Information for the cherry blossom period at Iwatsuki Castle Park, including the dates for the light up, the food trucks and the “sakura matsuri” cherry blossom festival. The latter, the festival is on one day during the expected prime viewing period…
Iwatsuki Castle Park Cherry Blossom Season 2026
The cherry blossom period at Iwatsuki Castle Park in 2026 is from Thursday March 19th to Sunday March 29th. Those are the dates that the festival lanterns are on the cherry blossom trees. Moreover, they light the lanterns at night during that period, between 6 and 9 pm. In addition, during that period there are usually food trucks at the park, where you can buy food and drink between 10 am and 9 pm.
There are approximately 600 cherry blossoms in Iwatsuki Castle Park. Many of them backdrop the stunning red bridge the park is famous for. There are also a few other scenic spots in the park, such as an old train carriage and a marionette clock. There is a nice playground in the park too. At one point the park was one of the most famous in the prefecture for cherry blossom viewing. It still is to a degree. Its location in Saitama’s capital ensures it always has a steady flow of visitors.
Festival
For years the festival was held on the first weekend in April. However, since 2022, the festival has been held at the end of March. Because the bloom period of the trees is getting earlier in recent years. Last year was the earliest the festival had ever been on. However, the 49th annual cherry blossom festival at Iwatsuki Castle park will be at the end of March. It is scheduled for Saturday March 28th 2026. Yes, just one day instead of the usual two – since last year, 2025, it is just a one day festival.
On the day of the festival there is a flea market and food trucks. They will also have four live performances each day. They also have live performances. Usually both Taiko and Koto when it on two days, but this year as it is only one day they currently only have Koto scheduled.
If you do visit, don’t miss the Iwatsuki Hisaizu Shrine a 14 minute walk away!
Information
Event: Iwatsuki Castle Park Cherry blossoms / Festival 岩槻城址公園桜・祭り
Dates: *All subject to change depending on the condition of the sakura and the weather. Please do always check the official website for any last-minute changes.
- Lanterns / light up – from Thursday March 19th to Sunday March 29th 2026, from 6 to 9 pm.
- Food trucks – from March 19th to March 29th, all things equal.
- Festival – one day only in 2026, on Saturday March 28th.
Hours: 9 am to 9 pm in general, festival from 10 am to 4 pm.
Cost: there is no admission fee.
Venue: Iwatsuki Castle Park, 3 Chome-1-1 Ota, Iwatsuki Ward, Saitama, 339-0052. View on Google Maps.
Cherry Blossom Access
The park is an approximate 25 minute walk from the east gate of the Tobu Urban Park Line’s Iwatsuki station.
Find even more cherry blossoms in Saitama here.
First published in 2016, updated annually. R:March 12th 2022. R2024.03.12. Last update February 13th 2025.