Events
Ibara holds many events, all around the year. Take a look at the events below so you can plan your trip to Ibara!
September 2019
Pione Grape Festival 8/9
Come and try Ibara’s famous grapes at the annual Pione Grape Festival. From fresh fruit to fresh vegetables, the festival celebrates the delicious food that the area has to offer. In addition to the food, there are also many other attractions to enjoy, creating a great festival atmosphere.
Venue: Hoshi no Sato Aozora Market
Address: Okayama Prefecture, Ibara City, Bisei Town, Nishimizusuna 55-1
Tel: 0866-87-2531 (Japanese Only)
Home Page: http://www.biseikankou.jp/ (Japanese Only)
Event Date: Sunday 8th September 2019
Event Time: 8:00-14:00 (The event will end early if the products sell out)
Access:
By car – Around 40 minutes north from Kasaoka IC on the Sanyo Expressway
By bus – Around 35 minutes from Ibara Rail, Yakage Station, on bus going to Hiradani (平谷), and alight at Bisei Sanchoku Plaza (美星産直プラザ)
By bus – Around 40 minutes from Ibara Rail Ibara Station, on bus going to Kurohagi (黒萩) or Utodani (宇戸谷), and alight at Bisei Sanchoku Plaza (美星産直プラザ)
Bus schedule: http://www.hokushin-bus.com/service.html
Parking: Yes, Free
Kagura at Chuusei Yumegahara 14/9
Want to experience the traditional Japanese dance Kagura? Come down to Chuusei Yumegahara and experience the traditional Okayama Prefecture version, Koujin Kagura. Come and be a part of the story of Kagura, as it gets passed down throughout generations, and kept alive in the modern age.
Venue: Chuusei Yumegahara Festival Plaza (In the event of rain, to be held at Bisei Elementary School Gymnasium)
Address: Okayama Prefecture, Ibara City, Bisei Town, Miyama 5007
Tel: 0866-87-3914 (Japanese Only)
Home Page: http://www.ibara.ne.jp/~ts-yume/ (Japanese Only)
Event Date: Saturday 14th September 2019
Event Time: 16:30-23:20
Entrance Fee: Regular entry 500 yen, Reserved seating 1,000 yen
Access:
By car: 40 minutes north of Kasaoka IC, from the Sanyo Expressway
By bus: Around 35 minutes from Ibara Rail Yakage Station, on bus going to Hiradani (平谷), alight at Kokumin Shinryojyo-Mae (国保診療所前), and walk around 20 minutes
By bus: Around 40 minutes from Ibara Rail, Ibara Station, on bus going to Kurohagi (黒萩) or Utodani (宇戸谷), alight at Kokumin Shinryojyo-Mae (国保診療所前), and walk around 20 minutes
Parking: Yes, 300 spaces, Free
Budou no Sato Marathon 15/9
Ever wanted to run a marathon around a famous grape production area? Well now’s your chance! The Budou no Sato Marathon is your chance to enjoy a run through the beautiful area, and maybe eat some grapes along the way. There is a 20km, and a 5km course to choose from. Only high school students and above can take part in the 20km course.
Venue: Aono Elementary School
Address: Okayama Prefecture, Ibara City, Aono Town
Tel: 0866-62-8266 (Japanese Only)
Home Page: http://www.grnet.jp/index.htm (Japanese Only)
Event Date: Sunday 15th September 2019
Event Time: 9:20
Participation Fee: 20km 3,000 yen, 5km 2,500 yen, Middle school and younger 2,000 yen
Access:
By car: Around 25 minutes north of Kasaoka IC, from the Sanyo Expressway
By train: Alight at Ibara Rail, Ibara Station, and takes 10 minutes by car
Parking: Yes, Free
Yome-Irazu Kannon-in Autumn Festival 23/9
Do you want a long and happy life? Do you want to not be a bother to your wife even when you are older? Visit Kannon-in where you can pray for this. With outdoor shopping stalls, this bi-annual event has a lively atmosphere.
