Hiroshima Events March 2026:Miyajima Festivals, Sakura & Food Events
Hiroshima is one of the few cities in the world to have experienced an atomic bombing. While that fact often draws the most attention, the city has many other attractions as well.
I personally visit Hiroshima at least once a year, and each time I explore its shrines and temples and enjoy its outstanding local cuisine, discovering something new with every visit.
If you want to make your upcoming trip to Hiroshima even more memorable, I recommend being guided by a local. Hiroshima is home to many fascinating spots known mainly to residents.
In addition, places related to peace and history—such as the city’s peace memorial sites and its centuries-old shrines and temples—can be far more meaningful when explored with explanations from a local guide.
That's exactly why I want you to explore the city with locals who know the real Hiroshima. With tours from Magical Trip—winner of Tripadvisor's The Best of The Best in both 2024 and 2025—you can make that happen.
For those interested in Hiroshima’s peace-related sites, the “Hiroshima Peace (Heiwa) Walking Tour at World Heritage Sites” is highly recommended. Listening to a local guide makes visits to the Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Park much more meaningful.
If you plan to explore Miyajima, another symbol of Hiroshima, choose the “Miyajima Half-day Trip Historical Walking Tour.” To fully appreciate sights such as Itsukushima Shrine, which offers scenery found nowhere else in Japan, having a local guide is a big plus.
And of course, Hiroshima’s local food should not be missed. If you want to enjoy Hiroshima cuisine—just as appealing as Osaka’s—at restaurants loved by locals, the “Hiroshima Bar Hopping Food Tour” is an excellent choice.
Introduction
Hiroshima Prefecture is a regional city with Japan's 12th largest population. As such, it hosts many major events worth visiting.
On the other hand, compared to major cities, there are fewer people and more open space, allowing you to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, making it the perfect place to enjoy events.
This time, we'll introduce many Hiroshima events in March 2026 that you can enjoy. From traditional events passed down through generations, food festivals, to nature-focused events, there's such a wide variety that you're sure to find an event that suits your taste!
Table of Contents
-Gourmet Events to Enjoy Local Food in Hiroshima in March 2026
-Traditional Festivals to Enjoy in Hiroshima in March 2026
-Festivals to Enjoy Beautiful Cherry Blossoms in March 2026
Gourmet Events to Enjoy Local Food in Hiroshima in March 2026
Hiroshima Minato Festa
Source:Official website
Hiroshima Minato Festa is a large-scale event centered around the keywords "port," "Hiroshima," and "experience," and is one of Hiroshima's three major festivals.
The highlight of Hiroshima Minato Festa is the maritime events. Last year, I visited the OSUMI, a transport vessel of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, for an onboard tour. The inorganic interior had no sense of warmth whatsoever, and I could truly feel how different it was from the world we normally see—it was a very precious experience.
There are also plenty of other maritime experiences available, including onboard tours of various types of ships, cruises lasting from one to three hours, and tours where you can learn about maritime occupations.
Additionally, there are stage performances, food and drink booths, and experience corners including those for families and children—so many events that you couldn't cover them all even in two days.
There's definitely something that will interest you, and simply gazing at the beautiful sea is sure to make you feel happy.
<Information>
Date: Typically held on Saturday and Sunday of the second or third week of March (Date for 2026 not yet announced; 2025 was held on Saturday, March 15 and Sunday, March 16)
Access: Immediately walkable from Hiroshima Port tram stop
Admission: Free (Some paid content available)
Website: https://minatofesta.com/
Hiroshima Warmed Sake Festival
Source:Fujimotoya
Hiroshima Warmed Sake Festival is an event held annually when the weather starts to feel a bit chilly, where you can enjoy warmed sake. In 2025, 24 sake breweries gathered, offering their distinctive Japanese sake.
Additionally, 12 restaurants provided a variety of food menus including meat, fish, onigiri, hamburgers, and more.
I'm not very good at holding my liquor. So I only remember about half of what happened at last year's festival, but I vaguely remember feeling happy as I wandered around looking for the next sake or food to try, feeling tipsy while my body warmed up from the core thanks to the warmth of the sake and the effects of the alcohol.
