A chrysanthemum doll dressed in flowers (image source: yamagatakanko.com)
Compare chrysanthemum dolls with around 1,000 pots at the Flower Park venue of the Nanyo Chrysanthemum Festival
At the Flower Park venue of the 2026 Nanyo Chrysanthemum Festival, you can see chrysanthemum dolls made using techniques passed down through the Kikuchi family, as well as around 1,000 pots of chrysanthemums grown by enthusiasts from across Yamagata Prefecture for a flower exhibition. This autumn event invites you to admire both the sculpted forms dressed in chrysanthemums and the different blooms in each pot.
- Venue
- 1096 Sanmadori, Nanyo City, Yamagata Prefecture
- Admission & participation
- Free
HIGHLIGHTS
Event highlights
The artistry passed down in chrysanthemum dolls
At the Flower Park venue, chrysanthemum dolls made with several varieties of the flower are displayed each year to match the festival’s theme. Their vivid, kimono-like appearance draws the eye not only to the colours and layers of the flowers, but also to the artistry of using chrysanthemums to dress the dolls.
The dolls are made by Naoya Kikuchi, the third-generation chrysanthemum doll maker in the Kikuchi family. Techniques passed down through generations, along with combinations of chrysanthemums chosen to suit each year’s theme, shape the dolls’ distinctive appearance.
The festival’s history dates back to 1912, when chrysanthemum dolls were first displayed at a restaurant in Miyauchi. The first chrysanthemum flower exhibition followed in 1913. The official website describes it as the country’s longest-running chrysanthemum festival featuring chrysanthemum dolls. The dolls and the flower exhibition present chrysanthemums in different ways, and both are part of the festival’s history.
The official website says chrysanthemum cultivation in the area began in the early 17th century, during the Uesugi domain. Nanyo City has designated the chrysanthemum as its city flower and calls itself the “City of Chrysanthemums.” The event is distinctive in bringing together long-established growing techniques and the work of chrysanthemum doll makers at the same venue.
Enjoy the blooms in each pot and activities at the venue
The chrysanthemum flower exhibition brings together around 1,000 pots grown by enthusiasts from across Yamagata Prefecture. The display includes large blooms cultivated with care. While the dolls show chrysanthemums used in three-dimensional designs, the exhibition lets you compare the shape and colour of flowers in each pot.
Look closely at the flowers one by one, and you’ll see that even chrysanthemums can have different character from pot to pot. Some decorate the dolls’ costumes; others are displayed as the result of careful cultivation. Seeing both exhibits gives you a chance to notice the difference between the skills of arranging chrysanthemums and growing them.
The official topics page also has information about food trucks at the Flower Park venue, as well as announcements for free coffee served by the local café association and a balloon-flower workshop. If you’re planning a visit around one of these activities, check its announcement for the date and details before adding it to your plans.
The Flower Park venue is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Nanyo Chrysanthemum Festival is held at two locations: the Miyauchi venue near Kumano Taisha Shrine and the Flower Park venue at Nanyo City Central Flower Park. In 2026, the venues have different dates. The Flower Park venue runs from October 20 to November 8, so be sure to check which location you plan to visit.
EVENT INFORMATION
Dates & participation
Official title南陽の菊まつり(花公園会場)
| Dates | 2026-10-20〜2026-11-08 |
|---|---|
| Venue | 1096 Sanmadori, Nanyo City, Yamagata Prefecture |
| Admission and participation | Free |
| Address | |
| Hours | 9:00~16:00 |
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
Things to check before your visit
- 01
Check the dates and opening hours
The Flower Park venue runs from October 20 to November 8, 2026. The official hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- 02
Confirm the venue
The venue is Nanyo City Central Flower Park. Its location and dates differ from those of the Miyauchi venue near Kumano Taisha Shrine, so check which one you’re visiting.
- 03
Check activity announcements
Information about food trucks, free coffee and the balloon-flower workshop is available in the official topics. Check each announcement for dates and details.
Detailed access info
For the exact venue location and directions, check the official event guide.
1096 Sanmadori, Nanyo City, Yamagata Prefecture
Google Maps search result for the venue name. Please also check official sources for the address, specific hall/room, and entrance location.