Hiroshima Events April 2026: Sakura Festivals, Miyajima Events & Local Celebrations
Table of Contents
-Special Traditional Events Unique to Hiroshima in April 2026
-Special Cherry Blossom and Nature Events Exclusive to April 2026
-Special Hiroshima Events in April 2026 at Various Tourist Destinations
In April, Hiroshima welcomes the beautiful cherry blossom season. Not only in Hiroshima City, but also throughout various areas of Hiroshima Prefecture, you'll find famous cherry blossom viewing spots where traditional events and hanami (flower viewing) celebrations take place to welcome spring.
This article introduces events you can enjoy in Hiroshima during April 2026, organized by themes such as traditional festivals and cherry blossom and nature-related celebrations.
- Special traditional events unique to Hiroshima in April 2026
- Special cherry blossom and nature events exclusive to April 2026
- Special events in April 2026 at various tourist destinations in Hiroshima
Special Traditional Events Unique to Hiroshima in April 2026
Daishoin Temple Fire Walking Ceremony on Miyajima
On Miyajima, an island with numerous historical shrines and temples, you can observe the Fire Walking Ceremony at Daishoin Temple. The Fire Walking Ceremony is a traditional Shingon Buddhism ritual held twice a year, in April and November.
When the ceremony begins, prayers are recited and rituals using swords and arrows are performed. Afterwards, fire is lit to collected branches. Once the fire extinguishes and turns to charcoal, monks walk barefoot over it while offering prayers for peace and health.
Visitors can also participate in the fire walking, and I actually walked barefoot over the charcoal last year. The charcoal is only slightly warm and definitely not hot, so you can participate with confidence.
Daishoin Temple is located on a mountainside, and reaching it requires climbing slopes and long staircases. It's approximately a 30-minute walk from the ferry pier. There's a taxi stand right near the ferry pier, so if you're not confident in your physical stamina, taking a taxi is also recommended.
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Date: April 15, 2026, from 11:00
Access: Approximately 30 minutes' walk from Miyajima Pier
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.miyajima.or.jp/english/event/event_shiwatari.html
Itsukushima Shrine "Toka-sai" (Peach Blossom Festival)
At the famous Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima, a spring festival called Toka-sai is held in April. This festival takes place every April when artists from across Japan gather at Itsukushima Shrine to perform traditional Japanese performing arts such as Noh and Kyogen theater.
Noh performances have been held at Itsukushima Shrine since around the 16th century, with a rich history of many people visiting to watch performances and worship. At Toka-sai, Noh performances are conducted using traditional costumes passed down at Itsukushima Shrine.
When you enter the shrine, special viewing seats are set up near the stage, and those who have paid the admission fee can freely enter and exit. On the event day, in addition to Noh, there are also traditional Gagaku music performances, and when I was touring the shrine, elegant music was resonating throughout the grounds.
If you're planning to visit Miyajima in April, why not consider timing your visit to coincide with Toka-sai?
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Date: April 16-18 every year, 9:00 - 16:00
Access: Approximately 10 minutes' walk from Miyajima Pier
Admission: 300 yen
Website: https://www.miyajima.or.jp/event/event_momokashinnou.html
Miyazaki Shrine Spring Flower Festival
Source:Official website
In April, a traditional spring celebration is also held at Miyazaki Shrine in Higashihiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture. The Shunka-sai (Spring Flower Festival) is an event where you can enjoy spring flowers including cherry blossoms and traditional performing arts performances in the grounds of this mountain shrine.
Miyazaki Shrine is located in the peaceful mountains, and in April you can enjoy the mountain's natural beauty and the magnificent cherry blossoms in full bloom. The grounds are beautifully maintained, and the shrine is also popular among locals for prayers for safe childbirth.
When I visited the event last year, there was also a lively market with food trucks. I spent a peaceful time enjoying spring flowers such as cherry blossoms and rhododendrons in the refreshing mountain nature while savoring local cuisine.
Though small in scale, if you want to participate in a peaceful festival bustling with local people, be sure to visit Miyazaki Shrine.
