Nanyo Chrysanthemum Festival
南陽の菊まつり
"Experience the beauty" - Becca
"Experience the beauty" - Becca
Image Source: https://yamagatakanko.com/en/festivals/detail_12201.html
Historical Background
The Nanyo Chrysanthemum Festival an annual festival in Yamagata Prefecture in Autumn that began in 1912 when Chrysanthemum dolls were first displayed in Nanyo at a restaurant within the Imperial Palace grounds. Since then, a Chrysanthemum fair has been held every year making the festival over 100 years old and the oldest Chrysanthemum festival in Japan. The techniques has been passed down for generations and currently in the third-generation. Chrysanthemum dolls are called kiku-ningyo and they are crafted with thousands of blooms.
Image Source: https://nanyo-kiku.jp/
The Nanyo Chrysanthemum Festival is an annual festival held from mid October to early November and features Chrysanthemum flower displays created by local growers and community members at two venues, The Flower Park and Miyauchi.
The displays includes variety of arrangements that highlights the different shapes, colors and styles of Chrysanthemums with the focus of visual appreciation allowing visitors to observe the craft and the design of the flowers. Many visitors enjoy visiting the festival for its seasonal scenery and enjoy photographing the exhibits. The festival is free to attend!
Image Source: https://yamagatakanko.com/en/festivals/detail_12201.html
The Nanyo Chrysanthemum Festival has been held for over 100 years beginning in 1912-1913 and still continues til this day marking its 113th year making it one of Japan's oldest Chrysanthemum festival.
To Know More
Video only in Japanese (no audio)
Address: 096 Mitsumadori, Nanyō, Yamagata 999-2232, Japan
Miyauchi Venue: Approx. 16 minutes by car from Nanyo Takahata IC on the Tohoku Chuo Expressway
Flower Park Venue: Approx. 13 minutes by car from Nanyo Takahata IC on the Tohoku Chuo Expressway
Contact: Nanyo City Commerce and Tourism Division, 0238-40-3211
Official Website: https://nanyo-kiku.jp/
Even though I have not gotten a chance to go myself, seeing the images from the different displays and colors makes me want go and experience the beauty within my own eyes. To be able to photograph different flowers and the history of Japan. Learning about the history and how they continue to create this festival every year through the amazing artist and their techniques has been interesting making me want to learn more about Chrysanthemum and Japanese history!
Photo Source: Akita Interntional University TECH Club
Rebecca (Becca) NIRZA
Bergstrom, K. (2021, February 5). Nanyo Chrysanthemum Festival. Japan Travel. https://en.japantravel.com/yamagata/nanyo-chrysanthemum-festival/65868
Chachachii-ch [Tanoshii tokoro ni ikitai yo]. (2025, October 30). Jugatsu Hana Nagomi Nanyo Kiku-matsuri [October Hana Nagomi Nanyo Chrysanthemum Festival] [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c96KzG9eBSg
Nanyo City. (n.d.). Nanyo Kiku-matsuri [Nanyo Chrysanthemum Festival official website]. https://nanyo-kiku.jp/
Tohoku Tourism Promotion Organization. (n.d.). A traditional chrysanthemum festival that glitters with the skills of the chrysanthemum doll makers and flower artists. Travel to Tohoku. https://www.tohokukanko.jp/en/attractions/detail_10061.html
Yamagata Prefecture Tourism Association. (n.d.). Nanyo Chrysanthemum Festival (Flower Park Venue). Stay Yamagata. https://yamagatakanko.com/en/festivals/detail_12201.html
Yamagata Prefecture Tourism Association. (n.d.). Nanyo Chrysanthemum Festival (Miyauchi Venue). Stay Yamagata. https://yamagatakanko.com/en/festivals/detail_9419.htm