Nakanojo Gardens in Nakanojo Town, Gunma Prefecture, is hosting the Hana-Momo Hill Festival, running from Saturday, March 28 through Sunday, April 19, 2026 (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM). During the peak bloom period, the Hana-Momo Hill — home to approximately 1,000 flowering peach trees — is opened to the public for a special viewing experience.
Last year, 11,306 visitors came to enjoy the spectacle during the festival period.
Highlights
Breathtaking Scale
Around 1,000 flowering peach trees sweep across the hillside in a dense, saturated pink that sets it apart from the more familiar cherry blossom. Winding paths weave through the flowers, offering photogenic views from every angle, while 360-degree floral surroundings create the feel of a true "peach blossom paradise."
Community Involvement
Local children, resident artists, and performers take part in the festival's programming, reflecting the region's cultural vitality through a series of hands-on events.
Day and Night Experiences
The daytime festival and the nighttime Yozakura Light-Up offer two distinct atmospheres: the vibrant pink bloom of the flowering peach trees by day, and the ethereal combination of illuminated cherry blossoms and traditional gagaku music by night.
Event Overview
Hana-Momo Hill Festival
- Dates: Saturday, March 28 – Sunday, April 19, 2026, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- The Hana-Momo Hill will be opened for special viewing only during peak bloom
Yozakura Light-Up 2026
- Dates: Thursday, April 9 / Friday, April 10 / Saturday, April 11, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Schedule may change depending on the condition of the blossoms
Venue: Nakanojo Gardens (2411 Orita, Nakanojo-machi, Agatsuma-gun, Gunma Prefecture)
Event Content
Spring Bread and Konamon Market
A line-up of kitchen cars and market stalls brings together popular local breads and flour-based dishes ("konamon") for those who enjoy food alongside their flower viewing.
- Held every weekend in April: April 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, and 19
- On April 25, 26, and 29, the market moves to the Relax Forest area within the gardens
Picnic Basket Rental
Visitors can rent picnic baskets to enjoy food purchased at the Konamon Market beneath the flowering peach trees for a scenic and relaxed outdoor lunch.
Cultural and Experience Events
A series of creative workshops and activities is planned throughout the festival:
- Insta Family Photo Session by a professional photographer (April 11)
- Capturing Hana-Momo Hill on Large Film (April 12) — led by a resident immigrant artist and participating artist of Nakanojo Biennale
- Hana Moyo Workshop: Origami Dyeing (April 18) — led by a community development volunteer and local artist
- Hana-Momo View Spot Stamp Rally — available throughout the Hana-Momo Hill public viewing period (approximately 2 weeks)
Yozakura Light-Up & Evening Events
As evening falls, Nakanojo Gardens transforms into a different kind of space — illuminated cherry blossoms, traditional music, and local craft beers make for an atmospheric adult evening experience.
Light-Up Details
- Dates: April 9 (Thursday), April 10 (Friday), April 11 (Saturday), 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM (last entry 8:30 PM)
- Dates are subject to change depending on cherry blossom conditions
- Admission: ¥500 (free for town residents and high school students and under)
Evening Events (April 11, Saturday)
Tanpopo Small Craft Beer Festival
Local breweries including Shima Onsen Ale and other Gunma craft beers come together for a small beer festival.
Traditional Performing Arts: Isemachi Gagaku
Traditional gagaku court music is performed beneath the illuminated cherry blossoms, adding a graceful and otherworldly atmosphere to the night garden.
