Okazaki Park Cherry Blossom Festival

The Okazaki Park Cherry Blossom Festival will take place, but on a smaller scale due to the spread of Covid-19. There will be no stalls. The night cherry blossom light-up will take place as usual.

Date: March 26 (Thu)–April 10 (Fri)

Okazaki is one of the top 100 cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan. 800 cherry blossom types are ready for your perusal all over Okazaki Park, which centers on Okazaki Castle, and the surrounding river. At night, cherry blossoms are lit up. During this time many food stalls will open in Okazaki Park so you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing while eating and walking.

Okazaki Castle Boating

Dates: March 21 (Sat)-April 6 (Mon)

Tired of walking and eating? You can enjoy the cherry blossoms around Okazaki Castle while floating on the river. Boats depart every 15 minutes from 10:00 to 8:00 pm. The docks are below Okazaki Castle so head on over and embark on your relaxing journey. The ride lasts for about 30 minutes and costs ¥1500 per adult. Private rentals require a reservation.

Ieyasu Parade

The Ieyasu Parade on April 5 is canceled.

Date: April 5 (Sun)

Held every year in Okazaki, the birthplace of Tokugawa Ieyasu. More than 700 people don the armor and dress of warlords and princesses and take part in a procession around the town. At 1 pm, a ceremony is held at Iga Hachimangu Shrine, and the parade arrives at the riverbed under Okazaki Castle during the cherry blossom festival. On the riverbed, mock battles are reenacted reproducing the battles of the Warring States Period.

Koinobori Nori Otoshi

Dates: April 25, 10–11:30 am

The process of carp streamer making, known as Nori Otoshi, is one of Okazaki's traditional crafts. During this period the process is on display under Okazaki Castle. The carp streamers are colorful and match the scene quite well.

Gomangoku Wisteria

Dates: April 19 (Sat) – May 6 (Wed)

While Okazaki is famous for cherry blossoms, the wisteria that blooms after the blossoms fall are just as beautiful. Wisteria trellises are found on the south side of Okazaki Castle, facing the river and in front of the Noh Theater in Okazaki Castle.

RUNE CAFE OKAZAKI open for a limited time only

Closed until the end of March

Dates: March 20 – May 6 (closed: April 14 – 16 & April 21 – 23)

Japanese Kawaii has become a universal word, and creator Rune Naito is said to be one of the founders of Kawaii culture. Okazaki as the hometown of Rene Naito will open a RUNE CAFE OKAZAKI where you can enjoy the design of Rune Naito for a limited time.