Obata Sakura Festival (Kanra Town)
Samurai march through tunnels of blooming cherry blossoms.
DATE
TIME & SCHEDULE
10:00 AM – Opening Ceremony at Rakusan-en Garden
10:30 AM – Samurai Warrior Parade (Musha Gyoretsu) departs Rakusan-en
11:30 AM – Parade arrives at the festival main stage (Kanra Town Office area)
12:00 PM – Tea Ceremony and traditional performances at Rakusan-en
1:30 PM – Battle reenactments and sword fighting demonstrations
3:00 PM – Closing Ceremony
COST
Free
How to enjoy the Obata Sakura Festival
Experience Traditional Japan
Exciting atmosphere
Countryside scenery
Take many photos
Fun for the family
Fun for a group of friends
Enjoy 2–4 hours
Witness a Samurai ⚔️ march under 🌸 blooming cherry blossoms!
Step back in time at the Obata Sakura Festival! 🏮
In this historic castle town, over 500 participants dress as fierce samurai warriors and elegant court ladies for a grand parade. ⚔️ Watching the armoured march pass beneath a tunnel of vibrant cherry blossoms is worth the trip to Japan. 📸
The festival takes place at the stunning Rakusan-en Garden, a former daimyo’s retreat. 🏯 You can enjoy watching dramatic sword-fighting reenactments, and snack on local festival treats from street stalls. 🍡 It is the perfect blend of history and nature, offering a unique glimpse into Japan’s feudal past without the massive city crowds!
What else to do near the Obata Sakura Festival
- Food / Drink
- Festival Food Stalls
- Konnyaku Park
- Local Soba Restaurants:
- Culture
- Visit Rakusan-en Garden
- Stroll through Obata Castle Town
- Drive to UNESCO registered Tomioka Silk Mill (a pioneering silk factory that modernized Japan.)
- Activity
- Waterway Walking Path
- Hike Mt. Myogi (nearby)
Hotel (Onsen Ryokan style)
There are not many Onsen hotels (Onsen Ryokan) in Kanra Town, so it is best to stay in nearby areas such as Ikaho Onsen and Shima Onsen, which has great hot springs (onsen).
Hotel (Western style)
There are not many Western-style hotels in the area, so it is best to stay in nearby Maebashi City, Takasaki City, or Tomioka City if you are looking for a Western-style hotel to stay in.
Camp Sites & Farm Stays
There are quite a few camping and glamping sites, as well as farm stays, in nearby areas.
Onsen (hotsprings) hotels in Gunma
Senkyou Ryokan
Shima Onsen Kashiwaya Ryokan
Access
(How to get to the Obata Sakura Festival in Kanra Town)
How to get there
Public Transport
On festival days, a shuttle bus usually runs from Joshu-Fukushima Station (Joshin Dentetsu Railway) to the festival (10 mins). Otherwise, it is a 10-minute taxi ride.
Car
The festival is just 10 minutes from the Tomioka IC on the Joshin-Etsu Expressway.
Location & Address
Address
The parade starts at Rakusan-en Garden (楽山園)
448 Obata, Kanra Town, Kanra-gun, Gunma Prefecture 370-2202, Japan
〒370-2202 群馬県甘楽郡甘楽町小幡448
Access from Tokyo
By Public Transport
Via Joshu-Fukushima Station (Total from Tokyo 1.5-2 hours)
From Tokyo, take the Joetsu or Hokuriku Shinkansen to Takasaki Station (approx. 50 mins). At Takasaki Station, transfer to the local Joshin Dentetsu Railway and get off at Joshu-Fukushima Station (30 mins). From there, take the shuttle bus (10 mins) or take a 10-minute taxi ride.
We recommend using a travel app like Google Maps or Japan Transit Planner to find train times.
By Car
Via Tomioka IC on Joshin-Etsu Expressway (1.5-2hrs)
From Tokyo, it takes approximately 1.5-2 hours (110 km) via the Joshin-Etsu Expressway. Get off at Tomioka IC, and drive 10 minutes (approx. 3km).
Parking: Free temporary parking is typically available at the Kanra Town Office and surrounding areas for festival visitors.
We recommend using a travel app like Google Maps or Japan Transit Planner to find train times.
Contact Details (Event Organizer)
Official event page (External Link – Japanese)
Festival Map (External Link – Japanese)
Gunma prefcture Festival page (External Link – English)
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