Get ready for a busy weekend in Okayama! Sakura season is peaking, bringing dozens of local festivals, especially around Tsuyama and the city center. We've filtered down to the best family activities happening specifically on April 4th and 5th, 2026.
See our top picks
Okayama Sakura Carnival Illumination Viewing
Asahi River Riverside (Okayama City)
Free cherry blossom viewing and illumination until 9 PM by the river in Okayama City on Saturday.
Movie Screening: Hodonaku, OWakaredesu
Belle Foret Tsuyama
An indoor movie option available on Saturday if the weather turns bad.
Strawberry Picking Experience
Yoshii Farm
Hands-on, all-you-can-eat strawberry picking available both days this weekend.
· April 4
6: The famous cherry blossoms at Tsuyama Castle are beautiful during the day, but the nighttime illumination until 10 PM makes for a magical evening outing. This is the main spot for cherry viewing in the region.This is the main event running throughout the target weekend, perfect for an evening under the illuminated blossoms.
: Part of the larger Tsuyama Sakura Festival, you can enjoy a BBQ near the castle grounds while celebrating spring. A fun, easy lunch option for families exploring the area.It's a specific, family-friendly food event tied directly to the major cherry blossom festival this weekend.
: Experience the cherry blossoms from above with this aerial walk event held within the main enclosure of Tsuyama Castle. This runs all weekend.An exciting, slightly adventurous way to enjoy the cherry blossoms that appeals to older kids and teens.
MOVIE SCREENING: HODONAKU, OWAKAREDESU : If the weather turns, catch a screening of the film 'Hodonaku, OWakaredesu' at Belle Foret Tsuyama. Screenings are scheduled for Saturday.A perfect indoor activity option specifically scheduled for Saturday.
FREE : This carnival illuminates the cherry trees along the Asahi River, offering stunning views near Okayama Castle until 9 PM on Saturday. A classic family evening during peak season.It's the city center's main cherry blossom illumination event, running right up until the last day of the festival on Saturday.
: Visit the Niimi Museum of Art for their 35th anniversary special exhibition displaying famous pieces. This is a solid indoor option for Saturday afternoon.It's an indoor art activity running on Saturday that seems less crowded than the main outdoor sakura events.
· April 5
6FREE : Head south to Kasaoka for their Sakura Festival, focusing on the area around the station and shopping street. It is a great free option for Sunday.A confirmed free outdoor event taking place on Sunday in the Kasaoka region.
: As part of the larger Tenryo Kuse Sakura Festival, this special Sunday Marche (market) allows you to enjoy food and shopping under the tunnel of cherry blossoms in Maniwa City.It’s a specific market event tied to a major sakura spot, happening only on Sunday.
: This is the final day to see the impressive Hina doll collection at the historic Nozaki family home in Kurashiki. If you missed the main Hina Matsuri events, this is your last chance this year.It is the absolute last day (April 5th) for this traditional cultural exhibition, offering insight into historical family traditions.
FREE : If you are exploring the west side of the prefecture, Ibara hosts a decentralized festival across several locations, including markets and illuminated sakura viewing areas.A major, confirmed free Sakura event happening across multiple free-to-access public spaces on Sunday.
: Visit the park famous for its 10,000 cherry trees and the beautiful Weeping Cherry Alley. This specific festival event runs for a focused five hours on Sunday.Specific event timing (10 AM - 3 PM) on Sunday at a well-known park known for having 100 varieties of sakura.
FREE : It’s the final day for the Hina doll displays scattered throughout the Yunogo Onsen townscape. Enjoy a family stroll viewing the beautiful dolls before they are packed away.This traditional Hina doll event concludes on Sunday, April 5th.
Also On· anytime this weekend
3: This popular market is held on the first Sunday of every month along the Asahi River. Perfect for grabbing local snacks or browsing stalls before heading to the Sakura Carnival area.It happens specifically on April 5th (the first Sunday) and provides local flavour and food stalls.
: Head out to Yoshii Farm for an all-you-can-eat strawberry picking session! Kids love getting hands-on, and the pricing is structured to accommodate younger pickers.This experience is available all weekend and provides fantastic hands-on fun for young children.
: The Railway Museum is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a special children's festival, including fan-shaped area events and train car tours. Great for train enthusiasts of all ages.A dedicated family event happening across the entire target weekend at a popular attraction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Okayama this weekend?
This weekend (Apr 04-05) there are fantastic free options like the Okayama Sakura Carnival Illumination on Saturday evening and the KASAOKA Sakura Festival on Sunday. Many of the larger cherry blossom viewing areas are also free to enter.
Which events are happening specifically on Sunday, April 5th?
Sunday is busy with festivals! Look for the Kyobashi Morning Market, the Ohanami Marche in Maniwa, the Ibara Sakura Festa, and the final day of the Yunogo Onsen Hina Doll Displays.
Are there any train or hands-on activities this weekend?
Yes, the Tsuyama Manabi no Railway Museum is hosting its 10th Anniversary Children's Festival all weekend, featuring tours and activities. Also, you can pick your own strawberries at Yoshii Farm.
