Mid Oct
Late Nov
<p>One of the highlights of the festival is this scene of flower dolls and potted flowers along the water</p>
One of the highlights of the festival is this scene of flower dolls and potted flowers along the water (Photo: Justin Velgus)

Nihonmatsu Chrysanthemum Festival 2025

Flowers that make smiles blossom

Justin Velgus   - 1 min read
Venue : Kasumiga-jo Park When : Mid Oct - Late Nov 2025

The Nihonmatsu Chrysanthemum Festival is a month-long chrysanthemum festival featuring dolls dressed in floral attire. Continuing for over 60 years and taking place at the Kasumiga Castle ruins (霞ヶ城公園), the event has become a major attraction in Fukushima Prefecture.

The festival is more like a flower show with a twist. You walk along a marked course at your pace. You'll see many chrysanthemums in their many different shapes and colors. Historical figures are set in displays and feature dolls wearing clothing made from flowers. In addition to the showcased flowers and dolls, there is a garden zone, and area to buy your flowers. Expect a walkthrough to take about an hour. Vendors await outside with food and goods.

The event takes place each fall from October to November every year. Overall a beautiful event worth traveling out of the way for if you have the time.

Getting there

Located a five minute drive from the Nihonmatsu IC or a 20 minute walk from Nihonmatsu Station.

Justin Velgus

Justin Velgus @justin.velgus

Justin Velgus (ジャスティン ベルガス) is the Miyagi Prefecture expert for Japan Travel and a long-term contributor since 2012 with a focus on the Tohoku region.  Justin has written extensively for JT, and other publications such as VisitMiyagi and Sake Today, amassing over 350 published articles...