This weekend (April 4th & 5th, 2026) is fantastic for families in Hamamatsu with many spring festivals wrapping up and interactive museum events running! Don't miss the lively atmosphere at the Hamamatsu Castle Park Cherry Blossom Festival, or the hands-on fun at the Hamamatsu Science Museum's special exhibit. We've rounded up the best 15 options for you.
See our top picks
Fukutai-ji Temple Cherry Blossom Festival
Fukutai-ji Temple
Free entry to enjoy cherry blossoms and a family drawing contest.
Challenge Divine Techniques Exhibition
Venue in Shizuoka Prefecture
Interactive challenges perfect for indoor fun before it closes Sunday.
Awashima Marine Park Spring Events
Awashima Marine Park
Last chance for penguin hugging and eel feeding events.
· April 4
3FREE : Enjoy the magnificent sight of about 270 cherry trees coloring Hamamatsu Castle Park. Since this is one of the city's leading cherry blossom spots, the atmosphere will be bustling and festive.Peak cherry blossom season combined with a free, classic city festival.
FREE : Head to the Garden Space near the natural monument Renri Tree for a lovely afternoon tea party starting at 3 PM. Bring your own purchases from local shops to enjoy sweets and drinks together.A unique, free social event happening specifically on Saturday afternoon.
: An evening lantern event at Hamamatsu Castle Park, running for an hour and a half after sunset. A lovely atmosphere for a family evening stroll.Specific evening time slot makes it a clear Saturday night plan.
· April 5
9TSUMAGOI ILLUMINATION : This is your final chance to see the colorful lights transforming the vast natural grounds of Tsumagoi Resort into a fairy tale world in the evening. It's a beautiful, peaceful experience perfect for a relaxed end to the weekend.It is the last day for this popular illumination event.
: Catch the very last day of this quirky spring event featuring cacti dressed up in traditional Hina Doll Festival attire. It’s a unique photo opportunity and a fun stop if you are near the Izu area.It concludes on Sunday, April 5th.
CHALLENGE DIVINE TECHNIQUES EXHIBITION : This is the last chance for kids to test their skills! They can try unique challenges like floating a ball with a hairdryer or spinning a pizza like a pro. Great interactive fun for all ages.It's the final day for this hands-on challenge exhibition.
FUKUTAI-JI TEMPLE CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVALFREE : Enjoy a relaxed afternoon surrounded by spring cherry blossoms at Fukutai-ji Temple. They are hosting their 47th annual parent-child drawing competition, so bring sketch pads!It’s a beautiful, completely free outing centered around spring scenery and includes a family activity.
FREE : Head to Shimoda to see the spectacular blooming of full-colored peach blossoms at Rendaiji Onsen. This festival is a stunning display of spring color.It’s a beautiful, completely free nature event ending Sunday.
FREE : This is the final day for the free, overlapping stamp rally across five facilities in the Izu Peninsula gateway area. A great excuse to drive around and collect stamps!It’s the last day for this free, activity-based challenge.
: It's your last chance for some quirky marine fun, including feeding moray eels, watching penguin races, and even hugging penguin chicks! A fantastic zoo/aquarium experience.The unique animal interactions make this a memorable visit, and it closes Sunday.
: Bring drawing supplies to capture the playground equipment, flowers, goats, and dinosaurs roaming the Fruit Park grounds. A great activity to combine with a trip to the park.It's the final day for this drawing contest aimed at school-aged kids.
GUIDED WALK AT MANYO NO MORI PARK : Take a guided, educational walk through Manyo no Mori Park to appreciate the seasonal flora. A great way to get fresh air and learn something new.This specific guided walk is confirmed for Sunday.
Also On· anytime this weekend
3FREE : If your child loves Minecraft, this is a fantastic free trial session where they learn real programming concepts within the game world. Perfect for slightly older kids interested in tech.It's a completely free, educational, and engaging activity running Saturday.
: Children aged 3 up to junior high can enjoy a supervised ride on gentle Kiso horses at the Fruit Park, followed by a photo opportunity. Reservations are required.Specific age targeting (3+) and a rare chance to ride Kiso horses.
: Visit the observatory for a chance to safely observe the sun and daytime stars. This is a fantastic, hands-on science experience usually reserved for nighttime viewing.A unique daytime astronomy event happening Sunday.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Hamamatsu this weekend?
This weekend (Apr 04-05) there are 4 confirmed free events: Fukutai-ji Temple Cherry Blossom Festival, Peach Blossom Village Festival, Gateway to Izu Stamp Rally, and the Minecraft Programming Trial Session.
Are there any events closing this weekend (April 5th)?
Yes, several major seasonal events end Sunday, April 5th, including the Tsumagoi Illumination, Izu Shaboten Zoo Spring Event, and the Challenge Divine Techniques Exhibition.
What is happening at Hamamatsu Castle Park this weekend?
The Hamamatsu Castle Park Cherry Blossom Festival is underway, which is free to attend. On Saturday evening, you can also attend the Hamamatsu Lantern Event (5:45 PM - 7:15 PM).
