1. What is Nanyo City's Chrysanthemum Festival?

~Autumn festival held at two venues~

The Nanyo Chrysanthemum Festival is a traditional autumn event that Nanyo City, Yamagata Prefecture is proud of.

The 112th event will be held in 2024, spanning approximately one month from October 4 to November 6.

The event will be held at two venues, each offering different ways to enjoy it.

At the shrinevenue, visitors are greeted with chrysanthemum flower art and fantastic lighting, while at the flower park venue, the highlights are the intricate chrysanthemum dolls and the chrysanthemum flower festival.

Furthermore, the local chrysanthemum cultivation culture is deeply rooted in the background of this event.

Nanyo City is a region famous for its chrysanthemum production, and has long been a place of communication through flowers.

One of the reasons that many people visit this festival is that it allows them to rediscover the traditions and charms of the region.

It continues to be loved by many people, including local Nanyo residents and tourists from both within and outside the prefecture.

2. [First half] Shrine Venue

～Immerse yourself in the fantasy of autumn colors around Kumano Taisha Shrine～

On a lovely clear autumn day, I visited the first half of the event, the shrine venue.

The Chrysanthemum Festival starts at the large torii gate of Kumano Taisha Shrine!

On the Kumano Gate Street just past the torii gate, adorable chrysanthemum flower art is dotted about, displayed to welcome all visitors.

If you go further, you will see the large ginkgo tree, which is the symbol of Kumano Taisha Shrine.

At this time of year the leaves are just starting to change color, but when they are in full autumn colours the beauty of the scenery is truly stunning.

The grounds of Kumano Taisha Shrine also feature a temizuya (purification fountain) decorated in autumn colors.

It was beautifully decorated with chrysanthemums and maple leaves that gave a sense of the season, and it was heartwarming.

① Chrysanthemum flower art

◆ The colorful world of chrysanthemums ◆

One of the highlights at the shrine venue is the chrysanthemum flower art that spreads out around Kumano Taisha Shrine.

Colorful chrysanthemum flower art was displayed throughout the grounds and along the approach to the shrine, delighting visitors.

The works, which combine tradition with a sense of the seasons, demonstrate the skill and passion of the artists.

One of the attractions of the Chrysanthemum Festival is the pleasure of carefully admiring each chrysanthemum.

The works created by the artists are works of art themselves, combining tradition with a sense of the seasons.

The skill and passion that goes into each and every flower was apparent, and visitors couldn’t help but take pictures of their beauty.

Each designer has a different theme, and the opportunity to carefully view each piece is one of the attractions of this festival.

Among the flower art at the shrine venue were some collaborative works with chrysanthemum dolls.

The doll, decorated with gorgeous chrysanthemums, is inspired by the “Twelve-Layered Kimono” worn during the Heian period.

You will be captivated by the beauty of the colors created by the petals that softly sparkle in the light.

The delicacy and splendor of the piece made me feel as if I was transported to the world of that era.

Then, slowly climb the 46 stone steps up Omisaka, one step at a time.

There is also some fascinating flower art at the top of these stone steps.

The layout of the exhibits has been carefully thought out, and you’ll enjoy discovering something new every time you walk around.

Also, within the grounds of Kumano Taisha Shrine, colorful windmills were set up to welcome visitors.

They are displayed all along the approach and within the temple grounds, providing a sense of relaxation every time you visit.

The combination of the chrysanthemums’ colors and the way they sway gently in the breeze makes this a popular spot for taking commemorative photos.

② A fantastic night illuminated by chrysanthemums

◆The appeal of “light-up”◆

In addition, a flower art illumination was held for a limited number of days.

At night, the shrine venue changes completely from daytime, with the addition of fantastic lighting effects.

It exuded a calm beauty that was different from the vividness of daytime.

The chrysanthemum flowers illuminated by gentle lights under the night sky are somehow mystical, providing a moment of relaxation and soothing to the soul.

Taking a leisurely stroll while feeling the quiet, cool autumn night breeze is a luxurious experience that will help you forget your busy everyday life.

The Chrysanthemum Festival at night has a different, more fantastical atmosphere than during the day, making it the perfect place to create special memories with family, loved ones, and other important people.

We had a heartwarming time surrounded by the tranquility of an autumn night and the beautiful scenery.

