Coming up this weekend on Sunday, April 5, details have been announced for the 38th Ashiya Sakura Festival.
Quoted from the Ashiya City official website / Ashiya Sakura Festival
38th Ashiya Sakura Festival
When is it?
Sunday, April 5, 2026, 10:00–17:30
Where is it?
East-side road along the Ashiyagawa River (from Taishobashi Bridge to Narihira Bridge)
Here’s the map↓
The address area is around 1 Matsunouchicho to around 8 Narihiracho, Ashiya City, Hyogo Prefecture, between Taishobashi Bridge and Narihira Bridge on National Route 2.
What’s happening?
Quoted from the Ashiya City official website / Ashiya Sakura Festival
- Opening Ceremony
- 9:50–10:15 Held near the entrance of the Civic Center
- Festival Stalls and Food Stands
- Classic festival foods like yakisoba, frankfurters, fried chicken, and fries
- Carefully made sweets and popular gourmet items unique to Ashiya
- Alcoholic drinks including beer, wine, sake, and highballs
- Festival games for children
- Photo Contest
- Photos featuring this year’s cherry blossoms in Ashiya and the “Ashiya Sakura Festival” are being accepted
- Application period: until Saturday, April 25, 2026
- Cherry Blossom Light-Up
- Thursday, March 19–Sunday, April 12, 2026
- The schedule may shift depending on the blooming status of the cherry blossoms
※Apparently, the “Street Stage,” which had been held at Matsunouchi Green Space until last year, will not be held this year. Too bad!
Is there an admission fee?
Free admission
※Purchases are charged separately
Is there a capacity limit?
None
Can anyone participate?
Anyone is welcome!
How to Apply
No advance application required. Just go directly to the venue!
For more details, please check the Ashiya City official website / Ashiya Sakura Festival page.
Finally
There won’t be a stage event this year, but it looks like there will be plenty of food stalls as usual. Every year is fun, with lots of Ashiya-style gourmet treats you won’t find at other festivals!
On the same day, events are also scheduled around the city, including the “Ohanami Picnic” on Chaya Sakura-dori Street and a “Renewal Opening Event” at the former Miyazukacho Residence. It sounds like a great day to enjoy while visiting different spots around town.
