🏮 Suigo Itako Ayame Sai

水郷潮来あやめ祭

Itako, Ibaraki (Suigo Itako Iris Garden) · Every year in late May

Summer festivalBon odoriTraditional performing arts

251 days to go
Rooms around Itako, Ibaraki fill up while the festival is on.

The Suigo Itako Ayame Festival is held at Suigo Itako Ayame Park in Itako, Ibaraki Prefecture, every year from late May to late June. It is a representative local event organized by the Suigo Itako Ayame Festival Executive Committee. About 500 varieties and one million plants of ayame (Japanese iris) are planted in the park, and they usually come into full bloom around June 10. This historic festival began in 1952 and has reached its 75th edition. At first, it is said to have been a small gathering of ayame and Japanese iris enthusiasts who placed cut flowers in beer bottles and similar containers. Highlights include the operation of the bridal boat carrying the "Itako bride" dressed in traditional Itako wedding attire, performances of Itako hayashi music, and displays of the Itako Gion Festival dance, events rich in local character. In addition, visitors can enjoy a variety of other activities such as ro-bune boat cruises, Japanese iris plant sales, and illumination in the park.

Getting there

About 15 minutes on foot from JR Itako Station, or about 5 minutes by free shuttle bus to Suigo Itako Ayame Park. Temporary parking is available during the festival period.