Venue: Yome-Irazu Kannon-in
Address: Okayama Prefecture, Ibara City, Ooe Town 1036
Tel: 0866-67-2202 (Japanese Only)
Event Date: Monday 23rd September 2019
Event Time: 8:00-15:00
Access:
By car: Around 15 minutes north of Kasaoka IC, from the Sanyo Expressway
By train: Alight at Ibara Rail, Ibara Station, and take the city bus for around 7 minutes
Parking: Yes, Free, Regular car 200 spaces, Large cars 50 spaces
October 2019
Outdoor Music STARS ON Festival 13/10
Enjoy the autumn breeze and live music, as you relax underneath the beautiful stars. Get tickets at http://stars-on.jp/.
Venue: Chuusei Yumegahara
Address: Okayama Prefecture, Ibara City, Biwa Town, Miyama 5007
Tel: 086-222-1015 (Japanese Only)
Home Page: http://stars-on.jp/ (Japanese Only)
Event Date: Sunday 13th October 2019
Access:
By car: 40 minutes north from Kasaoka IC, from the Sanyo Interchange
By bus: Charged shuttle bus running from JR Shin-Kurashiki Station (reservation needed)
Parking: For people who don’t have parking included in their ticket, there will be a charged shuttle bus running from the Hoshi no Sato Fureai Centre
Active Ibara Interaction Festival 20/10
An event designed to enable interaction between organisations working around health and welfare, and visitors to the event. Each organisation will have a tent to promote themselves, along with a concert on the main stage, alongside many other attractions. Additionally, you can have a health checkup, consolations, or gain some advice from a specialist at the Health Centre. Come and learn, play, and interact with health and welfare!
Venue: Ibara Station Plaza, Ibara Health Centre, Ibara Worker Physical Education Centre
Address: Okayama Prefecture, Ibara City, Nanukaichi Town 943-3
Tel: 0866-62-9516 (Japanese Only)
Event Date: Sunday 20th October 2019
Event Time: 9:30-14:00
Access:
By car: Around 20 minutes north from Kasaoka IC, from the Sanyo Expressway
By train: Alight at Ibara Rail, Ibara Station
Parking: Yes, Free
Bisei Furusato Festival 27/10
Buy the famous vegetables, dairy, soba, etc. of Bisei Town. With every time this festival is held, it just keeps getting more likely.
Venue: Hoshi no Sato Fureai Centre
Address: Okayama Prefecture, Ibara City, Bisei Town, Hoshida 2-10
Tel: 0866-87-3113 (Ask for Japanese Only)
Home Page: http://www.okasci.or.jp/biccyuunishi/ (Japanese Only)
Event Date: Sunday 27th October 2019
Event Time: 9:00-15:00
Access:
By car: 40 minutes north of Kasaoka IC, from the Sanyo Expressway
By bus: Around 35 minutes from Ibara Rail Yakage Station, on bus going to Hiradani (平谷), alight at Kokumin Shinryojyo-Mae (国保診療所前), and walk around 5 minutes
By bus: Around 40 minutes from Ibara Rail, Ibara Station, on bus going to Kurohagi (黒萩) or Utodani (宇戸谷), alight at Kokumin Shinryojyo-Mae (国保診療所前), and walk around 5 minutes
Bus schedule: http://www.hokushin-bus.com/service.html
Parking: Yes, Free
Ibara Oni Festival 27/10
Ibara’s autumn festival, also known as the Oni Festival, is where around 100 Oni, Japanese folklore demons, proceed throughout the city.
