Japan is a land of festivals. Whatever the month, whatever the season, there's always
something happening in Yugawara.

Late Ｆｅｂｒｕａｒｙ to March
The Yugawara ume forest is
the most outstanding forest
of its type in Japan.
Mt.Makuyama is usually full of
hikers, but in early spring it is
the site of a veritable "ume
banquet" (ume utage) in which
more than three thousand white
and red plum trees come into
vibrant blossom. 
July - August
The seaside at Yugawara is visited every summer by large numbers of people who come to
bathe in the calm and open sea.
The islands of Hatsushima and
Oshima can be seen in the distance. With its beautiful
appearance, this beach remains
popular all year round.
:
Early to late August
Fond memories of the past evoked in the hearts of Japanese people by the lights from the evening sales booths and the hearty calls of the vendors on the festival site. This is an enjoyable event both for children and for adults, who are able to return to their own childhood days.

Fourth Saturday in May,
last Saturday in September:

The spring water of Yugawara
was considered to be effective
against all kinds of diseases.
When it was taken for
presentation to the house of
the shogun, it would be sprinkled
for purification and to ensure a
safe journey up to  the capital.
The "Water-Sprinkling Festival"
(Yukake Matsuri)has its origin in
this old custom. This is an
exciting festival in which
spectators scatter hot water on
the portable shrines.
August 2 and 3
The origin of this festival can
be traced back to the Edo Period
when Toi Narihira encouraged
ordinary people to sing and dance
in an uninhibited manner. Geisha
and children dance as floral carts
and portable shrines are carried
through the streets to the
rhythmic call of"Yassa,Yassa!"
October-December
After being bathed in the bright
light of the summer months,
between autumn and winter
brilliantly colored tangerines
weigh down the branches on
the trees. The tangerine
orchards are pervaded by a
sweet fragrance.
A moring market is held
in Yugawara every Sunday from 6 o'clock.
Fresh,
dilicious produce from the sea and from the hills around Yugawara is brought to the market and can be purchased at low prices.

One of  Yugawara's
Most Distinctive Occasions The Morning Market

Early to mid June

Yugawara is home to many
thousands of fireflies, and an
event known as the "Firefly
Banquet"(Hotaru no Utage)
is held to celebrate them.
An Iris Exhibition is held at
about the same time and adds
a distinctive touch to the
natural aspect of Yugawara in
early summer.
August 3
The annual Seaborne Firework
Display heralds the arrival of
summer at Yugawara. A brilliant
display of fireworks lights up
the summer evening sky and
sea to create one of the
essential events which mark
midsummer in Yugawara.