The 70th Shizuoka Festival is in full swing this weekend, offering family stalls and parades! Combine that with beautiful spring cherry blossoms and some unique closing exhibitions, and April 4th and 5th are packed with things to do across Shizuoka.
See our top picks
Mt. Konpira & Setogawa Cherry Blossom Festival
Mt. Konpira & Setogawa area
Enjoy spring scenery combined with local taiko and stage performances for free.
Touch! Science Show (Related to Spring Special Exhibition)
Shizuoka Science Museum Ru-ru
Interactive, hands-on science show at the Hamamatsu museum, perfect for indoor fun.
Kiso Horse Riding Event
Hamamatsu Fruit Park Toki no Sumika
A riding activity specifically aimed at children aged 3 and up.
· April 4
670TH SHIZUOKA FESTIVAL: CHILDREN'S ACTIVITY AREA : The main Shizuoka Festival includes a dedicated space just for kids! Expect plenty of family-friendly activities, fun stalls, and food booths perfect for taking a break from the main parade route.This is the peak weekend for Shizuoka's biggest annual cultural event, and the dedicated children's area makes it a must-see for families.
FREE : Enjoy the spring atmosphere by the Setogawa area, which features performances like taiko drumming and stage shows alongside the cherry blossoms.A great local spring festival experience with scheduled entertainment.
KISO HORSE RIDING EVENT : Take the kids for a ride on the beautiful Kiso horses at the Hamamatsu Fruit Park! This event is specifically geared toward younger children, aged 3 and up, making it great for the little ones.Clear age restrictions (starting at age 3) and focused animal interaction.
: Enhance your visit to the Spring Special Exhibition with this hands-on science show where kids can learn by touching and experimenting. A great way to keep curious minds engaged indoors.Interactive science shows are excellent for keeping kids actively learning on a weekend day.
: A chance for kids to get creative with a spring-themed craft session in Matsuzaki. This is a great small-town activity if you are traveling on the Izu Peninsula.Hands-on craft sessions are always a hit, and this is one of the few remaining activities that continues into the weekend before other spring break events end.
: Get up close with the marine life! This park offers unique experiences like holding penguins and feeding eels. A fun, contained destination for a Saturday adventure.The unique interaction opportunities (penguin holding) are prime activities for young children.
· April 5
6: This special exhibition challenges kids to try amazing 'godly moves'! Since it’s the final day on Sunday, it’s a perfect time to visit the Yaizu Science Museum for some hands-on fun.This is the absolute last day (April 5th) to catch this challenge-based exhibition.
FREE : Wrap up the spring season celebration in Gotemba among over a thousand cherry trees. While the description mentions beer, the setting among the blooms is ideal for a family stroll.It’s the final day of this Gotemba spring event, perfect for enjoying the blossoms.
FREE : Visit the beautiful temple grounds dyed in spring colors for a moment of healing and enjoying the atmosphere. A perfect, free outdoor activity for Sunday afternoon.Great free option for enjoying the spring scenery, ending on Sunday.
TSUMAGOI ILLUMINATION VIEWING : If you are looking for a beautiful evening activity, this illumination event, themed like a fairy tale world, wraps up on Sunday night. A magical end to the weekend.It is the very last day of this major illumination display.
: See Hina dolls made entirely out of cacti! This unique spring event at the Izu Shaboten Zoo ends Sunday, offering a quirky way to celebrate the season after viewing the animals.Last chance to see this bizarre and unique display of cactus Hina dolls.
FREE : A completely free event held at the Izu Shiroyama roadside station designed to welcome the new spring life. Expect local activities and family fun.It's a free, locally focused event happening on Sunday as many other weekend festivals conclude.
Also On· anytime this weekend
3: This is your last chance to catch the 'miracle circus troupe' performing right near Shin-Fuji Station. Circuses are usually a guaranteed hit for school-age kids.It’s the final performance day (April 5th) for this exciting traveling circus.
: Spend time in Miho helping a farmer with the cultivation process for muskmelons—including planting seedlings and pruning. This is a great hands-on agricultural experience for city kids.An excellent, hands-on agricultural activity focused on local fruit happening Saturday.
: If the science show wasn't enough, join a guided tour focusing on how to enjoy the exhibition by touching and feeling the displays. Perfect for tactile learners.The tour element adds structure to the museum visit, making it engaging for kids who need direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Shizuoka this weekend?
This weekend (Apr 04-05) there are 3 confirmed free/free-entry events: the Mt. Konpira & Setogawa Cherry Blossom Festival, the Spring Festival at Toki no Sumika (Gotemba), and the Hattayama Sakura Matsuri (Fukuroi).
Are there any big cultural events happening this weekend?
Yes, the 70th Shizuoka Festival is happening downtown (Apr 3-5) and features a dedicated children's area with stalls and activities, alongside parades like the Ōgosho Cherry Blossom Parade.
Which events are ending on Sunday, April 5th?
Several limited-run events conclude on Sunday, including the Pop Circus Fuji Performance, the Godly Waza Challenge Exhibition at Yaizu Science Museum, and the Tsumagoi Illumination Viewing.