3. [Second half] Flower Park Venue

~ Experience traditional beauty at the Chrysanthemum Doll and Chrysanthemum Flower Festival ~

The second half of the Chrysanthemum Festival takes place at Flower Park, where many children gather.

Many families came to the venue to view the chrysanthemum flowers, creating a lively and peaceful atmosphere.

The Flower Park venue has been designed with no steps on the roads, making it a barrier-free environment that can be enjoyed safely by everyone, from small children to the elderly and wheelchair users.

In a spacious space surrounded by vibrant chrysanthemums, we enjoyed a moment that brought a smile to the whole family’s faces.

① Chrysanthemum doll

◆ Exquisite works of art created by the craftsmanship of artisans ◆

The highlight of the Flower Park venue is the intricate chrysanthemum dolls made by chrysanthemum doll makers.

The theme for 2024 is inspired by the NHK taiga drama Dear Radiance.

The vibrant colors of the chrysanthemums beautifully express the gorgeous scenery of the Heian period.

The chrysanthemum dolls’ costumes were made with delicate chrysanthemum flowers, and their delicate arrangement and color contrast were beautiful.

The realism and power of the exhibit made it seem as if it had come straight out of a storybook, causing many visitors to stop and stare.

The chrysanthemum dolls, a wonderful blend of history and art, are truly the “flower of the festival.”

I was able to fully enjoy the world of the work, feeling the time it took to complete it and the passion of the craftsmen.

② Chrysanthemum Festival

◆ Nanyo City’s proud tradition and glamour ◆

The major event of the Nanyo Chrysanthemum Festival, the Chrysanthemum Competition (Chrysanthemum Exhibition), is a traditional event that symbolizes the region’s chrysanthemum cultivation culture.

The judging session for 2024 was held on October 30th, where gorgeous chrysanthemums were displayed, competing for beauty down to the smallest detail.

Here are some of the evaluation criteria for chrysanthemums.
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● Three Large Chrysanthemums, Thick Section
1. The flower of “heaven (the tallest flower)” is half a flower taller than the flowers of “earth” and “man”, the flowers of “earth” and “man” are flat, or the flower of “earth” is slightly taller than the flower of “man”.

2. The leaves get bigger as you go up

3. The flowers are large and the petals are well arranged.

4. All three flowers are the same size and in full bloom on the judging date (October 30th).

5. The leaves are vibrant, not missing a single leaf, and in good order. They are free of damage from pests and diseases.

6. The position of the branching point of the three branches and the angle at which they rise are beautiful, and the height differences of the three flowers (heaven, earth, and man) are in harmony.
(Reference: Nanyo Chrysanthemum Festival Official Website )
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The judging, which is based on these strict standards, makes us realize once again the profound depth of chrysanthemum cultivation.

In addition to the prize-winning works, many other masterpieces were on display at the venue, each one a culmination of the passion and skill of the person who created it.

Why not try looking for your own favorite chrysanthemum while thinking about the efforts of the artisans that went into creating the beautiful shapes of chrysanthemums?

③ Chrysanthemum Photo

◆ Colorful moments to remember ◆

At the Flower Park venue, every corner is a photogenic spot.

Particularly popular is the large flowerbed of chrysanthemums with jade chrysanthemums in the background.

The best time to visit is when the chrysanthemums are in full bloom!

In 2024, the chrysanthemums will be in full bloom around the time of the Chrysanthemum Festival, and it will be very beautiful.

( Photo taken on October 24, 2024)

( Photo taken on November 5, 2024)

There are plenty of great spots to take commemorative photos with family and friends!

The Chrysanthemum Festival is full of things to see, and the gorgeous scenery of chrysanthemums is sure to brighten up your autumn time.

4. In conclusion...

Children, who represent the future of the region, also played a major role at Nanyo’s Chrysanthemum Festival.

The venue was decorated with beautiful flower water basins lovingly made by the sixth graders of Miyauchi Elementary School, and magnificent chrysanthemums that had been painstakingly cultivated by elementary school students in the city.

This festival is an important tradition that is continued and protected by everyone in the community, from children to adults, working together.

Each and every chrysanthemum is filled with the love and effort of the people who support it, and brings warm emotions to the hearts of all who visit.

I am sure that this wonderful culture will continue to be passed down through generations and welcome us every autumn.

We hope that the time you spend at the Nanyo Chrysanthemum Festival will continue to bloom vividly in your hearts.