Mark the start of summer by making your way over to Tagajo Castle’s Ayame-en (Iris Park) to walk in fields of three million gorgeous iris flowers in over 800 types. On Saturday and Sunday, visitors can also enjoy stage events and numerous other activities—see below for details. The festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Also be sure to take a stroll around the site where Tagajo Castle once stood. Built in 724, it served as the provincial capital from the Nara period to the Heian period. The castle, surrounded by one-kilometer long walls on all four sides, stood on a hill offering a sweeping view of Sendai Bay. Located nearby is the Tohoku History Museum, which provides a comprehensive look at the history of northern Japan.
Festival Bazaar
Local produce such as vegetables, and food stalls offering yakisoba (fried noodles), takoyaki (octopus balls), yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), cotton candy, shaved ice, juice, and more will be available for sale.
Date: June 14–20
Time: 10:00–16:00
Stage Events
A hospitality stage presented by members of the Tagajo Ruins Ayame Festival Executive Committee.
Date: June 14–15
Time: 10:00–15:30
Venue: Special stage inside the Ayame Garden
Experience Booth
Activities include woodworking hosted by the Tagajo City Construction Workers' Union and a dress-up experience with uniforms provided by the Japan Coast Guard.
Date: June 14–15
Time: 10:00–15:00
Tourism, Local Products & Souvenirs Corner
Featured products include the ancient rice sake Omowaku-hime, local gourmet brand Shiro no Murasaki items, and Tagajo Sakura—a sake brewed with locally grown Hitomebore rice at Dewazakura Brewery.
Date: June 14–15
Time: 10:00–16:00
Outdoor Tea Ceremony (Nodate)
Matcha green tea and traditional sweets will be served.
Hosted by: Local tea ceremony schools
Date: June 14–15
Fee: ¥500 per guest
Historic Site Guided Tours
Volunteer guides from the Shito Tagajo Tourism Association will offer free guided tours of the Tagajo Ruins—one of Japan’s three great historical sites—and the Tsubo Monument, counted among Japan’s three ancient steles.
Date: June 14–20
Time: 10:00–15:00
https://www.city.tagajo.miyagi.jp/kanko/shiseki/kanko/ayamematsuri/event2022.html