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Date: April 11, 2026, 12:00 - 16:00
Access: Approximately 30 minutes by car from Hiroshima City
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.hiroshima-miyazakijinja.net/post-2537/
Ondo Kiyomori Festival (Not held in 2026)
Source:Official website
The Ondo Kiyomori Festival is a celebration held in Ondo Town on the Seto Inland Sea. It is the largest-scale festival in the Seto area with nearly 200 years of history. It is held once every five years, with the next event scheduled for 2028.
The Ondo Kiyomori Festival began as a way to honor the legendary Hiroshima warrior Taira no Kiyomori. When held, approximately 400 townspeople dress in traditional regional costumes and participate in a lively parade.
With traditional instrument performances and dancing, you can enjoy scenes as if you've traveled back in time several hundred years.
This festival offers a strong sense of the unique culture of Hiroshima and the Seto area. Unfortunately, it won't be held in 2026, but if you're interested, why not plan a Hiroshima trip for 2028?
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Date: Scheduled for 2028
Access: Ferry from Ondonoseto stop (5 minutes)
Admission: Free
Website: https://kiyomori-ondonoseto.com/kiyomorimatsuri/
Experience Hiroshima's History and Traditions More Deeply with Local Guides
If you're interested in Hiroshima's history and traditions, joining a local tour where you can meet local guides is also recommended.
By participating in the Miyajima Half-day Trip Historical Walking tour, you can tour the main spots on Miyajima, home to the famous Itsukushima Shrine, while hearing detailed explanations about the island's history and culture from a local guide.
The legendary samurai Taira no Kiyomori, who was also introduced in this article, was known for his deep devotion to Itsukushima Shrine. Be sure to hear fascinating historical episodes in detail from your guide.
If you want to deeply understand Hiroshima City's history, join the Hiroshima Peace (Heiwa) Walking Tour at World Heritage Sites. A local guide will explain the city's history from a local perspective.
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Meeting point: In front of Coin Operated Locker at outside of JR Miyajimaguchi Station
Tour area: Miyajima
Start time: 9:30
Miyajima Half-day Trip Historical Walking Tour
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Meeting point: In front of the mont-bell store near Nishi Kamiyacho Station
Tour area: Hiroshima City
Start time: 10:00
Hiroshima Peace (Heiwa) Walking Tour at World Heritage Sites
Special Cherry Blossom and Nature Events Exclusive to April 2026
Discover these exceptional Hiroshima Event April 2026 celebrations showcasing the region's stunning spring scenery.
Shukkeien Cherry Blossom Festival (Night Cherry Blossom Illumination)
Shukkeien Garden in Hiroshima City hosts the Shukkeien Cherry Blossom Festival every April. This event allows visitors to enjoy the cherry trees blooming throughout the grounds of this beautiful Japanese garden, which are illuminated at night.
Shukkeien Garden is located in central Hiroshima City and is a historic Japanese garden created in the 17th century. Beautiful flowers bloom throughout the four seasons, with cherry blossoms flourishing in spring.
The illumination during cherry blossom season is truly magical. Together with the cherry blossoms, you can view a large pond where koi swim, bamboo groves, and traditional tea houses, allowing you to enjoy a picture-perfect Japanese spring landscape.
The garden is large enough to explore in 40 minutes to 1 hour. When I visited, there were various varieties of cherry blossoms, providing plenty to see.
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Dates: March 28 - April 6, 2025 (2026 dates to be announced)
Access: 1 minute walk from Shukkeien-mae tram stop on the Hakushima Line
Admission: Shukkeien Garden admission - Adults 350 yen
Website: https://shukkeien.jp/event/
Hatsukaichi Cherry Blossom Festival
Hatsukaichi City in Hiroshima Prefecture also holds a large-scale cherry blossom event along the river.
The Hatsukaichi Cherry Blossom Festival is an event where you can enjoy beautiful cherry blossoms while visiting stalls selling famous local sake and Hatsukaichi specialty products, and watching stage performances.
Hatsukaichi's Sumiyoshi Embankment is locally famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot, and many people from neighboring areas visit to see the cherry blossoms. The approximately 610-meter-long row of cherry trees is spectacularly beautiful and is affectionately called the "sakura tunnel" by locals.
