Suigō Sawara Ayame Festival

Overview

The Suigo Sawara Ayame Matsuri is an annual iris festival held from late May to late June at the Suigo Sawara Ayame Park in Katori City, Chiba Prefecture. The park boasts approximately 400 varieties and about 1.5 million iris flowers planted across a vast area of about 8 hectares maruchiba.jp. The peak blooming period typically occurs in early June, when Edo, Higo, and Ise strains of irises display their purple, white, and pink blossoms chibanippo.co.jp.

The most distinctive feature of this festival is the opportunity to view the irises from small boats called "Sappa-bune" that navigate through the network of waterways within the park. The Suigo Sawara Ayame Park is the only iris garden in Japan where visitors can enjoy flower viewing from a boat trip.iko-yo.net. This unique experience, combined with the traditional water town atmosphere of Sawara, has made the festival a beloved herald of early summer in Chiba Prefecture and beyond.

The park originally opened in the 1960s as the Sawara City Aquatic Plant Garden and has since been managed by Katori City after the municipal merger in 2005 ja.wikipedia.org. Over the decades, the collection of irises has been expanded through careful breeding and replanting, reaching the current count of 400 varieties. The festival has been selected as one of the "500 Selected Attractions of Boso," cementing its status as a representative flower festival of Chiba Prefecture.

History and Origins

The Suigo Sawara Ayame Park traces its origins to the 1960s, when it first opened as the Sawara City Aquatic Plant Garden ja.wikipedia.org. The city of Sawara, now part of Katori City, developed the facility as a tourist attraction centered on aquatic plants, taking advantage of its location within the Suigo Tsukuba Quasi-National Park. Since its opening, the park has been a popular destination for both local residents and tourists seeking to enjoy seasonal flowers.

The term "Suigo," meaning "water town," reflects the historical importance of water transportation in this region. Sawara flourished as a hub of river transport along the Tone River from the Edo period through the Meiji period ja.wikipedia.org. This historical background forms the foundation for the boat tours and the wedding boat reenactment that are central to the current festival. The "Island of Bonds" within the park serves as a venue for Shinto wedding ceremonies conducted by priests from Katori Shrine, surrounded by blooming irises ja.wikipedia.org.

The exact year when the Ayame Matsuri first began is not clearly documented, but it has been held annually in conjunction with the iris blooming season since the park's early days. According to some accounts, the festival had already taken on its current form by the 1970s, though specific records confirming this are scarce. What is certain is that the iris fields have been continuously expanded and improved over the years, reaching the current scale of 400 varieties and 1.5 million plants.

After the merger of Sawara City with neighboring towns to form Katori City in 2005, the festival continued under the management of the Suigo Sawara Ayame Matsuri Executive Committee. In recent years, the festival has been recognized as one of the "500 Selected Attractions of Boso," establishing its position as a leading flower festival in Chiba Prefecture [ja.wikipedia.org](https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%B0%97%E9%83%B7%E4%BD%90%E5%8E%9F%E6%B0%B4%E7%94%9F%E6%A4%8D%E7%89%A9%E5%9C%92]. Furthermore, JR East occasionally operates a special limited express train called the "Ayame Matsuri-go" from Tokyo during the festival period, improving accessibility for visitors from the capital region.

Highlights

1.5 Million Irises Creating a Purple Carpet The iris fields at Suigo Sawara Ayame Park cover approximately 8 hectares and contain 400 varieties totaling about 1.5 million plants maruchiba.jp. These flowers are organized by strain, including Edo, Higo, and Ise types, allowing visitors to compare the different colors and petal shapes across varieties. During the peak season in early June, the fields are covered in a vast expanse of purple, white, and pink blossoms, creating a spectacle reminiscent of a giant carpet spread across the landscape.

Boat Tour on Sappa-bune The boat tour through the park's waterways on traditional "Sappa-bune" boats is the festival's main attraction [ja.wikipedia.org](https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%B0%97%E9%83%B7%E4%BD%90%E5%8E%9F%E6%B0%B4%E7%94%9F%E6%A4%8D%E7%89%A9%E5%9C%92]. Sappa-bune were originally fishing boats used in the region, and they have now been repurposed for tourist sightseeing. Female boatmen dressed in traditional kasuri kimono with red aprons and triangular woven hats skillfully pole the boats through the water, creating a picturesque scene that has become a seasonal symbol of the festival trip.iko-yo.net. The fare is 500 yen for junior high school students and above, and 200 yen for children aged 3 to elementary school age, with the tour lasting approximately 15 minutes.

