Discovering Nagoya’s Festival and Event Treasures in 2024

Nagoya, one of Japan’s most vibrant largest cities, is a kaleidoscope of cultural delights and modern amazements. But beyond its bustling streets lies a calendar filled with exciting events and festivals throughout the year. So, whether you’re a seasoned Japan lover or a curious new visitor, just pack your bags and get ready to experience Nagoya’s magical festivals in 2024!

Winter

Weeping Plum Tree Festival (Feb 17th – March 20th, 2024):

If you’ve come to Japan to see Cherry Blossoms in the past and want to replicate that feeling with something totally new to you, might I recommend the Weeping Plum Trees? Absolutely gorgeous trees with seasonally blooming plum blossoms, you won’t want to miss this. Nagoya City’s Agricultural Center explodes in a burst of color during the first months of the year, with over 700 Weeping Plum trees (and even 12 different species so there’s plenty to differentiate them). If you want to come see these beautiful flowers and elegant trees while enjoying an open-air market, stage events, and more, you’ll definitely want to come see the Weeping Plum Tree Festival.

Every Day: 9:00-16:30 at Nagoya City Agricultural Center dela Farm

Learn more about it here!

Spring

Girl’s Day Hina Doll Festival (March 3rd): 

Mark your calendars for March 3rd this year if you are visiting Japan because Nagoya is set to be dressed in its finest silks for Hina Matsuri, or Girl’s Day. Picture tiers of embellished dolls, both Emperors and Empresses decorated in dazzling kimonos, surrounded by court musicians and attendants all set against a background of blooming peach blossoms. It’s a celebration of good fortune for young girls, and here’s the fun twist: these dolls aren’t just pretty faces. It’s because they are known to be used to pass good luck and some lucky families possess sets passed down for generations, with dolls older than your grandma.

Cherry Blossom Festival (late March – early April): 

Cherry Blossom Festival in Nagoya is a breathtaking view that paints the city in charming shades of soft pink, energizing murmurs of pure awe. Sit up, for this isn’t just your average flowerfest.

Imagine taking a nice stroll beneath a canopy of delicate blossoms, their petals seemingly dancing in the somewhat cool breeze of spring looking like falling confetti. At their peak, around late March to early April, Nagoya’s renowned parks, like Tsuruma Park and Nagoya Castle grounds, transform into a magical land of over 1,000 sakura trees bursting with blossoms.

But here’s the fun fact that takes Nagoya’s sakura love a step further. By nighttime, the trees are decorated with gleaming illuminations that turn the festival into a scene straight out of a fairytale.

Another quirky tidbit, locals take part in is a tradition called hanami, which translates to “flower viewing.” Picnics under the blossoms, families sipping sake and sharing stories, all while enjoying the ephemeral beauty of the sakura. It’s a celebration of life, floating moments, and the utter joy of nature’s prettiest view. So, grab your picnic baskets, and maybe even a kimono for the full effect, preparing to be blown away by the magic of pink petals and Japanese springtime in Nagoya. Also, you don’t need a camera this time, because the beauty of the scene and love-filled air will itself reside in your hearts.

Some of the best spots in Nagoya to see cherry blossoms include Tokugawa Park, Yamazakigawa Riverside, and Tsuruma Park. For Hanami lovers, getting to see this Famous Cherry Blossom tree is a fortune, because this iconic tree is said to be over 100 years old with stunning views.

Belgian Beer Weekend Festival 2024 (April 27th-May 7th):

Belgium is a country with a robust beer culture, which is well-renowned worldwide. Despite its relatively smaller size, Belgium has a total of more than 400 breweries, and the beers that they make are incredibly influential to beer lovers and producers everywhere. Since 2010, Belgian Beer Weekend has become the flagship event in Japan to celebrate this fantastic culture and share the delicious flavors of Belgium’s best brews with the people of this nation. The event comes to many major cities throughout the year, and will be taking place in Nagoya’s Hisaya-Odori Park from April 27th until May 7th to give Nagoyans a chance to try all the beer and fluffy fries they could ever want!

Learn more about this event on Belgian Beer Weekend’s website.

Nagoya Vegan Gourmet Festival 2024 (May 12th):

Known to be held on 12th May 2024 (4:00 pm) at TSURUMA Park, this 60-stall planned festival is where plant-based foodies rejoice! Expect wonder foods like thick juicy burgers, succulent BBQs, fragrant curries, and hearty noodle bowls, all crafted with plant-powered ingredients. Vegan desserts like creamy gelato, decadent cakes, and melt-in-your-mouth pastries will surely satisfy you without compromise. Refreshing smoothies, flavorful teas, and even plant-based beer and cocktails are also said to be available. 

Learn more about this event here.

Summer

Nagoya Natsu Matsuri (July 15th – 17th): 

So now, reinforce yourself for three days of pure summertime celebrations after the lovely sakura views, because Nagoya Natsu Matsuri (Nagoya Summer Festival) starts from July 15th to 17th. Picture beating streets, vibrant parades with costumes and energy, and the irresistible aroma of street food flying through the air. Here’s what you can get to experience during this sizzling festival. 

Bon Odori: Get your groove on by spreading Bon Odori, a traditional folk dance performed by everyone. Don’t worry about choreography, just follow the joyful rhythm and let it move you.

