Kagoshima & Kumamoto Events & Festivals
Discover authentic local events, seasonal festivals, and things to do this month in Kyushu, Japan.
Kagoshima Events & Festivals
Find out what's happening in Kagoshima this month
Sea Urchin & Akune Seasonal Festival
Purple sea urchins (Murasaki Uni) grow by feeding on seaweed in the rich rocky shores of the East China Sea. In season from March to May, they offer a deep, sweet flavor despite their small size. Highly recommended for seafood lovers to enjoy alongside the beautiful scenery of Akune Oshima!
Official Event Info: Sea Urchin & Akune Seasonal Festival (Kagoshima Tourism Website)
Sakurajima Art Fireworks
Enjoy an artistic fireworks display with Sakurajima as a backdrop at Marine Port Kagoshima. This 60-minute non-stop show features masterfully crafted fireworks perfectly synchronized to the rhythm and melody of music, elevating traditional fireworks to the realm of art. Don't miss this spectacular spring tradition!
Official Event Info: Sakurajima Art Fireworks (Kagoshima Tourism Website)
MIYAMA Biennale: Landscapes of Awakening
The historic village of Miyama, home to Satsuma pottery, becomes an open-air gallery. A new art event where the entire traditional ceramic village is transformed into exhibition spaces.
Official Event Info: MIYAMA Biennale (Kagoshima Tourism Website)
Kanoya Rose Festival 2026 (Spring)
One of Japan's largest rose gardens bursts into color. Wander through fragrant paths and find your favorite among thousands of blooms. Open every day during the festival period.
Official Event Info: Kanoya Rose Festival (Kagoshima Tourism Website)
Fukiagehama Sand Festival
Japan's largest sand sculpture festival held during Golden Week. Elaborate sand artworks created by professional sculptors stretch along the beautiful coastline — a perfect family outing for GW in southern Kagoshima.
Official Event Info: Fukiagehama Sand Festival (Kagoshima Tourism Website)
23rd Ibusuki Hula Festival
Kagoshima's southernmost resort town announces the arrival of its tropical season with this vibrant hula festival — one of the largest of its kind in Japan, featuring dancers from across the country.
Official Event Info: Ibusuki Hula Festival (Kagoshima Tourism Website)
Kyokusui no Utage at Sengan-en
A vivid recreation of elegant Japanese poetry culture from about 1,000 years ago was held at the historic Sengan-en garden.
Kannongaike Cherry Blossom Festival
Over 1,000 cherry trees bloomed at this famous local viewing spot, with stage events and local product sales.
Tadamoto Park Sakura Festival
A popular sakura festival featuring 1,000 cherry trees, a flea market, and paper lanterns illuminating the blossoms at night.
Takaono Spring Market
One of Kagoshima's three major markets. The Takaono Station area transformed into a 1km pedestrian zone filled with street stalls and local soba noodle shops.
Winter Illumination at Tenmonkan
Millions of lights decorated the downtown area, creating a magical winter wonderland.
Sakurajima Radish Harvest
Visitors experienced harvesting the world's heaviest radishes grown in volcanic soil.
New Year Shrine Visit (Hatsumoude)
Traditional New Year prayers and celebrations at major shrines across Kagoshima.
Recommended Tours in Kagoshima
How about a private tour for a special experience tailored to these local events?
Sakurajima Private Tour
Experience the majestic active volcano, dig your own hot spring foot bath, and enjoy fresh local fish.
Tour DetailsKirishima Shrine & Hot Spring Retreat
An adult holiday to enjoy the sacred atmosphere and relax in premium hot springs.
Tour DetailsKumamoto Events & Festivals
Find out what's happening in Kumamoto this month
ONE PIECE Kumamoto Recovery Project: 10 Year Exhibition
Commemorating ten years since the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake. The beloved manga series has supported recovery through its Straw Hat crew statues across the prefecture — this exhibition celebrates that decade-long journey.
Official Event Info: ONE PIECE 10 Year Exhibition (Kumamoto Tourism Website)
Kaguyahime's Shining Garden in SAKURA MACHI
Currently held at Sakura Machi Garden in the central district. Over 16,000 illuminations signaling the arrival of spring gently illuminate the hearts of visitors.
Official Event Info: Kaguyahime's Shining Garden (Kumamoto Tourism Website)
13th Miyajidake Scarecrow Festival
Life-sized, imaginative scarecrows (kakashi) fill a former elementary school and its surroundings in Amakusa. A charming, quirky event that showcases rural Japan's creativity and warm humor.
Official Event Info: Miyajidake Scarecrow Festival (Kumamoto Tourism Website)
Tawarayama Trekking 2026
A guided trek up Mt. Tawarayama, the symbolic peak on the western rim of the Aso caldera in Nishihara Village. Enjoy panoramic views of Aso's five peaks and spring wildflowers.
Official Event Info: Tawarayama Trekking 2026 (Kumamoto Tourism Website)
Amakusa "Meito" Exhibition: Art of Fine Ceramics
At the Hondo Museum of History and Folklore in Amakusa, see masterworks from Living National Treasures and celebrated ceramic artists. A rare opportunity to appreciate the refined beauty of Amakusa porcelain.
Official Event Info: Amakusa Meito Exhibition (Kumamoto Tourism Website)
Ezu Lake Footpath: Walking the Lake in the Breeze
Kumamoto is famous as a "water city" — Lake Ezu is its heart. Join this guided walking event around the lake with fresh spring air, local history, and encounters with waterside wildlife.
Official Event Info: Ezu Lake Footpath (Kumamoto Tourism Website)Amakusa Dolphin Special Cruise
Experience watching wild dolphins in the beautiful Amakusa sea with expert local guides.
54th Ushibuka Haiya Festival
About 5,000 dancers of all ages paraded through the streets in matching yukata and happi coats for three lively days of traditional rhythm.
2026 Takamori Sakura Festival
About 7,000 Somei Yoshino and wild cherry trees bloomed at Takamori Pass "Senbonzakura," one of Kumamoto's premier viewing spots.
Kikuchi Sakura Festival 2026
Events were held at the "Furusato Sosei Civic Plaza" in Kikuchi Park, boasting 3,000 blooming cherry trees.
Winter Oyster Huts in Ashikita & Tsunagi
Exquisite oysters carefully raised by local fishermen in the nutrient-rich Shiranui Sea were enjoyed at Roadside Station Ashikita Dekopon and Tsunagi Oyster Bar.
Castle Winter Light-up
Kumamoto Castle was elegantly illuminated during the cold winter nights.
Yamaga Lantern Festival Winter
A stunning display of traditional paper lanterns lighting up the historic streets.
Aso Winter Trekking
Guided trekking tours through the frost-covered landscapes of the Aso caldera.
Recommended Tours in Kumamoto
Private tours unique to Kumamoto to enrich your event experience.
Kumamoto Castle & Castle Town Walk
A local guide will show you the history and recovery of Kumamoto Castle, along with hidden local spots.
Tour DetailsAso Caldera Nature Drive
A journey exploring the spectacular viewpoints of Aso, the stage of the fire festival, in a private vehicle.
Tour DetailsDiscover More Events in Kyushu
Looking for more festivals, seasonal exhibitions, or local events during your stay? Check out the official comprehensive event directories for Kagoshima and Kumamoto.