Reenactment of the Wedding Boat On weekends during the festival, a traditional "Yomeiri-bune" (wedding boat) ceremony is reenacted trip.iko-yo.net. The bride and groom ride in a Sappa-bune, displaying their formal attire as they glide through the park's waterways, drawing the attention of numerous spectators. On some occasions, an actual wedding ceremony is conducted by priests from Katori Shrine at the "Island of Bonds," surrounded by blooming irises [ja.wikipedia.org](https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%B0%97%E9%83%B7%E4%BD%90%E5%8E%9F%E6%B0%B4%E7%94%9F%E6%A4%8D%E7%89%A9%E5%9C%92]. This traditional event passes down the unique wedding culture of the water town to modern audiences.

Performances of Sawara Bayashi and Oranda Gakutai During the festival, traditional performing arts from Katori City, including "Sawara Bayashi" and "Oranda Gakutai," are performed trip.iko-yo.net. Sawara Bayashi is counted among the three great festival music traditions of Japan, featuring flutes, large and small drums, and gongs in a distinctive musical style. Oranda Gakutai, on the other hand, is designated as a prefectural intangible folk cultural property and represents a unique fusion of traditional Shinto music with Western musical elements introduced from the late Edo period to the early Meiji period. These performances add a vibrant auditory dimension to the visual spectacle of the irises.

Wisteria Tunnel "The Path of Happiness" Near the park entrance, there is a wisteria tunnel approximately 70 meters long, commonly called "The Path of Happiness" [ja.wikipedia.org](https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%B0%97%E9%83%B7%E4%BD%90%E5%8E%9F%E6%B0%B4%E7%94%9F%E6%A4%8D%E7%89%A9%E5%9C%92]. The wisteria blooming season often overlaps with the Ayame Matsuri, allowing visitors to walk through a tunnel of purple wisteria flowers. Wisteria trellises are located at various points throughout the park, offering a different floral atmosphere from the irises.

Children's Activity Programs The park offers activities such as crayfish fishing and carp feeding that are popular with families with children trip.iko-yo.net. Fishing rods are available for rental, so visitors can participate without bringing any equipment. The park also has a lawn area with large playground equipment, making it possible for families to spend an entire day enjoying the facilities.

Event Information and Access

• Event Period: In 2026, the festival will be held from Saturday, May 23 to Sunday, June 21 trip.iko-yo.net. It is held annually from late May to late June.
• Opening Hours: During the Ayame Matsuri period, the park is open from 8:00 to 18:00 [ja.wikipedia.org](https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%B0%97%E9%83%B7%E4%BD%90%E5%8E%9F%E6%B0%B4%E7%94%9F%E6%A4%8D%E7%89%A9%E5%9C%92]. Last admission is typically 30 minutes before closing.
• Admission Fees: During the Ayame Matsuri, adults 800 yen, elementary and junior high school students 400 yen, seniors 65 and over 700 yen. Group discounts are available (adults 700 yen, students 350 yen) trip.iko-yo.net. From May to August, adults 600 yen, students 300 yen, seniors 500 yen. In April and September to November, adults 200 yen, students 100 yen, seniors 150 yen. From December to March, admission is free maruchiba.jp.
• Sappa-bune Boat Fare: Junior high school students and above 500 yen (group rate 400 yen), children aged 3 to elementary school 200 yen [ja.wikipedia.org](https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%B0%97%E9%83%B7%E4%BD%90%E5%8E%9F%E6%B0%B4%E7%94%9F%E6%A4%8D%E7%89%A9%E5%9C%92]. Operation may be suspended in strong wind or rain.
• Access by Train: From JR Narita Line Sawara Station, a direct shuttle bus operates during the Ayame Matsuri period (approximately 25 minutes, 600 yen for junior high and above, 300 yen for elementary students) trip.iko-yo.net. On weekdays, the Sawara Loop Bus (Kitasawara-Shinma route) also serves the park. Additionally, the Kanto Railway Green Bus "Aso-go" from Tokyo Station takes about 100 minutes to reach the Suigo Sawara Ayame Park entrance maruchiba.jp.
• Access by Car: From the Higashi-Kanto Expressway, take the Sawara Katori IC or Daiei IC and head toward Itako for about 30 minutes. From the Ken-O Expressway, take the Kanzaki IC or Inashiki Higashi IC and drive for about 25 minutes maruchiba.jp. Parking is free, with capacity for 500 passenger cars and 31 large buses.
• Closed Days: Every Monday (or the following weekday if Monday is a holiday) and the year-end/New Year period (December 28 to January 4). However, the park is open every day during the Ayame Matsuri period (May to June) and the Lotus Festival period (July to August) ja.wikipedia.org.
• Contact Information: Suigo Sawara Ayame Park (telephone: 0478-56-0411) trip.iko-yo.net. For the latest schedule and event details, please check the official website.

