Okegawa Safflower Festival 2026
An annual June festival in Okegawa, Saitama, themed around safflowers (benibana). Okegawa was the second-largest safflower producer in Japan after Yamagata during the late Edo period. The city hosts this festival to carry on that tradition. Centered at the Michi-no-Eki 'Benibana no Sato Okegawa,' events include a local gourmet product fair, stage performances, and safflower picking experiences. The sight of yellow safflowers covering the fields is a beloved early summer tradition.
Okegawa Safflower Festival 2026 に関する情報をみんなで持ち寄りましょう。
Event Info
auto_awesomeHighlights
expand_more
Safflower field viewing and picking experience are the main attractions. Food booths are well-stocked with local specialties and Yonezawa beef skewers from sister city Iide Town, Yamagata. Workshops including safflower dyeing and paper-cutting are also available. Free shuttle bus connects the venue to safflower fields.
history_eduHistory & Origins
expand_more
Okegawa was known as a major safflower production area during the late Edo period, ranking second nationally after Yamagata. Leveraging this historical connection, the 'Safflower Festival' began as part of community development centered on safflowers.
event_repeatPast Editions
expand_more
First held around 1998, held annually in June. 2020-2021 canceled due to COVID-19. Resumed in 2022 as the 25th edition after a 3-year hiatus. 2023 was the 26th, 2024 the 27th. The 2025 28th edition celebrated Okegawa City's 55th anniversary, with the newly opened Michi-no-Eki as the main venue. 2026 marks the 29th edition on June 20-21, also featuring a collaboration with 'Nenrin Pick Saitama 2026.'
directionsAccess
expand_more
Free shuttle bus from JR Takasaki Line Okegawa Station West Exit. The shuttle circulates between the main venue, safflower viewing fields, and picking gardens. For cars, use Shiroyama Park Ground temporary parking. Public transportation recommended due to expected congestion.
groupsCrowd Forecast
expand_more
Right at opening around 9:30 AM is relatively uncrowded. Around noon gets crowded, so early arrival is recommended. Safflower fields look best in the morning with more vibrant flowers and better photos.
hotelBook a hotel in 埼玉県 桶川市 earlyPRchecklistTips & What to Bring
expand_more
Bring a hat, sunscreen, and beverages for this outdoor event. Wear clothes that can get dirty for the safflower picking experience. Shuttle bus wait times may occur during peak hours.
Get Ready
Prepare for this festival
PR一休.com / じゃらん遊び・体験
10/19〜10/25、
埼玉おすすめ
いちばんの注目は草加神社 例大祭。
秋のうまいもの
雨の日でも楽しめる
家族で楽しむ
Visitor Report
The Okegawa Safflower Festival is praised as an event combining local gourmet and flower field strolling at the Michi-no-Eki venue. The product fair features local specialties plus vendors from sister city Iide Town, Yamagata, with charcoal-grilled Yonezawa beef skewers being a yearly favorite. Local treats like Okegawa milk and dondonyaki are also available. The free shuttle bus to the safflower fields includes audio commentary about festival history, adding a touristic feel. The beautiful sight of yellow safflowers stretching across the fields is perfect for photos and the picking experience is popular. Good weather makes for a pleasant outing, though heat precautions are essential on hot days. Since 2025, the new Michi-no-Eki as the main venue has improved facility quality and visitor satisfaction.
* Compiled from multiple websites and social media sources.
アクセス・場所
For the organizer of this event
Corrections, photos, and removal are all free. We never charge organizers for listings.
* This site participates in affiliate programs