Venue: Ibara Community Centre
Address: Okayama Prefecture, Ibara City, Ibara Town
Tel: 0866-62-8478 (Japanese Only)
Event Date: Sunday 27th October 2019
Event Time: 13:00
Access:
By car: Around 20 minutes north of Kasaoka IC, from the Sanyo Expressway
By train: 20 minute walk from Ibara Rail, Ibara Station
Chrysanthemum Display October-November
Enjoy viewing the beautiful chrysanthemums that Kikiaikouka have grown with perfection. With various colours and shapes, you can immediately enter the world of the chrysanthemum. You are free to view the flowers at any time, so please pop by and check them out.
Venue: Ibara Station Plaza
Address: Okayama Prefecture, Ibara City, Nanukaichi Town 943-3
Tel: 0866-62-8850 (Japanese Only)
Event Date: October to November 2019
Event Time: All day
Access:
By car: Around 20 minutes north of Kasaoka IC, from the Sanyo Expressway
By train: Alight at Ibara Rail, Ibara Station
Parking: Yes, Free
November 2019
Ibara City Culture Festival 2/11-3/11
People from the Ibara Culture Association announce their art, and their success from throughout the year. Cannot be missed.
Venue: Ibara Shimin Kaikan, Citizen Gallery, Housewife Hall, etc.
Address: Okayama Prefecture, Ibara City, Ibara Town, Nanukaichi Town
Tel: 0866-62-9541 (Japanese Only)
Event Date: Saturday 2nd – Sunday 3rd November 2019
Event Time: Dependent upon venue and event
Access:
By car: Around 20 minutes north of Kasaoka IC, from the Sanyo Expressway
By train: 3-10 minute walk from Ibara Rail, Ibara Station
Parking: Yes
Yoshii Furusato Festival 3/11
The biggest autumn foliage event at the famous Tenjinkyou. Selling fresh local vegetables, arts, exhibits, a stage show, there are many attractions to keep you entertained. The event is split up into three corners; the agriculture corner, culture corner, and the play corner, allowing everyone from kids to adults to be able to enjoy their time here.
Venue: Yoshii Seigan Gakushu Centre
Address: Okayama Prefecture, Ibara City, Yoshii Town, Yoshii 4058-1
Tel: 0866-72-0112 (Japanese Only)
Event Date: Sunday 3rd November 2019
Event Time: 9:30-15:00
Access:
By car: Around 35 minutes north of Kasaoka IC, from the Sanyo Expressway
Parking: Yes
Chuusei Yumegahara Emaki 3/11
The Chuusei Yumegahara Emaki is all about enabling you to experience the heroic feeling of being a warrior in the Middle Ages. Practicing ancient Japanese martial arts, being a swordsmith, taking part in Kagura, you can experience a lot in this event.
Venue: Chuusei Yumegahara
Address: Okayama Prefecture, Ibara City, Biwa Town, Miyama 5007
Tel: 0866-87-3914 (Japanese Only)
Home Page: http://www.ibara.ne.jp/~ts-yume/
Event Date: Sunday 3rd November 2019
Event Time: 10:00-15:00
Fee: Park admission necessary
Access:
By car: 40 minutes north of Kasaoka IC, from the Sanyo Expressway
By bus: Around 35 minutes from Ibara Rail Yakage Station, on bus going to Hiradani (平谷), alight at Kokumin Shinryojyo-Mae (国保診療所前), and walk around 20 minutes
By bus: Around 40 minutes from Ibara Rail, Ibara Station, on bus going to Kurohagi (黒萩) or Utodani (宇戸谷), alight at Kokumin Shinryojyo-Mae (国保診療所前), and walk around 20 minutes
Bus schedule: http://www.hokushin-bus.com/service.html
Parking: Regular cars 70 spaces, Large vehicles 5 spaces, Free
Mihara Watari Byoushi – Itosaki Hachimanjyu Shrine 9/11
In the autumn festival of November, there are several spiritual events at the shrine, such as Watari Byoushi, Mikomai, Shinkousai, Yudate, and many more. The main event, Mihara Watari Byoushi, is where men with large feathered manes (Shaguma) dance around and play a traditional Japanese drum, a taiko.
