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Camellia Exhibition at Maizuru Shizen Bunka-en (Natural Culture Park) (mid March - mid April)

30,000 camellias of 1,500 varieties are collected from all over the world and exhibited here. Admire spring's vivid colors through Maizuru's many camellias.

Maizuru Azalea Festival (late April - early May)

In honour of Maizuru City's flower, the Azalea Festival is host to 2,500 azaleas in full bloom. The festival is held in Higashi-Maizuru Park, while various festivities are held on May 4.

Candle Illumination

Candles fantastically illuminate blossoming trees at these famous places in Maizuru. A beautiful world is created through the illumination of these seasonal flowers and scenery. The illumination of weeping cherry trees at Yoshida starts in April.

Hotoke-mai (Buddha Dance) (May 8)

This traditional event originating from the Edo Period is held at Matsuno-dera Temple. People dressed as Buddha perform an elegant dance to ceremonial court music. This festival is also designated as a national important folk cultural property.

Matsuno-dera Temple

Matsuno-dera Temple is located halfway up Mt. Aoba, "Wakasa-Fuji". The principal image of this temple is Bato-kannon. The temple has beautiful precincts and many important cultural properties. It is also famous for Hotokemai (Buddha dance), which is a unique religious event going back to the Edo Period.

Tanabe-jo Castle Festival (mid May)

This festival is an event that introduces the history and culture of the castle town. The attractions include a warrior procession parading the streets and traditional performing arts staged on geiyatai (floats).

Oshima-mairi (June 1)

People visit Kanmuri Island once every year to visit Oitojima Jinja, a shrine widely worshipped by fishermen. In Maizuru, this island is believed to be the island of God and is also called "Oshima-san".

Hydrangea Exhibition at Maizuru Shizen Bunka-en (Natural Culture Park) (early June - early July)

The hydrangea exhibition is held during the rainy season. It is said you can behold a magnificent sea of 50,000 hydrangeas of 50 varieties in a single glance.

Beach Opening (early July)

With the coming of summer, Kanzaki, Ryugu-hama, and Nohara beaches open for swimming. The beautiful Japan Sea is waiting for you!

Minato Maizuru 'Chatta' Matsuri (Bay Town Festival) (mid July)

"Chatta" matsuri is a lively festival coloring the summer night. People gather to dance to Maizuru folk music and watch fireworks launched above Maizuru Bay.

Candle Illumination

Candles fantastically illuminate blossoming trees at these famous places in Maizuru. A beautiful world is created through the illumination of these seasonal flowers and scenery. The hydrangeas at Anjuhimezuka are illuminated in July.

Agetaimatsu (Torch-Hoisting Ritual) at Joya (August 14)

This traditional event has existed since over 400 years ago. This lively ritual, which is a prefecture-registered and city-designated cultural asset, is performed by throwing small torches into an impressive 16 meter high torch.

Shorai-bune (Spirit Ship) at Obase, Maizuru (August 15)

A small boat laden with precious offerings is floated out to sea to send off the souls of ancestors. This is a Kyoto prefecture registered cultural property.

Yoshihara no Mandoro (Fire Festival)

Yoshihara no Mandoro is a summertime fire festival held in the mouth of the Isazu River that is said to have been started to enshrine the sea god. People pray for safety while lighting a mandoro lantern made of bamboo, which is 18 meters high and 5 meters wide.

Akarenga (Red Brick) Summer Jazz in Maizuru (early August)

This is an on-stage jazz performance at Akarenga (Red brick) warehouse that is held every summer. First-class musicians, both national and international alike, are invited to perform. The city of Maizuru is enthralled with the sound of jazz!

Maizuru Fish Festival (the first Sunday of October)

This event celebrates the abundant seafood of Maizuru. It includes a fish auction, seafood barbecue, and sushi wholesale.

Jito Taiko (Drum) and Omata Taiko (early October)

This is derived from the legend of Minamotono Yorimitsu's victory over the ogres at Mt. Oh'e. During this festival, the courageous beat of the Japanese drums resounds through Maizuru.

Akarenga (Red Brick) Art & Craft Festa in Maizuru (mid October)

Arts and crafts are exhibited in the Akarenga warehouse area. There is also a food court that offers delicious local cuisine!

Autumn Leaves at Kongo-in Temple

Kongo-in is famous for its autumn leaves and snow scenery, as well as its three-storied pagoda, which is recognized as a national important cultural property. It is said to have been built by the imperial prince Takaokashin'no at the beginning of the Heian Period. Viewers can appreciate the rich natural environment of the scenery in all seasons, especially in fall and winter.

Yoshihara no Tachifuri (Sword Practicing Performance) (November 3)

This is a folk performing art festival, which is dedicated to the Asashiro Shrine every four years. It is said that Hosokawa Yusai taught fishermen many forms of martial arts in the Warring States Period.