Japanese Koinobori Festivals in Japan in April/May 2023

Are you looking for a unique cultural experience during your trip to Japan? Look no further than the Koinobori Festivals! These vibrant and festive celebrations feature thousands of colorful carp-shaped streamers, or koinobori, flying high in the air. From the stunning scenery of the Oboke Gorge in Tokushima to the historic hot springs of Kumamoto and the lush countryside of Okinawa, there's a Koinobori Festival to suit every taste.

What is Koinobori?

Koinobori is a traditional Japanese decoration made of carp-shaped streamers. It is also known as "carp streamers" or "flying carp" and is commonly seen during Japan's Children's Day, which falls on May 5th. The carp is a symbol of strength and success in Japanese culture, and the koinobori are raised to express parents' hope for their children's healthy growth and success in life. The largest carp streamer is often reserved for the eldest son, and subsequent ones are added for younger siblings. The streamers are usually made of cloth or paper, with colorful and intricate designs. They are often hung from bamboo poles, strung across rivers or above streets, and blown by the wind, creating a beautiful sight. The koinobori festival is an important cultural event in Japan, celebrating the joys of family, hope, and tradition.

Koinobori Festivals in Japan

Jozankei Onsen Keiryu Koi-nobori(Jozankei Onsen Stream Carp streamer)【Hokkaido】
定山渓温泉渓流鯉のぼり(じょうざんけい　おんせん　けいりゅう　こいのぼり)

The Koi-nobori festival takes place in the hot spring town of Jozankei, known as the backyard of Sapporo. About 400 carp streamers of various sizes and colors are hung in the air over the Toyohira River, which runs through the hot spring town. The sight of these streamers has become a spring tradition and is a joy to behold.
Date: April 8th to May 14th, 2023
Website[English]: https://jozankei.jp/en/event/jozankei-onsen-stream-carp-streamer/

Ryujin-kyo Koinobori Festival(Ryujin-kyo Koi Carp Streamer Festival)【Ibaraki】
竜神峡鯉のぼりまつり(りゅうじんきょうこいのぼりまつり)

This festival takes place in a suspension bridge in the Oku-Kuji Prefectural Nature Park. The 375-meter long bridge is approximately 100 meters above the dam lake. The sight of about 1,000 carp streamers hung along the bridge in the middle of a green valley is breathtaking. The festival also features spring produce markets and photo contests.
Date: April 29th to May 14th, 2023
Website[English]: http://discover.kanko-hitachiota.com/sightseeing/ryujin-suspension-bridge/

Kanna Koinobori Festival【Gunma】
かんな鯉のぼり祭り(かんなこいのぼりまつり)

This festival is held in the sky over the Kanna River in the southwestern part of Gunma Prefecture. About 800 carp streamers of varying sizes adorn the eight wires that span across the river. During the festival, local specialties and concerts are held, attracting families. Date: May 3rd to May 6th, and carp streamers are flown from April 23rd to May 7th, 2023
Website[Japanese]: http://town.kanna.gunma.jp/kanko/index.php?page_id=88

Koinobori no Sato Festival【Gunma】
こいのぼりの里まつり(こいのぼりのさとまつり)

About 4,300 carp streamers are flown in various venues in Takasaki city, including the Tsurutada River, Konuma pond, Morinji River, and Tataranuma pond. This festival allows for a unique collaboration between the cherry blossoms and the carp streamers. At night, the lighted streamers offer a fantastic view.
Date: March 25th to May 15th, 2023
Website[Japanese]: https://www.utyututuji.jp/koyomi-spring.html

Tokyo Tower 333 Koinobori Festival(Tokyo Tower 333 carp streamers)【Tokyo】
東京タワー333匹のこいのぼり(とうきょうたわーさんびゃくさんじゅうさんびきのこいのぼり)

In honor of Tokyo Tower's height of 333 meters, 333 colorful koinobori carp streamers and a giant 6-meter long sanma (Pacific saury) kite are displayed at the tower's entrance. The sanma kite is a message of support and friendship to Oofunato City in Iwate Prefecture, which is known for its sanma festival, and has been displayed annually since 2011.
Date: March 24th to May 7th, 2023
Website[English]: https://www.tokyotower.co.jp/en/event/attraction-event/we-belong-2023/

Nagasawa Koinobori Festival 2023【Yamanashi】
長沢鯉のぼり祭り2023(ながさわこいのぼりまつり2023)

Around 450 koinobori carp streamers swim over the lawn of the Nagasawa Koinobori Festival held at the Minami Kiyosato Roadside Station. In addition to mochi-pounding and direct sales of agricultural products, various events such as koi fishing and mud obstacle races are held, making it a fun event for the whole family.
Date: May 5th, 2023, and the streamers are displayed from April 2nd to May 13th, 2023
Website[Japanese]: https://www.yamanashi-kankou.jp/hokuto/event/nagasawakoinobori.html

Kamo River Swimming Koinobori Festival(Carp streamers swimming in the Kamo River)【Niigata】
加茂川を泳ぐ鯉のぼり(かもがわをおよぐこいのぼり)