When I visited last year, the scene was very lively with many people strolling through the sakura tunnel and people enjoying food and drinks under the cherry trees.
There are many stalls selling specialty products and delicious local food, as well as game stalls where children can play, making this a festival that both adults and children can enjoy.
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Dates: April 5, 2026 (scheduled)
Access: 10 minutes walk from JR Hatsukaichi Station
Admission: Free
Website: https://hatsu-navi.jp/event/sakuramatsuri/
Shobara Sakura Festival
Source:Instagram
In Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, you can participate in the Shobara Sakura Festival.
Shobara City is a nature-rich area that is also home to Taishaku Gorge, a famous scenic spot. Additionally, because Shobara has terrain with varying elevations, cherry blossoms bloom at different times depending on location, allowing visitors to enjoy cherry blossoms for as long as a month.
At the Shobara Sakura Festival, various events are held throughout the city, centered on Ueno Park, which is famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot. Food stalls and food trucks set up shop, workshop booths appear, and visitors can participate in sports experiences.
For example, SUP experience sessions are held on the large pond in Ueno Park, and last year they were extremely popular, especially with children.
There are particularly many cherry trees around the pond, and every year they are illuminated at night. The night cherry blossoms reflected in the pond are also very beautiful, so if you visit Shobara, please take a full day to enjoy it leisurely.
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Dates: April 5, 2026, 10:00 - 16:00
Access: Approximately 10 minutes on foot from JR Bingo Shobara Station
Admission: Free
Website: https://shobarasakura.com/
Shinchi Sakura Festa
Source:DIVE Hiroshima
In Kitahiroshima Town, located in the northwestern part of Hiroshima Prefecture, the Shinchi Sakura Festival is held. Along the Shijihara River in Shinchi, there is a beautiful cherry tree-lined path that is known as a cherry blossom viewing spot.
The cherry tree-lined path along the river is approximately 500 meters long, with 100 cherry trees. Starting about a week before the event, magical illumination is held at night. On the day of the Shinchi Sakura Festival, stalls selling yakitori and beer appear, and stage concerts including live music performances are held.
When I walked along the cherry tree-lined path last year, I was impressed that all the trees had branches at low positions, allowing me to see the cherry blossoms right at eye level.
Kitahiroshima Town is located in a mountainous area called the Geihoku area, and there are hot spring spots in the surrounding area. If you want to venture into a nature-rich area in Hiroshima, why not go see the cherry blossoms in Shinchi?
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Dates: April 5, 2025, 6:45 PM - 8:45 PM (2026 dates to be announced)
Access: Approximately 5 minutes by car from Chiyoda IC on the Chugoku Expressway
Admission: Free
Website: https://kitahiro.rgr.jp/pkobo_news/news-detail.php?id=406 (2025 site)
Mint Bureau Flower Path
Source:Official website
At the Hiroshima Branch of the Mint Bureau in Hiroshima City, a Cherry Blossom Viewing event is held every April. The grounds of the Japan Mint, where many cherry trees are planted, are specially opened to the public, and for one week, citizens and travelers can freely view them.
On the Japan Mint grounds, approximately 220 trees of 60 varieties of cherry blossoms are planted. Not only Somei Yoshino, the most common cherry blossom in Japan, but also rare varieties that cannot be seen elsewhere are planted.
In particular, many Yaezakura with numerous petals are planted. Even as a Japanese person, I had never seen so many Yaezakura in one place—it was such a rare sight, and when in full bloom, the atmosphere was truly gorgeous.
This is a recommended spot where you can enjoy cherry blossoms for free. When visiting Hiroshima City, be sure to stop by.
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Dates: April 11-17, 2025, 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM (2026 details to be announced)
Access: Take the Hiroden bus to Itsukaichi 5-chome exit and walk for 10 minutes.