Surrounding Area

Approximately 20 minutes by car from Suigo Sawara Ayame Park lies the Sawara townscape, designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. This area retains the atmosphere of the Edo and Meiji periods, with merchant houses and storehouses lining the streets, earning it the nickname "Little Edo." The Onogawa River runs through the center of the district, and the historic buildings along its banks allow visitors to experience the history of Sawara while strolling.

Katori City is also home to Katori Shrine, the head shrine of approximately 400 Katori Shrines nationwide. Katori Shrine attracts many worshippers throughout the year, especially during Hatsumode (New Year's visit) and the Setsubun festival. The shrine's priests conduct the Shinto wedding ceremonies during the Ayame Matsuri's wedding boat reenactment [ja.wikipedia.org](https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%B0%97%E9%83%B7%E4%BD%90%E5%8E%9F%E6%B0%B4%E7%94%9F%E6%A4%8D%E7%89%A9%E5%9C%92]. Additionally, the shrine hosts the "Shinkosai" festival once every 12 years in the Year of the Horse, during which the Oranda Gakutai performs trip.iko-yo.net.

In some years, the "Sawara no Taisai" (Great Sawara Festival) is held in the town of Sawara around the same time as the Ayame Matsuri. The Sawara no Taisai is registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, and the procession of elaborate floats through the streets is a magnificent sight. The sight of floats moving through the town accompanied by Sawara Bayashi music offers a different aspect of Sawara's charm compared to the Ayame Matsuri. By combining visits to these tourist spots, one can fully enjoy both the history and nature of Katori City.

Related Information

1. Comparison with Other Japanese Iris Gardens: Suigo Sawara Ayame Park ranks among Japan's leading iris gardens, alongside the Shobu Castle Ruins Ayame Garden in Saitama Prefecture and the Suigo Itako Ayame Garden in Ibaraki Prefecture. Its unique feature of boat-based flower viewing sets it apart from all others [ja.wikipedia.org](https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%B0%97%E9%83%B7%E4%BD%90%E5%8E%9F%E6%B0%B4%E7%94%9F%E6%A4%8D%E7%89%A9%E5%9C%92].

2. Selection as One of the 500 Selected Attractions of Boso: This festival has been selected as one of the "500 Selected Attractions of Boso," recognizing it as a representative tourism resource of Chiba Prefecture [ja.wikipedia.org](https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%B0%97%E9%83%B7%E4%BD%90%E5%8E%9F%E6%B0%B4%E7%94%9F%E6%A4%8D%E7%89%A9%E5%9C%92]. This designation is part of Chiba Prefecture's tourism promotion efforts.

3. Operation of Special Limited Express Trains: During the Ayame Matsuri period, JR East sometimes operates a special limited express train called the "Ayame Matsuri-go" from the Tokyo area [ja.wikipedia.org](https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%B0%97%E9%83%B7%E4%BD%90%E5%8E%9F%E6%B0%B4%E7%94%9F%E6%A4%8D%E7%89%A9%E5%9C%92]. The operating days and times vary each year, so checking the latest railway timetable is recommended.

4. Part of Suigo Tsukuba Quasi-National Park: Suigo Sawara Ayame Park is located within the Suigo Tsukuba Quasi-National Park [ja.wikipedia.org](https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%B0%97%E9%83%B7%E4%BD%90%E5%8E%9F%E6%B0%B4%E7%94%9F%E6%A4%8D%E7%89%A9%E5%9C%92]. This quasi-national park spans across Ibaraki and Chiba prefectures, designated to protect the water town areas around Lake Kasumigaura and the Tone River.

5. Lotus Flower Attraction: After the Ayame Matsuri concludes, the "Kanten-e" (Lotus Festival) is held from July to August maruchiba.jp. The park cultivates approximately 300 varieties of lotus flowers, boasting the largest collection in Japan in terms of variety count. Rare specimens such as the "Oga Lotus," which sprouted from 2,000-year-old seeds, and the "Senbenren," which has over 1,000 petals, can be observed.

6. Workshop Programs: During the Ayame Matsuri, the park sometimes offers hands-on activities such as iris replanting workshops and craft classes [ja.wikipedia.org](https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%B0%97%E9%83%B7%E4%BD%90%E5%8E%9F%E6%B0%B4%E7%94%9F%E6%A4%8D%E7%89%A9%E5%9C%92]. The on-site shop sells local specialty products, souvenirs, and potted iris plants.

7. Best Time to Visit: The peak blooming period for irises is typically from early to mid-June chibanippo.co.jp. However, early-blooming varieties can be enjoyed from late May, ensuring that some flowers are always in bloom throughout the festival period. To avoid crowds, visiting on a weekday morning is recommended.

← Explore More Festivals