Festivals & Events in Southern Area | Experience the Warmth of Local Culture and Nature All Year Round

Across Japan, every season offers its own unique charm—cherry blossom viewing in spring, summer festivals, autumn foliage, and winter illuminations.
Through these celebrations, travelers can connect with local traditions, appreciate the beauty of nature, and experience the distinct rhythm of Japan’s four seasons.

In this guide, we shine a spotlight on the Southern Yamanashi region, home to Fujikawa Town, Ichikawamisato Town, Nambu Town, Hayakawa Town, and Minobu Town.
This area is filled with hidden local festivals that embody the warm, community-based spirit of rural Japan—offering experiences you won’t find in large cities.

Whether you’re planning a trip or a weekend getaway, these events promise to bring you closer to Yamanashi’s natural beauty, culture, and hospitality.

Fujikawa Town

Ōboshi Park Cherry Blossom Festival

Held at Ōboshi Park, one of the “Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan,” this popular spring festival celebrates the full bloom of nearly 2,000 Yoshino cherry trees.
The park transforms into a breathtaking landscape of soft pink petals—like clouds floating across the mountains. On clear days, visitors can even enjoy a view of Mt. Fuji framed by cherry blossoms.

Hydrangea Viewing Week

Celebrate the beauty of early summer with this elegant event dedicated to hydrangeas in full bloom.
The gentle rain and soft light of the tsuyu (rainy season) enhance the colors of the blossoms, creating a peaceful, atmospheric scene unique to Japan’s early summer.

Visitors can also enjoy yuzu-inspired gourmet dishes and sweets made with Fujikawa’s local citrus specialty—ranging from refreshing yuzu drinks to fragrant desserts.
It’s an event designed to delight all five senses through sight, scent, and taste.

Wine & Gibier Festival

A must-visit gourmet festival where you can enjoy local wines and premium wild game dishes in the heart of Yamanashi.
From the popular Yamanashi Nouveau to freshly pressed grape juice, you can sample and compare a wide range of flavors to find your favorite bottle.

The food selection features venison sausages, wild boar roast, and other unique mountain delicacies that pair perfectly with wine.
This event is a dream come true for wine lovers and food enthusiasts alike.

Yuzu Village Festival

A beloved winter tradition that celebrates Fujikawa’s famous yuzu citrus.
Visitors can take part in fun, hands-on experiences like mochi-pounding and mochi-throwing, while enjoying the refreshing aroma of yuzu filling the air.

At the local market, you can purchase freshly picked yuzu as well as yuzu jam, bath yuzu, and other fragrant goods to bring a touch of seasonal charm back home.
It’s a cheerful event that brings together community, flavor, and tradition in the crisp winter air.

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Ichikawamisato Town

Peony Festival

More than 2,000 peony plants across 100 varieties bloom in vivid shades of red, white, pink, and purple, filling the park with a sea of elegant color.
Their grandeur and beauty make this festival feel like walking through a living painting.

It’s one of Yamanashi’s most photogenic spring events, loved by flower enthusiasts and photographers for its perfect scenery and serene atmosphere.

Shinmei Fireworks Festival

One of Japan’s largest-scale fireworks festivals, with around 20,000 fireworks lighting up the summer sky.
The highlight is the massive 480-meter-wide “Ni-shaku-dama” shell, a spectacular display that can only be seen at a few venues nationwide.

To ensure the best experience, the festival offers special seating options such as the Dynamic Reclining Seat, where you can lie back and gaze at the sky, and the Dynamic VIP Seat, perfect for a luxurious evening.
Enjoy the fireworks comfortably while avoiding the crowds—an unforgettable night in Yamanashi.

Rokugō Autumn Festival

A hands-on cultural festival where you can experience Japan’s traditional hanko (seal) craftsmanship, a proud local industry of the Rokugō area.
Visitors can try their hand at carving their own personal seal, learning directly from skilled artisans while enjoying a fun, interactive atmosphere.

Your handmade stamp makes a unique and memorable souvenir from your trip—a perfect blend of creativity and culture.

Nambu Fire Festival

A powerful and dynamic fire festival where visitors can witness or even join in the lighting and throwing of giant torches—a thrilling way to feel the raw energy of fire up close.

The grand finale features a spectacular fireworks show, produced by local artisans from Ichikawamisato, a town famous for its traditional pyrotechnics.
This breathtaking combination of fire, tradition, and emotion creates a truly unforgettable summer night.

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Hayakawa Town

Southern Alps Sansai Festival

Celebrating over 40 years of tradition, this long-loved spring festival invites visitors to savor the fresh flavors of mountain vegetables gathered from the Southern Alps.
The venue overflows with freshly picked udo (Japanese spikenard), tara-no-me (angelica sprouts), and many other seasonal delicacies.

Food stalls offer mountain vegetable tempura, sansai rice, and other regional dishes, allowing guests to enjoy the tastes and aromas of Japan’s spring right on-site.

Amehata Lake Festival

This charming summer festival captures the nostalgic atmosphere of rural Japan, featuring live music by local singers, raffles, and street food stalls serving regional delicacies.

As night falls, the highlight begins—spectacular fireworks bursting over the lake.
The combination of shimmering reflections on the water and the thunderous sound echoing through the mountains creates a truly immersive and unforgettable experience.

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Minobu Town

Kyōnan Summer Festival

A joyful summer celebration packed with food stalls, performances, and art, perfect for both children and adults.

When night arrives, illuminated paper-cutting artworks transform the park into a dreamlike world of light and shadow.
Visitors can also take part in a lantern release, sending glowing wishes into the night sky—a romantic, one-night-only spectacle of peace and beauty.

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Nambu Town

Bamboo Shoot Festival

A beloved spring gourmet event celebrating Nambu Town’s famous bamboo shoots, a local delicacy known for their crisp texture and rich flavor.
Food stalls feature an impressive selection—from charcoal-grilled bamboo shoots and nimono (simmered dishes) to creative local recipes unique to the region.

Visitors can enjoy the fresh taste of spring straight from the mountains, making this a must-visit event for food lovers and curious travelers alike.

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Summary

In this guide, we introduced the most popular festivals and seasonal events in Southern Yamanashi, including those in Fujikawa, Ichikawamisato, Nambu, Hayakawa, and Minobu.
From traditional community festivals to nature-inspired celebrations, each event offers travelers a unique way to connect with local culture and hospitality.

At JAPANOPIA FUJI +, you can explore even more useful travel content—from live camera footage and roadside station updates to recommended attractions and accommodations throughout Yamanashi.
Be sure to check them out when planning your next trip to Southern Yamanashi!

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