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.mint.go.jp/eng/topics-eng/2025-cherry-blossom-viewing-in-hiroshima.html
Sera Tulip Festival
Source:Official website
At Serakogen Farm located on Sera Plateau in Hiroshima Prefecture, the Sera Tulip Festival is held. Sera Plateau is a highland area in the central-eastern part of Hiroshima Prefecture.
Serakogen Farm on Sera Plateau is a spot where you can enjoy beautiful seasonal flowers such as cherry blossoms and sunflowers. During the one-month event period starting from late April, you can enjoy beautiful tulip fields spreading across the vast grounds.
When I actually visited, tulip fields stretched as far as the eye could see, and I was overwhelmed by the sheer scale. Colorful tulips were planted, and when viewed from a distance, the flower fields created a beautiful gradation.
On Sera Plateau, there are four farms where you can enjoy flowers, including Serakogen Farm. All of these facilities are sure to satisfy flower lovers, so when you visit Sera Plateau, I recommend touring the other farms as well.
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Dates: April 25 - May 31, 2026
Access: Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes from Hiroshima city via the expressway (direct buses operate from Hiroshima Bus Center on weekends and holidays during certain periods)
Admission: Adults: ¥700–¥1,200 / Children (ages 4 to elementary school) ¥300–¥600 / Children under 3 & Pets: Free
Website: https://sera.ne.jp/en/sk/tulip/
Enjoy Hiroshima's Exquisite Food at "Locally-Loved Restaurants" Unknown to Tourists!
After enjoying the beautiful cherry blossoms in Hiroshima, make sure to fully enjoy Hiroshima's local food, which offers plenty of exquisite gourmet options.
On the Hiroshima Bar Hopping Food Tour, you'll meet your local guide in the Nagarekawa area of Hiroshima City, where bars and restaurants gather, and visit three local Izakayas, bars, and restaurants.
By using this tour, you'll be guided to establishments truly loved by locals, not tourist-oriented ones. At places where local people gather that you wouldn't be able to find on your own, enjoy Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, famous local sake, and Hiroshima's exquisite seafood.
April is a particularly delicious season for Mebaru (rockfish) and Amadai (tilefish) caught in the Seto Inland Sea. Be sure to ask your guide for recommendations and try various seafood dishes.
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Meeting point: In front of the Gucci display outside Hiroshima Fukuya dept. store, near Hatchobori station
Tour area: Nagarekawa
Start time: 19:00
Special Hiroshima Events in April 2026 at Various Tourist Destinations
Kure Port Festival
Source:Chugoku Shimbun
At the popular tourist destination of Kure City, the Kure Port Festival is held at the end of April. This is a major event in Kure City featuring parades and stage events with participation from the Maritime Self-Defense Force and many citizens, as well as food stalls.
Kure City has a history as a naval port and has developed as a naval town. At the Kure Port Festival as well, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force plays a central role, and many events are held.
The main event of the festival, the grand parade, is a very spectacular affair where the Maritime Self-Defense Force's music band livens things up with performances and dances, with approximately 2,500 citizens participating.
For travelers, I recommend a plan to leisurely watch the parade and enjoy local food at the many food stalls along Kuramoto Street in the city.
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Dates: April 29, 2026
Access: 10 minutes walk from JR Kure Station
Admission: Free
Website: https://kanko-h.com/event/single.php?no=856
Onomichi Minato Festival
Source:Official website
In Onomichi City, the Onomichi Minato Festival is held. Onomichi City is famous for its local ramen called Onomichi Ramen and has beautiful temples such as Senkoji Temple.
Over two days, various events with local participation are held in front of the station and at shopping streets. The main event of the festival is a dance contest featuring modern arrangements of folk songs passed down in Onomichi.
Participants in this contest range from local students and children to fire brigade and corporate groups - people of all ages. Since the same song is performed with creative dance choreography, musical arrangements, and costumes, you can enjoy the unique personality of each group.
Music live performances on stage are also held, and approximately 200,000 people visit the event over the two days.
If you're going to eat Onomichi Ramen or visiting Onomichi for sightseeing, be sure to check out this lively festival.
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Dates: April 25-26, 2026
Access: 3 minutes walk from JR Onomichi Station
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.onomichi-matsuri.jp/port_festival/
