Japanese Festival

Taiko drummer in purple outfit performing outdoors

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, thrilling samurai sword performances 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, Nidec, Safety National, and Toyota

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. 

Admission 

$18

$9

$9

Free
Adults
(ages 13 & up)		 Children
(ages 3–12)		 Garden member adults
(ages 13 & up)		 Festival-level+ members (limit six adults)
and member children (ages 12 and under)

Tickets available July 9.

Aerial view of island in picturesque lake

Teahouse Island Tours

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. 


Tour Admission: $18 per person
Tickets sold exclusively online in advance beginning July 9. Japanese Festival admission required. Tour times subject to change. Maximum four tickets per person. 

 

Location & Parking

The Missouri Botanical Garden is easily accessible from the St. Louis metro area and conveniently located near Interstate 44.

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.