2023 Annual Japanese Festival Event - Celebrating History, Culture & People of Japan (3 Days) (Bon Odori, Live Taiko, Sumo, Origami..) Missouri GardenNEW

Celebrating the history, culture, and people of Japan, the Japanese Festival Event at the Missouri Botanical Garden is one of the largest and oldest festivals of its kind in the United States.

Since 1977 the Garden has proudly hosted this unique event at one of the largest Japanese gardens in North America. A fruitful collaboration with several local Japanese-American organizations provides authentic Japanese music, art, dance, food, and entertainment for thousands of visitors each year.

Our annual Japanese Festival is one of the largest and longest running festivals of its kind in the United States, presenting taiko drumming, bon odori festival dancing, martial arts, candlelight walks in the Japanese Garden, and more.

Please note: No trams, free hours or early morning walking hours on signature event weekends. Regular admission rates to the Children’s Garden apply. 

Festival Event Date
September 2-4, 2023 

Festival Event Days
Sat,  Sept 2, 2023: 9 am - 8 pm
Sun, Sept 3, 2023: 9 am - 8 pm
Mon, Sept 4, 2023: 9 am - 5 pm

Festival Scheduled Events 

View 2023 Schedule



(Previous Year Schedule)
Bon Odori Dancing
Bonsai and Ikebana Display
Candlelight Walk
Origami Display
Ice Sculpture
Japanese Garden Walking Tours
OrigamiintheGarden
Koinobori: Koi Windsock Display
Kimono
Martial Arts
Okashi Fashion and Cosplay Show
Omikoshi
Opening Ceremony/Taiko Drums
Rakugo
St. Louis Okinawa Eisa
St. Louis Osuwa Taiko
Storyteller’s Juubako
Sumo
Teahouse Island Tours
The Way of Tea Demonstration-Chanoyu
Toro Nagashi
Zen and Japanese Culture

Admission
$16 adults (ages 13 and up)
$12 children (ages 12 and under)
$8 Garden members
Free for children age 2 and under)

Location & Parking
The Missouri Botanical Garden is easily accessible throughout the metro area and conveniently located at 4344 Shaw Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63110.

Event Schedule & Map

Schedule - Map - Information  


Seiwa-en, the Japanese Garden
Help us celebrate the anniversary of our largest and most beloved garden - "Seiwa-en, the Japanese Garden. Make a special gift to honor the Japanese Garden today!

Event Title
Japanese Festival Event - Celebrating the History, Culture & People of Japan (3 Days) (Bon Odori, Live Taiko, Sumo, Origami..) Missouri Garden