Chrysanthemum dolls and floral displays (for reference)
Discover chrysanthemum dolls and a long tradition of cultivation at the 114th Nanyo Chrysanthemum Festival in Yamagata
The 114th Nanyo Chrysanthemum Festival moves between venues in Nanyo, Yamagata Prefecture, and runs through November 8, 2026. Visitors can see chrysanthemum dolls and around 1,000 pots of chrysanthemums.
- Venue
- Miyauchi venue (around Kumano Taisha Shrine)
- Admission & participation
- Please check official announcements for admission requirements.
HIGHLIGHTS
Event highlights
An autumn chrysanthemum festival with two venues
The festival features an elaborate chrysanthemum doll exhibition and a display of around 1,000 pots of chrysanthemums. Along with admiring the flowers, visitors can appreciate the skill involved in shaping them into figures.
The venue changes during the festival. The first half, from October 9 to 19, was held at the Miyauchi venue around Kumano Taisha Shrine under the theme “Enjoying the harmony of historic paths and art.” From October 20 to November 8, the festival moves to the Flower Park venue at Nanyo City Central Flower Park, with the theme “Appreciating tradition and skill.”
Both venues are open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. If you visit on or after October 21, the venue will be Flower Park, so be sure to check both the date and destination when planning your visit.
The official topics page includes notices dated October 17 for “Free coffee courtesy of the café association,” “Balloon flowers,” and “Making a wooden house.” If you are interested in any of these activities, check the individual notice for the date and details before making plans.
Chrysanthemum cultivation dating back to the Uesugi domain
Chrysanthemum cultivation in Nanyo dates back to the early 17th century, during the time of the Uesugi domain. From the late Meiji period through the Taisho period, more people came to admire the elegance of chrysanthemums. In 1912, the first chrysanthemum dolls were displayed at an inn in Miyauchi. The following year, 1913, saw the first chrysanthemum flower competition, helping establish a tradition of growing and exhibiting the flowers.
The art of making chrysanthemum dolls has been passed down through the Kikuchi family for generations. Today, third-generation doll maker Naoya Kikuchi creates the dolls for the festival. Both the doll-making and the cultivation skills developed over many years underpin the festival’s displays.
The city is home to the Nanyo Chrysanthemum Association, whose members have refined their cultivation techniques over the years. The chrysanthemum is also the official flower of Nanyo. As you enjoy the displays, take a moment to consider the region’s history of chrysanthemum cultivation and the skills behind both the flowers and the dolls, passed down through generations.
At the Flower Park venue in the second half of the festival, enjoy the displays under the theme “Appreciating tradition and skill.” Check your visit date and venue, and discover Nanyo’s longstanding chrysanthemum culture this autumn.
EVENT INFORMATION
Dates & participation
Official title南陽の菊まつり
| Dates | 2026-10-09〜2026-11-08 |
|---|---|
| Venue | Miyauchi venue (around Kumano Taisha Shrine) |
| Admission and participation | Check the official information |
| Address | Miyauchi, Nanyo, Yamagata Prefecture |
Hours, admission rules, and ticket availability are subject to change. Please check the official website before heading out.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE & TICKETS
Official website & tickets
Official event websitenanyo-kiku.jpACCESS
How to get there
Step-by-step guide
Choose your visit date and venue
- 01
Choose your venue according to the date
The Miyauchi venue runs from October 9 to 19, and the Flower Park venue from October 20 to November 8. From October 21 onward, the venue is Nanyo City Central Flower Park.
- 02
Check the opening hours
Both the Miyauchi and Flower Park venues are open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- 03
Check directions for each venue
This article does not provide routes by train or bus. Choose the venue you plan to visit, then check its address and transport information in the official venue guide.
- 04
Check for weekend activities
The official topics page has notices about activities and workshops. Check the individual notice for details of any activity you would like to join.
Detailed access info
Choose your venue from the official venue list, then check its address and directions. Check the dates, hours, and transport information for each venue.
Miyauchi, Nanyo, Yamagata Prefecture
Multiple locations are not grouped into a single pin.