The "Koinobori Festival," a spring tradition in Soja City.
It is held every year from mid-April to early May at the " Noumaru Garden Kibi" comprehensive tourist farm.
This year, it will be held from April 12 (Saturday) to May 6 (Tuesday), with about 100 koinobori (carp streamers) being raised daily, weather permitting.
There are few places in Okayama Prefecture where more than 100 koinobori are raised, making this season one where you can almost hear the voices saying, "We've been waiting for this."
The author, who lives in Soja City, went to cover the event.
What is the Koinobori Festival?
The Koinobori Festival is an event to raise koinobori at Noumaru Garden, which started in 2013.
Koinobori that have been stored away in homes for various reasons are donated and raised or displayed in the garden for Children's Day.
This year (2025) marks the 13th Koinobori Festival.
It has now become a spring tradition in Soja City, attracting many visitors from various places who come to see the koinobori swimming beautifully in the blue sky.
The charm of the spring tradition Koinobori Festival
The highlights of the Koinobori Festival are not just the large number of koinobori. Behind the beautiful scenery lies the ingenuity and passion of the staff.
There are various efforts to create dynamic displays and to connect the memories of families who donated koinobori, making it an event loved by the local community.
Here, I will introduce the charm of the long-standing "Koinobori Festival."
Colorful and dynamic scenery
A total of 111 koinobori are displayed, with 74 outside the garden and 37 inside. They are arranged in various colors such as black, red, and blue, creating a stunning sight as they swim in the sky.
The sizes range from 2m to 6m, and their swaying in the wind makes them look almost alive. The expressions change depending on the viewing angle, making them perfect for photos.
Many visitors were seen with cameras, capturing the colorful scenery as a memento.
The grand and beautiful scenery created by the spring sky and koinobori can only be seen during this season.
Maintaining beauty through daily maintenance and ingenuity
The reason koinobori can dance beautifully in the sky every day is due to the careful maintenance by the staff. They raise them at 9 AM and take them down at 5 PM every day, and repair or replace them whenever they get tangled or damaged.
Additionally, to prevent koinobori from tangling, they place smaller koinobori at the ends and larger koinobori in the center, among other ingenious methods.
Thanks to the daily efforts and ingenuity of the staff, visitors can always see the koinobori in their best form.
Knowing the background makes the beauty of the koinobori raised at Noumaru Garden even more memorable.
Creating memories for three generations
This event is not just about "seeing," but also serves as a place to connect family memories.
There are those who donate koinobori saying, "I want to show my grandchild the koinobori I used to use," and others who say, "I can no longer display them at home." It is also common to see three generations visiting together to catch a glimpse of the donated koinobori, which adds to the charm of the Koinobori Festival as it fosters connections across generations.
Spending a leisurely time with family while looking up at the koinobori enriches daily life a little. Please experience this warm time that allows you to feel connected with your family.
How to enjoy the Koinobori Festival
The koinobori at Noumaru Garden are not only the large ones swimming in the sky outside, but are also displayed in various places inside the garden. They are hung from the ceiling or attached to walls, featuring various patterns, so be sure to walk around the garden and try to "find the koinobori."
While searching for koinobori, the author unexpectedly discovered the candy corner.
In addition to snacks, nostalgic sweets such as temari-dama and puffed rice are also available.
Even though I had visited Noumaru Garden many times, this new discovery made me want to come back again.
Celebrating the 20th anniversary this year. Check out other events at Noumaru Garden
This year marks the 20th anniversary of Noumaru Garden, and various events are being held.
It is recommended to leisurely explore the garden while enjoying time with family.
Succulent Fair
There will be a succulent plant workshop by Mr. Hidenaru Yazawa, a garden advisor from Home Center Time, as well as a talk show and signing event with Mr. Kosho Ohno, the rose prince.
There will also be a succulent plant auction and repotting workshop. As the popularity of succulent plants is rising in 2025, those interested should definitely participate.
Petunia and Vegetable Fair
Mr. Hidenaru Yazawa, the garden advisor conducting the succulent plant workshop, will also hold a workshop on how to grow petunias and clematis.
Additionally, there will be workshops on how to grow vegetables. If you want to try growing vegetables or have had repeated failures, why not participate?
At the direct sales store, planters and fertilizers will be sold at special prices.
April 12 (Saturday) to May 11 (Sunday), 2025
Strawberry picking
Of course, strawberry picking is also available, and you can eat as many strawberries as you like for 40 minutes with four different varieties.
In 2025, it is scheduled to be held until early June, but it will end as soon as the ripe fruits are gone, so it is advisable to make a reservation.
Message from Noumaru Gardening to the Community
We received a message for the community from Ando Yukihiro, the public relations officer for the Koinobori Festival.
Ando (honorific omitted)
Recently, events displaying koinobori (carp streamers) have been increasing in the prefecture, but I think the sight of over 100 koinobori gathered in one place is something you rarely see in rural areas. I would be happy if people could casually stop by just to see the koinobori.
I believe that having three generations come together to show their koinobori to their grandchildren is a form of community contribution, so I really hope people will come just to see the koinobori.
In recent years, opportunities to see koinobori have decreased, which is why I hope families will visit the Koinobori Festival together.
Conclusion
The "Koinobori Festival," which will celebrate its 13th year in 2025, is a heartwarming spring event created by the thoughts of the community and the ingenuity of the staff.
The sight of colorful koinobori swimming in the blue sky is beautiful and is a view you want to see again and again.
Whether you want to spend a relaxing time with your family or enjoy new discoveries, why not visit Noumaru Gardening this spring?
Koinobori Festival Data
| Name | Koinobori Festival |
|---|---|
| Date | In 2025, from April 12 (Saturday) to May 6 (Tuesday) From 9 AM to 5 PM Cancelled in case of rain or strong winds |
| Location | 411-1 Nishigun, Soja City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Free |
| Website | Noumaru Gardening Kibiji Farm |
April 12 (Saturday) to April 20 (Sunday), 2025