Venue: Itosaki Hachimanjyu Shrine
Address: Okayama Prefecture, Ibara City, Yoshii Town, Nishimihara 1419
Tel: 0866-72-0112 (Japanese Only)
Event Day: Saturday 9th November 2019
Event Time: 12:00-15:00
Access:
By car: 50 minutes from Kasaoka IC, from the Sanyo Expressway
Parking: Yes, Free
Mihara Watari Byoushi – Nakayama-ten Shrine 10/11
In the autumn festival of November, there are several spiritual events at the shrine, such as Watari Byoushi, Mikomai, Shinkousai, Yudate, and many more. The main event, Mihara Watari Byoushi, is where men with large feathered manes (Shaguma) dance around and play a traditional Japanese drum, a taiko.
Venue: Nakayama-ten Shrine
Address: Okayama Prefecture, Ibara City, Yoshii Town, Higashimihara 3295
Tel: 0866-72-0112 (Japanese Only)
Event Date: Sunday 10th November 2019
Event Time: 12:00-15:00
Access:
By car: 55 minutes from Kasaoka IC, from the Sanyo Expressway
Parking: Yes, Free
Atagocchi Giant Battle 24/11
The annual event that is held at the Budou Rouman-kan. In the winter, there are Atago-kaki, and Atago-nashi, famous fruit of Okayama. In addition to these fruit being sold, there are also many games to participate in, creating a lively event.
Venue: Budou Rouman-kan
Address: Okayama Prefecture, Ibara City, Aono Town 3535-3
Tel: 0866-63-3126 (Japanese Only)
Home Page: http://www.grnet.jp/index.htm
Event Date: Sunday 24th November 2019
Event Time: 9:00-14:00
Access:
By car: Around 25 minutes north of Kasaoka IC, from the Sanyo Expressway
By train: 10 minute drive from Ibara Station
Parking: Regular car 50 spaces, Large vehicles 2 spaces, Free
December 2019
Ibara Christmas Illuminations - Minakurune December-January
As Christmas gets closer, it’s the season where people decorate their shops and houses with Christmas lights. Come join us for the Christmas lights being switched on at Ibara Station, and be dazzled by the beautiful illuminations.
Venue: In front of Ibara Station
Address: Okayama Prefecture, Ibara City, Nanukaichi
Tel: 0866-62-0420 (Japanese Only)
Home Page: http://www.ibara.ne.jp/~cciyeg/
Event Date: December 2019 – January 2020
Event Time: 17:00-22:00
Access:
By car: Around 20 minutes north of Kasaoka IC, from the Sanyo Expressway
By train: Ibara Rail, Ibara Station
Parking: Yes, Free
Meiji Gonbou Village Festival 1/12
To say thank you for this year, Meiji Gonbou Village is holding the Meiji Gonbou Festival, selling fresh vegetables from the area, such as their famous burdock root, potatoes, taro, Chinese cabbage, etc. There are also many attractions, such as harvesting gonbou, prizes for the biggest gonbou, etc. You can’t miss out on the delicious fresh vegetables from the area, and the warm hot pot vegetables in the cold winter.
Venue: Meiji Gonbou-mura Fureai Plaza
Address: Okayama Prefecture, Ibara City, Yoshii Town, Hanadaki
Tel: 0866-72-0112 (Japanese Only)
Event Date: Sunday 1st December 2019
Event Time: 8:30-14:00
Access:
By car: 40 minutes north of Kasaoka IC, along National Highway 34
By train: Alight at Ibara Station, take the bus for Saya (佐屋) and alight at Meiji Yuubinkyoku-mae (明治郵便局前), and walk for 20 minutes
Parking: Yes, Free
January 2020
Ibara Line Construction Commemorative Day – One Coin Day 12/1
To celebrate the construction of the Ibara Line, on Give Thanks Day, the whole of the Ibara Line will be selling all you can ride tickets that can be used all day long, anywhere on the Ibara Line. Tickets are 500 yen for adults, and 300 yen for children. At several of the Ibara Line’s stations as well, there will be events selling products, such as fresh vegetables and other goods. Don’t miss out!
