
Major Events & Festivals in Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan
1. Sagamiko Illumination Festival
Winter event featuring over a million lights and various attractions like ice sculptures and illuminated characters.
- Unique Light Show: Features one of the largest light shows in Japan
- Ice Sculptures: Offers impressive ice sculptures created by skilled artists.
- Attractions for All Ages: Includes various entertainment options suitable for both children and adults.
2. Sagamiko Hikiyama Festival
Annual spring festival showcasing ornate floats pulled by ropes.
- Cultural Heritage: Preserves traditional float-pulling methods dating back to the Edo period.
- Colorful Floats: Features beautifully decorated floats adorned with traditional paintings and ornaments.
- Community Participation: Encourages local community involvement in the preparation and performance of the festival.
3. Sagamiko Taro Festival
Summer event dedicated to the Japanese taro root vegetable with food stalls, exhibitions, and performances.
- Taro Specialties: Offers a wide variety of dishes featuring the local Sagamiko taro.
- Cultural Education: Provides insights into the history and significance of taro in Japanese culture.
- Entertainment Programs: Includes live music, dance performances, and other entertainment throughout the festival.
4. Sagamiko Onsen Festival
Autumn event celebrating Sagamihara's hot spring tradition with food, performances, and a grand parade.
- Historical Significance: Highlights the long history of onsen (hot springs) in Sagamihara.
- Local Food and Drink: Offers a variety of regional dishes and beverages to sample.
- Grand Parade: Features elaborate floats, performers, and musicians in a spectacular procession.
5. Sagamiko Christmas Market
Winter market with festive decorations, food stalls, and live entertainment.
- Festive Atmosphere: Creates a warm and welcoming holiday ambiance.
- Local Food and Crafts: Showcases local food, crafts, and Christmas-themed merchandise.
- Live Performances: Offers live music, dance performances, and other entertainment throughout the market.
6. Sagamiko Tanabata Festival
Star festival celebrating the legendary lovers Orihime and Hikoboshi, with decorations, food stalls, and dances.
- Cultural Tradition: Honors a popular Japanese star festival legend.
- Vibrant Decorations: Features colorful decorations and streamers symbolizing the stars in the sky.
- Community Participation: Encourages local residents to participate in the creation of decorations and festivities.
7. Sagamiko Fireworks Festival
Summer event with dazzling fireworks displays over Lake Sagami.
- Breathtaking Views: Provides stunning views of the fireworks over the lake.
- Music Synchronization: Coordinates the music with the fireworks for an enhanced experience.
- Family-Friendly Event: Offers a fun and safe environment for families to enjoy the festivities.
8. Sagamiko Snow Light Path
Winter event featuring illuminated snow sculptures along a walking path.
- Unique Light Show: Features one of the largest light shows in Japan during winter.
- Ice Sculptures: Offers impressive ice sculptures created by skilled artists.
- Attractions for All Ages: Includes various entertainment options suitable for both children and adults.
9. Sagamiko Strawberry Festival
Winter event celebrating the delicious Sagamihara strawberries with food stalls and events.
- Tasty Strawberries: Offers a variety of fresh, sweet strawberries to enjoy.
- Cultural Education: Provides insights into the history and significance of strawberry farming in Sagamihara.
- Entertainment Programs: Includes live music, dance performances, and other entertainment throughout the festival.
10. Sagamiko Autumn Leaves Festival
Autumn event showcasing the beautiful fall foliage with food stalls, exhibitions, and performances.
- Stunning Scenery: Offers breathtaking views of the vibrant autumn leaves.
- Local Food and Crafts: Showcases local food, crafts, and autumn-themed merchandise.
- Live Performances: Offers live music, dance performances, and other entertainment throughout the festival.
11. Sagamiko Flower Festival
Spring event featuring various blooming flowers across multiple gardens.
- Beautiful Blooms: Showcases a wide variety of beautiful spring flowers.
- Cultural Education: Provides insights into the history and significance of flower cultivation in Sagamihara.
- Photography Opportunities: Offers ample opportunities for capturing stunning photos of the blooming flowers.
12. Sagamiko Giant Pumpkin Festival
Autumn event showcasing giant pumpkins with food stalls, exhibitions, and competitions.
- Giant Pumpkins: Showcases some of the largest pumpkins in the world.
- Cultural Education: Provides insights into the history and cultivation of giant pumpkins.
- Entertainment Programs: Includes live music, dance performances, and other entertainment throughout the festival.
13. Sagamiko Music Festival
Summer event featuring various genres of music with food stalls, exhibitions, and performances.
- Diverse Musical Genres: Offers a wide variety of musical genres to enjoy.
- Local Food and Crafts: Showcases local food, crafts, and merchandise related to music.
- Live Performances: Includes live music performances from well-known artists as well as up-and-coming talent.
14. Sagamiko Food Festival
Summer event showcasing the local cuisine with food stalls, exhibitions, and cooking demonstrations.
- Delicious Local Food: Offers a wide variety of delicious dishes from Sagamihara.
- Cultural Education: Provides insights into the history and significance of the local cuisine in Sagamihara.
- Entertainment Programs: Includes live music, dance performances, and cooking demonstrations throughout the festival.
15. Sagamiko Art Festival
Spring event featuring various forms of art with exhibitions, workshops, and performances.
- Diverse Art Forms: Offers a wide variety of artistic mediums and styles to explore.
- Cultural Education: Provides insights into the history and significance of art in Sagamihara.
- Interactive Experiences: Includes workshops where visitors can participate in creating their own artwork.