Check Here for our 1 Day Car Trip to the Suigo Itako Iris Festival & Katori Side Excursion

About Suigo Itako Iris Festival

The Suigo Itako Iris Festival is held in the city of Itako. It sits on the north bank of the Hitachitone River which separates Southern Ibaraki and Northern Chiba Prefectures.

The highlights of the festival are the one million irises in bloom and the Yomeiri-bune (Bride Boat) ceremony. During the ceremony new brides are paraded down the Mae River in sappa (traditional Japanese row boats). The women are dressed in beautiful all white kimono and are accompanied by their parents or matchmaker. The boat stops at the Suigo Itako Ayame Garden where the bride meets her groom and they stroll leisurely through the iris garden. The process of the ceremony tells a beautiful modern love story that is steeped in history and tradition.

The city of Itako prospered during the Edo Period as its location and waterways were ideal for transportation. As transportation infrastructure changed the sappa used in the Yomeiri-bune fell out of favor.

It wasn’t until the 1985 Tsukuba International Science & Technology Exposition that the Yomeiri-bune saw its revival. The event brought the world to Japan who witnessed the ceremony. Since the exposition the Yomeiri-bune (Bride Boat) has been held every year since. The Yomeiri-bune (Bride Boat) ceremony has become of symbol of the Suigo Itako area and is a primary driver of tourism to the area.

During the ceremony, visitors line both banks of the Mae River to get a good view of the Yomeiri-bune (Bride Boat). The boat makes its final stop at the Tourist Information Center located in the center of the iris garden.

From there, the bride and groom slowly stroll around the garden and make their way to the street. They board traditional rickshaws and pose for photos before being whisked away to the Suigo Kukei Isoyama Residence.

Other Fun Events:

Ayame Dance

Locals perform the Ayame Dance among the blooming irises to welcome the beginning of summer in Japan.

Music Boats

On Sundays a Music Boat (a sappa packed with flute and drum players) makes its way down the Mae River while playing traditional songs.

Leisure Boat Rides

A leisure 30 minute sappa (boat) ride down the Mae River. The boat gently rocks back and forth as the attendant rows. The route stops by the Suigo Kukei Isoyama Residence where the Yomeiri-bune (Bride Boat) starts and ends. The cost is ¥1,000/person and no advanced reservation is needed. Even during peak times they manage the line well, as there are many boats and many passengers can fit in each boat.

*Cushions are provided, however being able to sit cross legged or in “seiza” is a requirement.

Night Time Illumination

The park is illuminated with numerous lanterns and chochin (Japanese Lanterns) are hung from the many bridges.

The Suigo Itako Iris Festival is the most popular event in Itako. Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from May 19th – June 18th 2023 are the best time to visit Itako.

Suigo Itako Iris Festival Event Information

Held from May 19th – June 18th 2023

Illumination: Every Night 18:00 – 20:00

Traditional Music Boat: Sunday (13:00-13:40)

The Yomeiri-bune (Bride Boat): Wednesdays (11:00), Saturdays (11:00, 14:00, 19:30), and Sundays (11:00, 14:00)

Nearby Points of Interest to Explore: Itako Roadside Station, Suigo Sawara Ayame Park, and the Nearby City of Katori known for its Edo Period canal district that resembles parts of Kyoto.

Unique Reasons to Go

• Over a Million Irises in Bloom Across 500 Different Varieties
• Largest Iris Festival (by blooming flowers) in Japan
• Yomeiri-bune (Bride Boat) Ceremony is a Beautiful Tradition to Watch

Unique Foods to Eat & Where to Get Them

• The Itako area is known for its rice production. Try the Senbei (rice crackers) from Nishikura Senbei a local specialty.

Admission Fee & Hours

Admission to the Suigo Itako Ayame Gardens and Festival is Free.

The Garden is Open 24 Hours a Day.

How To Access Suigo Itako Iris Festival

By Public Transportation

• From Tokyo Station take a Sobu Line (Rapid) bound for Narita Airport Terminal #1 transferring at Narita Station to a Narita Line train bound for Choshi transferring at Katori Station to a Kashima Line train bound for Kashima Jingu getting off at Itako Station *Cheapest (2 hour 13 minutes, ¥1,980 one way per person) Note: JR Pass Compatible
• From Itako Station its a five minute walk to the Suigo Itako Ayame Gardens.

By Car

• Itako IC (3.8 km East)
• Sawara-Katori IC (16.3 km South)

*There are many small parking lots located along National Route 101 between the Mae River and Itako Station. (Parking was ¥500/Car/Day). The lots were less than a five minute walk to the garden.