Venue: Ibara Line, All Stations
Address: Okayama Prefecture, Ibara City, Nanukaichi 943-3
Tel: 0866-62-9504 (Japanese Only)
Home Page: http://plus.harenet.ne.jp/~ibarasen/
Event Date: Sunday 12th January 2020
Event Time: All day, Events at stations is 9:00-15:00 (Soja Station, Kibi no makibi Station, Yakage Station, Ibara Station, Kannabe Station)
Access:
By car: Around 20 minutes north of Kasaoka IC, from the Sanyo Expressway
By train: Ibara Station
Parking: Yes, Free
Hoshi no Sato Fureai Health Marathon 26/1
Setting off from Bisei Exercise Centre, the marathon offers three courses to choose from; 3km, 5km, and 10km. Once you’re done with the marathon, you could even pop into one of the local tourist spots, such as Hoshi no Sato Aozora Market, Chuusei Yumegahara, and Bisei Observatory.
Venue: Bisei Undou-jyo
Address: Okayama Prefecture, Ibara City, Bisei Town, Hoshida 2-14
Tel: 0866-87-2695 (Japanese Only)
Home Page: http://www.lap.co.jp/bisei/index.html
Event Date: Sunday 26th January 2020
Event Time: Starts at 9:40, Registration from 8:30-9:30
Participation Fee: Elementary/Middle School Students 1,000 yen, High School Students and above 2,000 yen, Parent and Child (The child being Elementary School 2nd year or younger) 2,500 yen
Access:
By car: 40 minutes north of Kasaoka IC, from the Sanyo Expressway
By train: 15 minutes by car from Ibara Rail, Oda Station
Parking: 100 spaces, Free
February 2020
Yumegahara Old New Years 9/2
Ever wondered what New Year’s celebrations were like in the middle ages? Well now, you can experience them first hand at Yumegahara’s Old New Years. Enjoy traditional games and food, as you slip back in time to the middle ages, and experience a new year like never before. From kids to adults, anyone can enjoy this.
Venue: Chuusei Yumegahara
Address: Okayama Prefecture, Ibara City, Bisei Town, Miyama 5007
Tel: 0866-87-3914 (Japanese Only)
Home Page: http://www.ibara.ne.jp/~ts-yume/
Event Date: Sunday 9th February 2020
Event Time: 10:00-15:00
Fee: Park entrance fee (300 yen)
Access:
By car: 40 minutes north of Kasaoka IC, from the Sanyo Expressway
By bus: Around 35 minutes from Ibara Rail Yakage Station, on bus going to Hiradani (平谷), alight at Kokumin Shinryojyo-Mae (国保診療所前), and walk around 20 minutes
By bus: Around 40 minutes from Ibara Rail, Ibara Station, on bus going to Kurohagi (黒萩) or Utodani (宇戸谷), alight at Kokumin Shinryojyo-Mae (国保診療所前), and walk around 20 minutes
Parking: 300 spaces, free
March 2020
National Health Marathon 1/3
The National Health Marathon is a marathon suited to everyone, from a pro to a beginner, to families even. With a flat course, and a selection of lengths, it is a marathon anyone can enjoy. The courses are half marathon, 5km, and 3km.
Venue: Ibara Sports Park, Athletic Field
Address: Okayama Prefecture, Ibara City, Kamiizue Town 1583
Tel: 0866-62-9533 (Japanese Only)
Event Date: Sunday 1st March 2020
Event Time: 9:10
Participation Fee: General 3,000 yen, General (2.3km) 1,500 yen, High School Student and below 1,000 yen
Access:
By car: 15 minutes north of Kasaoka IC, from the Sanyo Expressway
By train: 10 minute walk from Ibara Station
Parking: 600 spaces, Free