Sankeien Momiji Matsuri: Autumn Leaves by Day, Bamboo Lanterns by Night
Sankeien, the Japanese garden beside Hiroshima Airport, is at the peak of its autumn colors during the annual Momiji Matsuri, which runs until November 23.
On weekend evenings the garden stays open late for the Rinku Hiroshima Akari Matsuri, when lit maples are reflected in the pond among bamboo lanterns, with light and sound added.
Dates: From November 6 until Monday, November 23 (national holiday)
Evening light-up: November 14, 15, 21, 22 and 23, from sunset until 8 pm
Hours: Main Gate 9 am to 5 pm (last entry 4:30 pm); West Gate 10 am to 4 pm. On light-up nights both gates close at 8 pm.
Admission: Adults ¥390, elementary and junior high students ¥200. Free same-day re-entry.
Free entry: Elementary, junior high and high school students with an adult aged 20 or over; visitors aged 65 and over with ID; holders of a disability certificate.
Special events
Sunday, November 15: Autumn Photography Class
Photographer Toshiaki Fujiwara shows the best maple spots in the garden and how to photograph them. 9:30 am to 2 pm, check-in from 9 am at the Main Gate. Limited to 20 people, ¥2,000 including lunch (garden admission extra). Smartphones are fine. Reservations close Friday, November 13. Park in Central Forest Park (Chuo Shinrin Koen) Parking Lot 1.
Sunday, November 22: Gagaku Performance
Ancient Japanese court music played by the Higashi-Hiroshima Gagaku Society at 11 am, 2 pm and 6 pm in the corridor in front of the Main Gate. If it rains, the performances move to the Chokentei pavilion.
Monday, November 23: Wagashi-Making Class
Make two seasonal Japanese sweets and take home a box of wagashi. Sessions at 10 am, 11 am and 1 pm, 18 people per session, reservations required. ¥1,500 (garden admission extra). At the Chokentei pavilion.
Monday, November 23: Lucky Mochi Dra
Free mochi for the first 100 visitors at Satonoike Plaza.
Throughout the festival
Stamp rally: Collect stamps at four spots in the garden and get koi food to feed the carp. Free, daily 10 am to 3 pm (pick up a card at the Main or West Gate).
Market stalls at Satonoike Plaza selling Japanese crafts, honey, bean sweets, clothing and pottery.
Wildflower and bonsai display around the Chokentei pavilion.
Koi Cafe in the Main Gate entrance corridor, overlooking the pond. Matcha, amazake, coffee, zenzai, wagashi and Hattendo cream buns.
Udon at the Kangetsutei pavilion on weekends and holidays, 11 am to 2 pm.
Tip for photographers:
Tripods are allowed during the light-up, but the organizers ask that you keep paths clear for other visitors.
