokyo:

• Yushima Tenjin Kiku Matsuri: One of Tokyo's grandest festivals, featuring over 2,000 chrysanthemums and beautiful chrysanthemum dolls, held at Yushima Tenjin Shrine from early to mid-November (approximately November 1-23)
• Asakusa Sensoji Kiku Matsuri: Displays over 1,000 chrysanthemums with flower stalls around Sensoji Temple from mid-October to mid-November (approximately October 15 - November 15)
• Takahata Fudoson Kiku Matsuri: Held at Takahata Fudoson Shrine in Hino City, Tokyo, a grand and beautiful festival from late October to mid-November (approximately October 28 - November 17)
• Hibiya Park: Besides viewing chrysanthemums, you can also enjoy the colors of changing autumn leaves around the park, held at Hibiya Park (Chiyoda City, Tokyo) from early to mid-November (approximately November 1-23)

Ibaraki Prefecture:

• Kasama no Kiku Matsuri: Considered Japan's oldest chrysanthemum festival, displaying over 10,000 chrysanthemum plants at Kasama Inari Jinja Shrine in Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture, from late October to late November (approximately October 18 - November 24)

Fukushima Prefecture:

• Nihonmatsu Chrysanthemum Dolls Exhibition: Famous for displaying life-sized dolls decorated with chrysanthemums with exquisite detail, held at Nihonmatsu Castle every autumn

Aomori Prefecture:

• Hirosaki Castle: The castle grounds feature chrysanthemum displays in various forms and are arranged as a large botanical garden for visitors to explore during autumn

Event dates may vary slightly each year. We recommend checking the latest information before traveling.

Visiting Japan's chrysanthemum festivals during autumn is an extraordinary experience, but proper preparation will make your trip smoother and more enjoyable:

1. Check dates and locations: Chrysanthemum festivals are held at multiple venues with slightly different timing. You should verify the exact dates and operating hours of the places you want to visit to plan your itinerary appropriately.
2. Transportation: Most festival venues are located not far from train stations. Traveling by subway or JR trains is the most convenient and fastest method. Study the routes and nearest stations in advance.
3. Clothing: During Japan's autumn season, the weather is quite cool and pleasant, but there can be strong winds, especially towards the end of the season. Prepare warm clothing, jackets, or scarves to bring along.
4. Comfortable shoes: You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the beauty of the chrysanthemums. Choose shoes that are comfortable to wear and suitable for walking.
5. Camera: Of course, you'll need your trusty camera to capture the stunning beauty of the chrysanthemums and the unique autumn atmosphere.

Finding accommodation during chrysanthemum festival season, which coincides with autumn - one of Japan's most popular tourist seasons - may require some advance planning.

For comfort and convenience, allowing you to fully enjoy admiring the chrysanthemums, Gother offers numerous accommodation options throughout Japan. Whether you're looking for city hotels with convenient access near train stations for easy travel to various festivals, or want cozy ryokans with warm atmospheres near natural attractions to truly experience autumn's beauty, Gother has comprehensive options. With an easy-to-use search system, you can specify your preferred area, time period, and budget to find the perfect accommodation, while comparing prices and reading reviews from actual guests.

Tips: We recommend booking hotels in advance, especially if you plan to visit during weekends or peak festival periods, to secure the best locations at reasonable prices.

The chrysanthemum festival is another enchanting charm of Japan's autumn season that shouldn't be missed. Seeing the diverse colors and shapes of chrysanthemums displayed with exquisite beauty will leave you with unforgettable impressions and provide deep insight into Japanese art, culture, and love of nature.

Get ready and embark on your journey to experience the beauty of chrysanthemums in the Land of the Rising Sun. Additionally, you can make planning your next Japan trip even easier with Gother - whether it's flights to Japan, accommodation in Japan, or interesting activities in Japan, we've compiled comprehensive information all in one place!