Yatai Paradise: Dive into the colorful and tasty cuisines on the endless rows of yatai, which are vibrant food stalls serving up everything from takoyaki and sizzling teppanyaki to refreshing shaved ice and sweet-potato churros. It’s a culinary adventure for every palate.

Grand Finale Fireworks: As the night falls, prepare to see a breathtaking fireworks display. Hundreds of rockets paint the night in colorful bursts, reflecting off the flickering Nagoya Port making it a truly unforgettable spectacle.

This festival holds a special place in the hearts of locals. Many businesses tend to wear yukata (summer kimonos) for the occasion, and streets become alive with a festive spirit that’s both welcoming and exhilarating.

So, get ready to lose yourself in the rhythm and be awed by the eye-catching fireworks. 

Make sure to celebrate Nagoya Natsu Matsuri in Japan this year and experience its summertime magic. Nagoya Castle and Osu are the spots, if you wish to celebrate this festival in Nagoya.

Aichi Triennale (July – September):

Get ready for an art explosion in Nagoya-style! The Aichi Triennale (July-September) isn’t just an average exhibition. Forget the normal paintings surrounded by velvet ropes – this is a mind-blowing adventure through modern art from all over the globe. Think of extraordinary installations in ancient temples, robots dancing with monks, and other performances that’ll challenge what you thought art could be. 

To give you a glimpse, let me tell you what past years featured, burning pianos and flaming calligraphy. One year, a life-size, floating baby caused a national uproar – proving that the art at Aichi Triennale can spark serious conversations. This year’s Aichi Triennale’s theme hasn’t been officially announced yet. The organizers typically reveal the theme around March or April, so we’ll have to wait a bit longer to find out what artistic sparks will fly in this year’s Aichi Triennale.

If you want to learn more about this amazing event, its locations, theme, etc, you can visit its website here.

Autumn

Nagoya Castle Autumn Festival (October 1st – 31st):

For Autumn, the roller coaster of festivals in Nagoya lets us travel back in time at the Nagoya Castle Autumn Festival, where the iconic castle grounds seem to come alive with traditional music, dance performances, and demonstrations of samurai skills.

But here’s the fun twist, at this festival you come to witness a jaw-dropping display of over 3,000 carefully cultivated chrysanthemums, carved into intricate shapes and mythical creatures. Imagine a giant, fierce dragon made entirely of flowers. Next, get ready for a challenge. Join the traditional “mochi-maki” ceremony, where hundreds of rice cakes are thrown toward the crowd – catch one for good luck and at the same time win yourself a delicious snack. Lastly, feel the energy of sword demonstrations, where skilled samurai show their ancient fighting techniques. If you are fortunate enough, you might even be able to catch a glimpse of a fierce ninja lurking in the shadows.

So, just leave the tourist maps and immerse yourself in the magic of old Japan. Let the Nagoya Castle Autumn Festival help you travel through the time of warriors, the skilled chrysanthemum artistry, and the city’s cultural delights.

You can learn more about this event at Nagoya Castle’s official website, also find its location here.

Momiji狩り (Mo 紅葉狩り) – Autumn Leaf Viewing:

As the leaves change into fiery shades of red, orange, and yellow, Nagoya offers some stunning opportunities for Momiji-gari or autumn leaf viewing. Hike up Mount Higashiyama for scenic spectacles, stroll through the serene gardens of Tokugawa-en, or take a gentle boat ride on Lake Biwa all through which you’ll immerse yourself and realize the true meaning of life. As is that after a night full of darkness – there’s a new sunrise, a new beginning hidden, such as with these trees which have their new beginnings in spring now.

You can find the best autumn leaf views at Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Tokugawa Garden, Shirotori Garden, and Meijō Park. Most of these spots have astounding views from late November to early December, but Meijo Park is at its best between mid-November and late November. 

The Meitetsuku Autumn Gourmet Fair:

The Meitetsuku Autumn Gourmet Fair is a delightful culinary adventure that takes you on a wonderful food journey through the Meitetsu Line corridor in Nagoya. This vibrant food event is known to bring together over 70 participating restaurants and shops, each showcasing their unique take on autumn flavors.

The fair runs from October 26th to 28th, 2024 at various locations along the Meitetsu Line, including stations, shopping malls, and restaurants. This allows you to easily jump from one delicious stop to the next, creating your own roller coaster of tastes. Also, the event doesn’t have any entry fee. 

Get ready to take your taste buds on a ride with a variety of autumn delights. These succulent dishes include grilled skewers, steaming bowls of ramen, hearty stews, and colorful donburi rice bowls. Don’t miss out on the seasonal specialties such as matsutake mushrooms, sweet potatoes, and chestnuts, incorporated into various dishes to make wonders.

 

This is just a glimpse into the world of Nagoya’s colorful, heartwarming, dazzling festivals and events. With something happening every month, there’s always a reason to visit this dynamic city that will never let you leave without its prints in your heart. So, start planning your Nagoya adventure today and get ready to experience the magic of Japan’s cultural heartland.

 

If you’re coming to Nagoya for any of these events and looking for the perfect accommodation, be sure to book your stay with Nikko Style Nagoya for a fantastic experience!