Japanese sake offers different flavors depending on the temperature—some temperatures bring out strong aromas while others provide a softer taste. For those who love sake or are interested in it, I highly recommend doing a sake comparison at the Hiroshima Warmed Sake Festival.
<Information>
Date: Friday, March 20, 2026 (National Holiday)
Access: 7-minute walk from Astramline Kencho-mae Station
Admission: Free
Website: https://hirosakefes.wixsite.com/event
Miyajima Night Market
Source:Instagram
Miyajima Night Market celebrated its third year in 2025 and is an event that continues to power up every year.
The first event featured 30 booths offering food and drinks plus fireworks. The second event added stage performances featuring traditional Japanese performing arts in addition to the booth vendors.
The third event featured food menus centered around oysters—a specialty of Hiroshima—as well as stage events with traditional performing arts and comedians.
I've traveled to Miyajima many times before, but since most shops close in the evening, I usually return to the mainland by evening. However, the days when Miyajima Night Market is held are an exception—I stay and play on Miyajima until after dark.
The 2026 dates for Miyajima Night Market have not yet been announced. Since this event has continued to evolve every year, we're looking forward to seeing what 2026 will bring!
<Information>
Date: 2026 dates not yet announced (2025 was held on Saturday, March 8 and Sunday, March 9)
Access: Immediately from Miyajima Pier
Admission: Free
Enjoy Hiroshima's Exquisite Food at "Locally-Loved Restaurants" Unknown to Tourists!
Hiroshima Bar Hopping Food Tour is a tour where you visit three restaurants while savoring the diverse cuisine of Hiroshima and Japan.
The first stop is a restaurant serving Okonomiyaki (a savory Japanese pancake), a specialty of Hiroshima. You'll watch the staff prepare Okonomiyaki right before your eyes on a large iron griddle.
Hiroshima is also famous for its Japanese sake. On the Hiroshima Bar Hopping Food Tour, you can learn about the flavors of sake, and by telling the guide your taste preferences, they can select sake that matches your palate.
The Hiroshima Bar Hopping Food Tour is highly recommended for those who want not only to eat Japanese cuisine but also to deepen their understanding of it.
<Information>
Meeting point: In front of the Gucci display outside Hiroshima Fukuya dept. store, near Hatchobori station
Tour area: Hiroshima
Start time: 19:00
Traditional Festivals to Enjoy in Hiroshima in March 2026
Miyajima Hina Meguri
Doll's Festival is an ancient Japanese tradition where families display sets of dolls called Hina dolls, dressed in traditional Japanese costumes, to pray for the healthy growth and happiness of girls.
You don't need to do anything special to enjoy the Doll's Festival in Miyajima.
From March 14th to April 3rd, Hina dolls are displayed at dozens of locations throughout the island, so you'll encounter them many times just by sightseeing around Miyajima as usual.
I was captivated by the beautiful details of the Hina dolls and the magnificent splendor of the entire doll sets.
Some of these dolls are over 100 years old, passed down through generations. When I think about how many girls have had their happiness wished upon through these very Hina dolls before my eyes, I feel a sense of joy knowing that this unchanging form of love continues to this day.
The beautiful Hina dolls are certainly recommended for adults to see, but little girls are sure to be especially delighted.
This Hiroshima event in March 2026 offers a wonderful opportunity to experience Japanese traditions firsthand.
<Information>
Date: March 14 (Sat) - April 3 (Fri), 2026
Access: Various locations throughout Miyajima
Admission: Free (basic)
Website: https://miyajima.or.jp/event/event_himemeguri.html
Miyajima Kiyomori Festival
Taira No Kiyomori was a powerful figure who held great authority in the latter half of the 12th century. If you want to travel back in time to his golden age, join the Kiyomori Festival. A procession recreating the parade when Taira No Kiyomori visited Itsukushima Shrine walks through Miyajima Island.
We followed along behind the procession. It was so enjoyable to watch them walk from start to finish while receiving constant cheers, imagining the scenery of the golden age. (Though commoners probably couldn't have watched from so close back then.)
In the procession, along the red section of the route shown in the map above, some characters ride on carts, while in the blue section, everyone walks.
The procession moves slowly, so if you want to see both states from close up, you can watch from the red route first, then get ahead to watch from the blue route.
