Once a common sight, the koi nobori (carp streamers) have become less frequently seen in homes as times have changed.
In this context, Mabi Beautiful Forest has approximately 200 koi nobori installed for a limited time. The sight of the koi nobori, donated from all over the country, lined up in an arch against the sky is so captivating that it makes you stop and look up.
We will introduce the details of the "Koi Nobori Festival" held on May 5 (Tuesday, holiday) and the thoughts of the people involved in its operation.
What is the Koi Nobori Festival?
The Koi Nobori Festival is an event held at Mabi Beautiful Forest on May 5 (Children's Day).
About 1,000 people visit each year, and this year, approximately 200 koi nobori will decorate the square. Additionally, the koi nobori themselves are scheduled to be displayed until May 8, 2026 (Friday).
On the day of the event, there will also be performances of traditional Japanese drumming and dance shows on stage to liven up the event. Food stalls and workshops are also planned, mainly featuring businesses from Mabi.
For more details, please check the image below.
About Koi Nobori Donations
The koi nobori used in the event are all collected through donations. Recently, donations have come not only from the local area but also from across the country, and there are even people who travel from other prefectures to enjoy the sight of the koi nobori.
Donations are accepted year-round. For information on how to donate and important notes, please check the Kurashiki City website, and if you are interested, please take a look.
Notes for Visitors
There are a few points to note when visiting.
To get to Mabi Beautiful Forest, you need to take a mountain road, which is narrow and only allows one car to pass at a time. Therefore, on the day of the event, there will be one-way traffic from the Ichiba area of Mabi-cho to the Kuresu area.
Additionally, there are only about 300 parking spaces, and traffic jams occur every year.
The organizers are calling for attention and cooperation as follows, so be sure to check before you go.
Interview with Members of the "Mabi Beautiful Forest Preservation Society"
We spoke with Yoshito Hata (畑義人), the president of the "Mabi Beautiful Forest Preservation Society," vice president Hiroyuki Ikawa (井川博之), and Toshio Masunari (増成寿勇) about the operation of the Koi Nobori Festival.
What is the highlight of the event?
Hata (no honorifics)
The highlight is definitely the sight of about 200 koi nobori swimming across the sky.
In recent years, due to housing circumstances, the opportunities to raise koi nobori at home have decreased. At the Koi Nobori Festival, we want people to enjoy the festive atmosphere with stage events and stalls while becoming familiar with this Japanese tradition.
There are many activities for children, aren't there?
Hata
Yes, indeed. In addition to food stalls, we will also sell bamboo flying toys, and staff from the Mabi Children's Center will come to conduct fishing games.
Additionally, one unique activity we do every year is the "Koi Nobori Tunnel." Children can enter a large koi nobori and move through it like an obstacle course from head to tail. It's an experience that you can't usually have.
What feelings do you have as the organizers for this event?
Ikawa (no honorifics)
Experiences from childhood remain in the heart even as one grows up.
I hope that the memories of being brought here by parents or grandparents will become experiences that are warmly recalled in adulthood, thinking, "Those were good times."
When those children grow up like koi nobori, I hope they will feel, "I want to give my children the same kind of experience." I would be happy if such connections continue across generations.
Can you tell us about the activities of the "Mabi Beautiful Forest Preservation Society"?
Masunari (no honorifics)
The "Mabi Beautiful Forest Preservation Society" is a volunteer organization commissioned by Kurashiki City. We usually focus on the maintenance and management of Mabi Beautiful Forest.
Maintaining a clean environment takes effort, but we also face challenges such as aging members and a shortage of manpower. We are always looking for people to join us in our activities to continue preserving this rich environment.
If you have even a little interest, please feel free to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you.
Finally, please give a message to the readers.
Hata
I hope children can enjoy nature and grow freely. I wish for them to cultivate a pure heart.
Masunari
I would be happy if the whole family comes and that moment becomes a joyful memory.
When they grow up, I hope they can look at the koi nobori and think, "We went there back then," creating a memorable experience. I believe it will be a time that stays in their hearts.
Conclusion
On the day of the interview, we observed the installation of the koi nobori.
The task of balancing different types and sizes of koi nobori on a long wire rope takes both time and effort. It is quite a challenging task, but I was further surprised to hear that they take them down the day before the event for fine-tuning.
Supported by meticulous preparations, the koi nobori swimming across the sky serve as a symbol of wishing for the healthy growth of children. Now that opportunities to raise them at home have decreased, why not experience their grandeur on-site?
Koinobori Festival Data
| Name | Koinobori Festival |
|---|---|
| Date | May 5, 2026 (Tue, Holiday) 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM |
| Location | Mabi Beautiful Forest |
| Participation Fee (Tax Included) | Free |
| Website | Koinobori Festival |
Due to the location, if you join the line of cars heading to the parking lot, you may have to wait for a long time without being able to turn back, so please plan accordingly.
Also, there is usually heavy traffic every year. We ask that you come as carpooling as much as possible.