Sodegaura Park in Chiba Prefecture will hold its "Hanashobu Matsuri" (Japanese Iris Festival) from Friday, June 12 to Sunday, June 14, 2026. The three-day event takes place during peak bloom season for the park's approximately 15,000 Japanese iris plants — one of the largest iris collections in Chiba Prefecture.
Festival Highlights
15,000 Iris Plants — One of Chiba's Largest Displays
The iris garden at Sodegaura Park is planted with around 15,000 irises, which reach full bloom from early to mid-June, creating a sweeping floral landscape across the grounds.
"Hana-tsumi Musume" Performance and Photo Spots
On Saturday, June 13, performers dressed as "hana-tsumi musume" (flower-picking maidens) will carry out demonstrations of spent-flower removal in the iris garden, lending a traditional Japanese atmosphere to the blooming surroundings. Face cutout panels will also be set up during the festival period for commemorative photos.
Additionally, a photo exhibition will be displayed at the Flower Terrace rest area throughout June.
Limited-Edition Food and Kitchen Cars
Food stalls and kitchen cars will be set up in the Central Plaza from June 12 through June 14. On June 13, visitors can pick up special items featuring "Gaura," the city's mascot character — including futomaki sushi and sekihan (festive red rice) with Gaura and iris-inspired designs. On June 14, Gaura-shaped bread will be available for purchase.
Event Details
| Event Name | Sodegaura Park Hanashobu Festival |
| Dates & Hours | June 12 (Fri) to June 14 (Sun), 2026 / 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM each day |
| Venue | Sodegaura Park Iris Garden and Central Plaza (2360 Iitomi, Sodegaura City, Chiba) |
| Main Activities | Food stalls and kitchen cars (June 12–14, Central Plaza) · Face cutout panels (through mid-June, Iris Garden) · Photo exhibition at Flower Terrace rest area (throughout June, Iris Garden) · Hana-tsumi musume flower demonstration (June 13, one session in the morning and one in the afternoon, Iris Garden) · Gaura and iris-themed futomaki sushi and sekihan for sale (June 13, Central Plaza) · Gaura-shaped bread for sale (June 14, Central Plaza) |
| Weather Note | Food stalls, kitchen cars, and the hana-tsumi musume appearance will be cancelled in case of bad weather |
| Bloom Updates | Visit the official Sodegaura Park website for the latest bloom information: https://www.park-sodegaura.or.jp/ |
