Hagi Camellia Festival 2026

• February 11, 2026 at 9:00 am
  Event date:
• March 31, 2026 at 5:00 pm
  Event end:

History

The Kasayama Camellia Grove (Koshigahama Tsubaki Park) is a 100% natural wild camellia forest—one of Japan’s largest and oldest. Camellia trees have grown organically on the volcanic slopes of Mount Kasayama (112 m) for over 300 years, seeded by wind and birds from ancient coastal groves.

Local legend says samurai of the Choshu Domain (present-day Yamaguchi) planted the first trees in the Edo period as living barriers against sea winds and as a source of camellia oil—used for lamps, hair care, and sword maintenance. By the Meiji era, the forest had become a sacred natural monument, protected by Hagi’s conservation-minded lords.

The Hagi Camellia Festival began in 1987 to share this hidden treasure with the world. Unlike cultivated gardens, the grove’s 25,000 trees in 60 wild species bloom in chaotic, breathtaking waves—covering the forest floor in a crimson carpet of fallen petals. The festival honors Hagi’s role as a cradle of the Meiji Restoration while celebrating the untamed beauty of nature.

Overview

The Hagi Camellia Festival 2026 runs from mid-February to late March at the Kasayama Camellia Grove, a wild forest of 25,000 camellia trees across 60 species carpeting the seaside slopes of Mount Kasayama. The blooms—mostly deep red, with rare white and pink variants—create a surreal red ocean effect, especially when fallen petals blanket the ground.

Weekend and holiday events include guided forest tours (10:00–15:30), camellia sapling sales, local food stalls (Hagi-yaki pottery, sea bream rice, camellia soba), and Sunday cultural performances (koto, shamisen, taiko). The grove’s coastal location offers dramatic Sea of Japan views, with waves crashing below crimson canopies. Free entry and a wild, untamed atmosphere make it one of Western Japan’s most soulful winter flower events.

Highlights

• 25,000 Wild Camellias in 60 Species: Natural forest—not a garden—bursting in waves of red, white, and pink.
• Crimson Carpet Effect: Forest floor covered in fallen red petals—magical underfoot.
• Guided Tours (weekends): Expert-led walks explaining ecology, history, and oil-making traditions.
• Sea of Japan Backdrop: Blossoms framing crashing waves and distant islands.
• Sunday Performances: Traditional music and dance under ancient camellias.

Why Jasumo Recommends?

• 25,000 Wild Camellias in 60 Species: Natural forest—not a garden—bursting in waves of red, white, and pink.
• Crimson Carpet Effect: Forest floor covered in fallen red petals—magical underfoot.
• Guided Tours (weekends): Expert-led walks explaining ecology, history, and oil-making traditions.
• Sea of Japan Backdrop: Blossoms framing crashing waves and distant islands.
• Sunday Performances: Traditional music and dance under ancient camellias.

If you’re coming to Japan or already in Japan, Jasumo can arrange private guided tours, camellia oil workshops, Hagi-yaki pottery experiences, and more. Just contact us using the contact page.

Schedule

Mid-February – Late March 2026

• Peak Bloom: Late February to mid-March
• Guided Tours: Weekends & holidays, 10:00–15:30
• Cultural Performances: Sundays
• Access: Daylight hours (sunrise to sunset)

Pricing

Completely FREE entry.

Location

Kasayama Camellia Grove (Koshigahama Tsubaki Park) Chinto, Koshigahama, Hagi, Yamaguchi 758-0011, Japan

How to Get There

• By Train + Taxi/Bus: – JR San’in Main Line to Higashi-Hagi Station → 15-min taxi (~¥2,000) or local bus to “Michi-no-Eki” stop → 10-min walk
• From Yamaguchi/Ube Airport: ~90 min by car
• By Car: 20 min from Hagi city center; free parking at trailhead

Accommodation Options

Hagi’s historic samurai district offers restored merchant houses and ryokan from ¥18,000–¥55,000/person with kaiseki featuring local sea bream and camellia oil. Many include shuttle service to Kasayama.

Budget options in central Hagi start ¥8,000. Book early for late February–early March peak.

FAQs

When does the 2026 festival officially start?

Typically mid-February (around Feb 15); exact date announced in January 2026.

Are guided tours in English?

Primarily Japanese, but printed English pamphlets available. Private English guides can be arranged.

Is the terrain difficult?

Moderate—gentle uphill trails with some steps. Wear sturdy shoes; not fully accessible.

Can I buy camellia oil or saplings?

Yes—weekend stalls sell Hagi camellia oil (cosmetic/edible) and young trees for home gardens.

When do cherry blossoms appear nearby?

Late March to early April in Hagi Castle ruins—perfect for extending your trip after the camellias fade.

Location