This is one of the most exciting Hiroshima events in March 2026 for history enthusiasts.
<Information>
Date: March 22 (Sun), 2026
Access: Starting point is right near Miyajima Pier; Goal point is about 20 minutes walk from Miyajima Pier
Admission: Free
Website: https://miyajima.or.jp/event/event_kiyomori.html
Kiyomori Shrine Festival
At Kiyomori Shrine, which also serves as the goal point of the Kiyomori Festival procession, a ceremony called the Kiyomori Shrine Festival is held on March 20th, the anniversary of Taira No Kiyomori's death.
Taira No Kiyomori greatly contributed to the development of Miyajima, and he remains a very important figure to the people of Miyajima to this day. Participating in this ceremony that has been held across centuries, you can feel the weight of history.
The highlight of the Kiyomori Shrine Festival is the traditional dance performed at Itsukushima Shrine in the latter half of the festival. It is performed to the accompaniment of traditional Japanese instruments, with the torii gate floating on the sea as a backdrop.
Each movement is refined and incredibly beautiful. I found myself not wanting to miss a single gesture, and I became so absorbed that I forgot to take videos or photos.
Don't miss this remarkable Hiroshima event in March 2026.
<Information>
Date: March 20 (Fri, National Holiday), 2026
Access: Kiyomori Shrine: About 20 minutes walk from Miyajima Pier
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.miyajima.or.jp/event/2026/calendar03.php
Kitchen Knives Ceremony (Hocho Kuyo)
Source:TBS
At Miyajima Misen Daisho-in Temple, a ritual called the Kitchen Knives Ceremony is performed. This ceremony is held to express gratitude to kitchen knives, pray for improvement in culinary skills, and offer prayers for the spirits of creatures that have been prepared with knives.
A traditional ritual is performed where the practitioner holds a knife and chopsticks in both hands and cuts ingredients without directly touching them. If you watch videos of the Kitchen Knives Ceremony before visiting, it might seem a bit strange. To be honest, that's how I felt too.
However, if you witness the ritual in person at the actual site, you will understand its significance. I was reminded once again that we cannot live without taking the lives of other plants and animals, and how important it is to live each day without forgetting gratitude for the lives that have been taken.
This way of thinking is deeply rooted in Japanese culture. The Kitchen Knives Ceremony is perfect for experiencing a glimpse of Japanese spiritual beliefs.
This unique Hiroshima event in March 2026 provides insight into Japanese philosophy and tradition.
<Information>
Date: March 8 (Sun), 2026
Access: About 20 minutes walk from Miyajima Pier
Fee: 3,000 yen per knife
Website: https://www.miyajima.or.jp/event/calendar03.php
Otake City "Hina Nagashi"
Source:Shimose Museum
I introduced earlier the custom of displaying dolls for Doll's Festival, but Hina Nagashi is said to be the prototype of the current Doll's Festival where dolls are displayed. Handmade Hina dolls are floated down the river, wishing for the happiness of girls.
For Hina Nagashi, parents and children make Hina Dolls together and float them down the river together. Materials and samples for making Hina Dolls are available at the festival venue, so anyone can easily make them. When I took my niece there, she was 6 years old.
Adults helped here and there, but basically my niece made it herself, so please don't worry.
Since we often just watch traditional events, Doll's Festival is perfect for those who want to create precious memories together with their precious children. Groups with small girls should definitely participate.
This Hiroshima Event March 2026 offers a wonderful opportunity to experience traditional Japanese culture firsthand.
<Information>
Date: March 8, 2026 (Sunday)
Access: Approximately 1 minute walk from Nakatsuhara bus stop
Website: https://www.city.otake.hiroshima.jp/material/files/group/3/2026010203.pdf
Noji Spring Festival Futon Danjiri
Source:Mihara City
Noji Spring Festival Futon Danjiri is a traditional festival held at Tokiwa Shrine to pray for a good catch of fish. Four Danjiri (decorated portable shrines) parade through the streets.
The highlight of Noji Spring Festival Futon Danjiri is when the Danjiri violently crash into each other. The spirited shouts, the cheers of the spectators, the loud sounds when the Danjiri fall over—every moment is full of excitement.
