Oagata Shrine Plum Festival 2026

• February 11, 2026 at 9:00 am
  Event date:
• March 20, 2026 at 4:30 am
  Event end:

History

Oagata Shrine, founded in the Nara period (8th century), is one of Aichi’s oldest shrines dedicated to Ōagata no Kami, a deity of fertility, safe childbirth, and bountiful harvests. The shrine’s 300+ weeping plum trees (shidare-ume) were planted over centuries by worshippers as offerings—each tree a living prayer for prosperity.

The Plum Festival began in the 1980s to celebrate the grove’s dramatic beauty: cascades of red, pink, and white blossoms draping a small hill behind the main hall like silk curtains. Unlike larger commercial events, Oagata’s festival remains intimate and deeply spiritual, blending Shinto rituals with cultural arts—taiko, ikebana, and tea ceremonies—held under the ancient canopy.

The grove’s location on sacred ground gives the blossoms a mystical aura, especially at dawn when mist rises from the nearby Gojo River.

Overview

The Oagata Shrine Plum Festival 2026 runs from mid-February to mid-March, when over 300 weeping plum trees burst into full bloom across a gentle hill behind the shrine. The blossoms form a stunning three-color canopy—deep red, soft pink, and pure white—framed by vermillion torii gates and stone lanterns.

Weekend events include taiko drumming, ikebana exhibitions, and open-air tea ceremonies (small fee). The hill offers panoramic views of the surrounding Inuyama countryside, with early cherry buds appearing in late March for a rare double-bloom preview.

Highlights

• 300+ Weeping Plum Trees: Cascading red, pink, and white blossoms forming a “flower waterfall” down the sacred hill.
• Taiko Drum Performances: Powerful weekend shows echoing through the grove.
• Ikebana & Tea Ceremony: Traditional arts under blooming branches (tea may require small fee).
• Shrine Hill Panorama: Elevated views of the Gojo River valley and distant mountains.
• Spiritual Serenity: Quiet weekday mornings perfect for reflection and photography.

Why Jasumo Recommends?

• 300+ Weeping Plum Trees: Cascading red, pink, and white blossoms forming a “flower waterfall” down the sacred hill.
• Taiko Drum Performances: Powerful weekend shows echoing through the grove.
• Ikebana & Tea Ceremony: Traditional arts under blooming branches (tea may require small fee).
• Shrine Hill Panorama: Elevated views of the Gojo River valley and distant mountains.
• Spiritual Serenity: Quiet weekday mornings perfect for reflection and photography.

If you’re coming to Japan or already in Japan, Jasumo can arrange private taiko viewing, tea ceremony participation, Inuyama Castle combo tours, and more. Just contact us using the contact page.

Schedule

Mid-February – Mid-March 2026

• Peak Bloom: First two weeks of March
• Main Events (taiko, ikebana): Weekends
• Shrine Open: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM daily

Pricing

Completely free entry. Free parking for 200+ vehicles.

Location

Oagata Shrine 3 Miyayama, Inuyama, Aichi 484-0834, Japan

How to Get There

• By Train + Walk/Taxi: – Meitetsu Komaki Line to Gakuden Station → 20-min walk or 5-min taxi (~¥1,000)
• By Car: – 25 min from Komaki IC (Meishin Expressway) – Free parking (200 spaces)
• From Nagoya: ~45 min via Meitetsu or car

Accommodation Options

Inuyama city offers castle-view ryokan from ¥20,000–¥55,000/person with kaiseki dinners. Many include shuttle service to Oagata Shrine.

Budget hotels near Inuyama Station start ¥8,000. Book early for early March weekends when taiko and tea events peak.

FAQs

When is the 2026 festival start date?

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

Are tea ceremonies free?

No—small participation fee (~¥500–¥1,000) but highly recommended.

Can I climb the plum hill?

Yes—gentle path to the top with benches and panoramic views.

Is it crowded?

Very relaxed on weekdays; weekends busier but never overwhelming.

When do cherry blossoms start nearby?

Late March at Inuyama Castle—perfect for extending your trip after the plums fade.

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Location