Japanese Festival

Sumo wrestlers performing demonstration

Labor Day Weekend

August 31–September 1 | 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
September 2 | 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (last entry at 4:30 p.m.)

Experience the thunderous pounding rhythms of the taiko drums, sumo wrestling, and more at this three-day cultural adventure right here at the Garden. 

For more than 40 years, the Missouri Botanical Garden has produced the annual Japanese Festival in conjunction with the Japanese Activities Committee, a coalition of several Japanese-American organizations that provide art, dance, food and entertainment for thousands of visitors each year.


Sponsors: 
Nidec Motor Corporation
CSI Leasing, Inc.
Safety National Casualty Corp.
Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Missouri

Japanese Festival is a rain-or-shine event. Festival admission required for Garden entry August 31–September 2. Tram tours, Café Flora brunch, and Saturday morning walking hours will not take place Labor Day weekend. 

martial artists performing on mat
Plan Your Visit  

Enjoy authentic Japanese music, art, dance, food, and entertainment at one of the oldest and largest festivals of its kind in the United States. 

View Festival Program     View Digital Guide


Please note: We welcome all cosplayers to Japanese Festival, but please make sure that your costumes are family appropriate and leave your weapons at home—even if they are harmless props. Violators will be asked to leave the festival.

Aerial view of island in picturesque lake

Teahouse Island Tours | SOLD OUT

August 31–September 2
Tours depart hourly on the hour from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. on Monday

Japanese Festival is your rare opportunity to visit the enchanting Teahouse Island in the heart of the Japanese Garden lake. These intimate guided tours will lead you to the secluded island home of an authentic soan, or farm hut-style teahouse, gifted to the Garden by Missouri's sister state of Nagano, Japan. 


Teahouse Island Tours SOLD OUT
No onsite sales. 


Due to rocky, uneven terrain, Teahouse Island is not accessible via wheelchairs or motorized scooters. We apologize for any resulting inconvenience. 

 

Please respect our neighbors and refrain from parking on residential streets or private lots. Vehicles parked on private lots are subject to towing at the vehicle owners' expense.