Hiroshima Flower Festival (3–5 May): The Flower Parade, Food Stalls and Tips for the 50th Festival in 2027

Quick answer: The Hiroshima Flower Festival (ひろしまフラワーフェスティバル) is held every year on 3–5 May, during Japan’s Golden Week, along Peace Boulevard and in Peace Memorial Park. It draws around 1.5–1.8 million people over three days. The highlight is the Flower Parade on 3 May; on all three days there are stages and food and local-product stalls. Entry is free. 2027 is the 50th festival (3–5 May 2027), with a special anniversary theme. Go by streetcar — there’s no parking — and book your hotel early.

I’ve been to the Flower Festival: I’ve watched the big Flower Parade, eaten my way along the food stalls and watched shows on the stages. The one thing to know before you go: the crowds are huge. Here’s how it works.

When and where

• Dates: 3–5 May every year. 2027 (3–5 May) will be the 50th festival — it began in 1977, and 2020 was cancelled.
• Where: Peace Boulevard (Heiwa Odori), the 100-metre-wide avenue through central Hiroshima, which is closed to traffic for the festival, and Peace Memorial Park.
• Entry: free.

The Flower Parade (3 May)

On the first day, a big parade of groups (over 70 in 2026) travels about 1.2 km west along Peace Boulevard towards Peace Memorial Park. I’ve watched it. Parade times vary from year to year, so check the official programme for the year you go.

• Tip: with crowds this big, arrive early if you want a good view.

Stages, stalls and more

• Stages: around 25–30 stages over the three days, with performances by hundreds of groups. The main Carnation Stage is next to the Peace Memorial Museum. I’ve watched shows here.
• Food and products: more than 100 stalls along the side of Peace Boulevard sell food and local products from around Japan and abroad. I’ve eaten my way along them.
• Flower Tower: an 8-metre tower covered in thousands of potted flowers, south of Peace Memorial Park.
• 5 May (final day): a Performance Parade on stages along the boulevard, ending with a Fire Finale.

Crowds

In recent years the festival has drawn 1.7–1.8 million visitors over three days (1.47 million in 2026, when the first day was rainy). From my own visits: expect very crowded streets.

• Keep your group together and agree a meeting point.
• Allow extra time for the streetcar and for getting food.
• Early May in Hiroshima is warm — average highs around 24 °C — so bring water and sun protection.

Getting there

• Streetcar (recommended): get off at Genbaku Dome-mae or Fukuromachi and walk about 10 minutes. Since August 2025 the Hiroshima Station streetcar stop is on the 2nd floor of the station building. See Hiroshima Streetcar Guide.
• Car: there’s no festival parking, and Peace Boulevard is closed.

Where to stay

The festival is in the middle of Golden Week, one of Japan’s busiest holiday periods, so book early. Staying downtown or near Peace Park means you can walk to the festival. See Where to Stay in Hiroshima.

Make a trip of it

• Peace Memorial Park and Museum are right next to the festival. See Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum.
• Okonomiyaki for dinner: see Hiroshima Okonomiyaki.
• A day trip to Miyajima: see Miyajima Day Trip.
• For other seasons, see Best Time to Visit Setouchi.

FAQ

When is the Hiroshima Flower Festival?
Every year on 3–5 May. In 2027 it’s the 50th festival, on 3–5 May.

Is it free?
Yes, entry is free. You pay for food and goods at the stalls.

When is the parade?
The Flower Parade is on 3 May. Times vary by year, so check the official website.

Is it very crowded?
Yes — around 1.5–1.8 million people over three days. Go early and use the streetcar.

Dates, visitor numbers and venue details checked on the official Hiroshima Flower Festival and Hiroshima City websites on 28 October 2026.

Kaz

Tokushima local with family roots in Hiroshima

I live in Tokushima and my family is from Hiroshima, where I also used to live. I still go back several times a year. The guides here come from places I have actually been. Where I haven't tried something myself, I say so.