Since the first festival in 1989, about 500 koinobori carp streamers have been displayed over the Kamo River from mid-April to early May each year. Many of the streamers are unused ones that children have outgrown. They are hung low to the ground, so you can enjoy the sight of the koinobori swimming at eye level. The slim and sleek display is magnificent, and the area is crowded with families on holidays.
Date: April 8th to May 23rd, 2023
Website[English]: https://www-city-kamo-niigata-jp.translate.goog/docs/30175.html?_x_tr_sl=ja&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-US
Website[Japanese]: https://niigata-kankou.or.jp/event/1916

Aikawa Koinobori Festival【Gifu】
相川鯉のぼり一斉遊泳(あいかわこいのぼりいっせいゆうえい)

Approximately 350 colorful koinobori carp streamers fly in the sky from late March to early May. This festival is held relatively early in the season, so you can see the rare sight of Mount Ibuki still covered in snow and around 200 cherry blossoms in full bloom at the same time. It is also known for its photo opportunities that are popular on social media.
Date: March 18th to May 7th, 2023
Website[Japanese]: https://www.kankou-gifu.jp/event/detail_4553.html

Asanogawa Koinobori Festival(Asanogawa River "Koinagashi")【Ishikawa】
浅の川・鯉流し(あさのがわ・こいながし)

This event is held around Asanogawa River, near the Higashi Chayagai area. Unlike regular Koinobori Festivals where carp streamers are hung in the sky, this festival features carp streamers swimming in the river. It is a rare sight to see carp streamers swimming in the river, making it a unique experience for visitors. The venue can be accessed by bus from Kanazawa Station.
Date: May 4th, 2023 (10am–3pm)
Website[English]: https://visitkanazawa.jp/en/event/detail_30336.html

Oyoge! Koinobori-kun【Mie】
泳げ！鯉のぼりくん(およげこいのぼりくん)

This festival features about 200 carp streamers swimming in the sea at Nanairi Gohama Beach, which stretches for about 1 km. Against the backdrop of the vast sea, the sight of carp streamers swaying in the wind while swimming is refreshing and exhilarating. The festival can be reached on foot from Kumano Station.
Date: April 29th to May 5th, 2023
Website[Japanese]: https://www.kankomie.or.jp/event/8650

Koinobori Festa 1000【Osaka】
こいのぼりフェスタ1000

This festival aims to promote healthy growth for children and protect the symbol of Takatsuki, the Akutagawa River. Around 1,000 carp streamers donated by citizens and handcrafted by local kindergarteners are displayed around Akutagawa Sakurazutsumi Park, located downstream of the Monzen Bridge. The festival can be reached by bus from Takatsuki Station.
Date: April 24th to May 6th, 2023
Website[Japanese]: https://koinoborifesta1000.jimdofree.com/

Koinobori no Kawawatashi【Kochi】
こいのぼりの川渡し(こいのぼりのかわわたし)

This festival showcases around 500 colorful carp streamers hung across the mountains separated by the Shimanto River. Visitors can also enjoy the view from the Koinobori Park, which was created for the purpose of viewing the "Kawatashi" carp streamers. The festival can be reached on foot from the Tokawa Station.
Date: April 17th to May 13th, 2023
Website[Japanese]: https://www.town.shimanto.lg.jp/outer/kanko/koinobori.php

Koinobori Festival at Oboke Gorge【Tokushima】
鯉のぼり 秘境大歩危峡を泳ぐ(こいのぼり　ひきょうおおぼけきょうをおよぐ)

Held from late March to the end of May each year, the festival features various koinobori hanging along the Yoshino River and National Highway. Visitors can enjoy the sight of these colorful koinobori flying over the river.
Date:　March 19th to around the end of May
Website[Japanese]: https://www.awanavi.jp/spot/21238.html

Koinobori Festival at Tsuetate Onsen【Kumamoto】
杖立温泉鯉のぼり祭り(つえたておんせんこいのぼりまつり)

Held from April 1st to May 6th each year, the festival displays approximately 3,500 koinobori along the Tsuetate River. Visitors can see the beautiful and impressive sight of the koinobori swimming in the spring breeze.
Date: April 1st to May 6th, 2023
Website[Japanese]: https://tsuetate-onsen.com/2143

Koinobori Festa at Hija River【Okinawa】
2023比謝川鯉のぼりフェスタ(にせんにじゅうさん ひじゃがわこいのぼりふぇすた)

The festival is held in late April and features around 200 koinobori flying above the Hija River. Visitors can enjoy a variety of events such as shows, games, bazaars, and food tents.
Date: April 29th, 2023(10am-4pm), and the streamers are displayed from April 29th to May 14th, 2023
Website[Japanese]: https://www.kadena-shakyo.com/entry.php?eid=173186

Don't miss the chance to witness this iconic Japanese tradition and immerse yourself in the local culture. Plan your visit to one of these festivals today and create memories that will last a lifetime!


Note: This post was written by ChatGPT and edited by the A Bit of Nippon team in order to provide information about Japan in English.