Japanese Festival

Performer with decorative fan

Labor Day Weekend

August 30–31 | 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
September 1 | 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.

Sponsorship provided by
Nidec Corporation
Safety National
 

Japanese Festival is a rain-or-shine event. Festival admission required for Garden entry August 30–31 and September 1. Tram tours, Café Flora brunch, and Saturday morning walking hours will not take place Labor Day weekend. 

Sumo wrestlers grappling

Featured Performers


Bentenya

Bentenya is a vibrant all-female chindon group from Nagoya, known for promoting businesses while entertaining with music, parades, and theatrical flair. Since their formation in 2008, they’ve captivated audiences with nostalgic-meets-modern performances in glamorous kimonos and colorful wigs. 

Sumo

This year, we have partnered with USA Sumo to bring you four of the most popular rikishi in the world: Hiroki, Ichi, Mendee, and Zorig.  

 

Aerial view of island in picturesque lake

Teahouse Island Tours—SOLD OUT 

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. 

All 2025 Teahouse Island tours have sold out.


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

 

Location & Parking

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

Due to ongoing road construction, no parking is available along Tower Grove Avenue between Shaw Blvd. and Magnolia Ave. 

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.