Noji Spring Festival Futon Danjiri originates from the belief that the deity of Tokiwa Shrine enjoys conflicts. Since these are conflicts meant to satisfy the deity, it was a thrilling event that was almost too intense for an ordinary person like me.
At Noji Spring Festival Futon Danjiri, there is not a single second where you will think "this is boring." Please come and enjoy this traditional Japanese "strange festival."
<Information>
Date: Annually held on the 4th Saturday and the following Sunday
Access: 9 minutes walk from JR Kure Line Aki-Saizaki Station
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.city.mihara.hiroshima.jp/soshiki/50/139882.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Hiroshima's History and Traditions Can Be Enjoyed More Deeply with Explanations from Locals
If you are interested in Hiroshima's history and traditions, joining a tour is recommended.
For example, there is the Miyajima Half-day Trip Historical Walking Tour. As I introduced some today, Miyajima is an island where ancient beliefs remain. The faith that remains throughout the island can only be noticed with the guidance of a local guide.
Additionally, the Hiroshima Peace (Heiwa) Walking Tour at World Heritage Sites touches on how the city became one that seeks peace as it does today, after suffering significant damage including the atomic bomb during World War II. It is worth knowing precisely because it is relatively recent history.
<Information>
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 Details>
Meeting point: In front of the mont-bell store near Nishi Kamiyacho Station
Tour area: Hiroshima
Start time: 10:00
<Hiroshima Peace (Heiwa) Walking Tour at World Heritage Sites Details>
Festivals to Enjoy Beautiful Cherry Blossoms in March 2026
Hiroshima Botanical Garden Sakura Festival
Source:Google Maps
At Hiroshima Botanical Garden, you can enjoy over 250 cherry trees of more than 70 varieties. Since each variety has a different peak bloom time, cherry blossoms at their peak are always in full bloom during the festival period.
One of the reasons I love Hiroshima Botanical Garden is that it is a place where you won't have the sad experience of traveling far only to find the cherry blossoms are not at their peak.
Also, the cherry blossoms often featured on social media and in anime are actually just one variety among many.
At Hiroshima Botanical Garden, there are cherry blossoms with distinctive characteristics such as flower color, shape, number of petals, and branch shape. Please walk around the spacious grounds and find your favorite.
Taking close-up photos of flowers, taking photos of entire cherry trees, capturing everything I found beautiful in photos—before I knew it, I had taken about 500 photos in total.
This Hiroshima Event March 2026 is a must-visit for cherry blossom enthusiasts.
<Information>
Date: March 20 (Friday, Holiday) – April 19 (Sunday)
Access: Direct buses available from Hiroshima Bus Center and JR Hiroden Itsukaichi-Kitaguchi Station
Admission: Adults (18-64 years old): 510 yen/ Adults (65 years and older): 170 yen/ High school students and equivalent age: 170 yen/ Junior high school students and younger: Free
Website: http://www.hiroshima-bot.jp/info/%e3%81%95%e3%81%8f%e3%82%89%e3%81%be%e3%81%a4%e3%82%8a/
Sera Kogen Farm "Sakura Festival"
Source:Official website
A Sakura Festival is also held at Sera Kogen Farm.
Sera Kogen Farm's attractive point is the endless rows of cherry trees featuring a variety called "shidarezakura" (weeping cherry). The tunnel where pale pink petals dance down from above your head is very beautiful.
Not only will you feel happy during your stay, but it is also an excellent photo spot. I visited Sera Kogen Farm's Sakura Festival two years ago, but I still use a photo taken at Sera Kogen Farm as my social media icon. It is that kind of place where you can take such wonderful photos.
Also, one of the attractive points is that the cherry blossoms are lit up at night. The scene of them floating in the darkness of night is like a scene from a movie.
<Information>
Date: 2026 dates not yet announced (2025: March 22 (Saturday) – April 6 (Sunday))
Access: 15 minutes by taxi from Fukuen Line Bingo-Mikawa Station (During the festival period, direct buses may operate from Hiroshima Bus Center, so please check the official website)
Admission:Adults (junior high school students and older): 700 yen – 1,200 yen / Children (4 years old – 6th grade elementary school): 300 yen – 600 yen / 3 years old and under
Website: https://sera.ne.jp/sk/sakura/
