Latest Events in Kitakyushu City(March Updated)

Although the riverbanks may appear tranquil and still in winter, they are actually teeming with amphibians every year. To protect amphibians and other local biodiversity, the "2026 Amphibian Spawning Festival" is being held, aiming to raise awareness of the wonder, charm, and current state of nature and its creatures. Yamada Greenland is home to five amphibian species, all of which breed in winter (Japanese brown frog, mountain brown frog, Japanese toad, field frog, and salamander). Egg masses of the Japanese brown frog, mountain brown frog, and Japanese toad, as well as egg sacs of the salamander, can be observed annually. In spring, tadpoles can be seen swimming energetically.

During the Kokura Castle Cherry Blossom Festival, various cherry blossom varieties bloom in succession, including Kawazu-zakura, Yokoo-zakura, Somei-yoshino, and Mahi-zakura. After sunset, lanterns and paper lanterns illuminate the cherry blossoms, creating a dreamlike atmosphere completely different from the daytime, allowing visitors to stroll under the cherry trees at night. Throughout the festival, a variety of interactive activities are available to experience the charm of a castle town from the Edo period, including greetings from the Kokura Castle samurai, visits to traditional row houses, experiencing hospitality in traditional Japanese clothing, and trying your hand at shuriken throwing and archery. In addition, there are various local food stalls on site!

XG’s second world tour is officially confirmed! Less than a year after the end of their first world tour "XG 1st WORLD TOUR 'The first HOWL'", which held 47 shows in 35 cities worldwide, XG is about to embark on a brand new global tour. As their first tour after releasing their debut studio album, XG will showcase their unique worldview and stunning stage performances, further defining and proving the new music genre they have created, "X-POP", and fully demonstrating XG's true charm. The tour will start in Japan in February 2026, then move on to Asia, North America, the UK and Europe, Australia, and Central and South America. Advancing towards an unprecedented and boundless new realm. "XG WORLD TOUR: THE CORE" is an event you simply can't miss!

An outdoor event showcasing the charm of Kitakyushu will be held at Hananogaoka Park! A range of unique outdoor-only delicacies will be offered, such as premium game grilled meats and melt-in-your-mouth roasted marshmallows. Outdoor and gardening supplies, as well as flower seedlings, will also be available for sale. This is a fantastic opportunity to acquire seasonal flowers and other exquisite items, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to decorate their garden or balcony. Hammocks are also available for free use in the park's recreation forest. Gently swaying in a hammock will surely soothe your mind and body and relieve the fatigue of your daily life.

An exhibition will be held to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Watase Seizo, an artist associated with Kitakyushu and honorary director of the Manga Museum. Since his debut in 1974, Watase has continued to draw colorful worlds. The exhibition will feature all 24 of his recently completed “Tokyo Koyomi” and “Kyo Koyomi,” which depict long-distance romances set in Tokyo and Kyoto, as well as “Heart Cocktail” and rare manga manuscripts and materials from his pre “Heart Cocktail” nonsense manga days. Please come and see the trajectory of Watase Seizo.

The Rose Festival aims to be the most beautiful rose festival in Japan. About 510 varieties and 3,100 roses will bloom, creating a spectacular sight with the most roses in the year. [Major events] ・Food Truck Food Festival (May 10th and 11th) ・Night Rose Garden (May 16th, 17th, 18th, 23rd, 24th and 25th) ・Flower and Plant Workshop (May 17th, 18th, 23rd and 24th) ・Stage performance by comedian Yoshio Kojima (May 31st) ・Melted Cheese Festival (June 7th and 8th)

Yamada Ryokuchi will extend its opening hours to coincide with the firefly viewing season and will host the 2025 Yamada Firefly Festival. The nine-day "Special Guided Firefly Discovery Tour" will be held throughout, and advance registration is required. You can listen to the guide's explanation while observing the Genji and Heike fireflies that inhabit Yamada Ryokuchi.

The Wakamatsu Hydrangea Festival aims to promote the charm of Takatoyama City, which has the largest number of hydrangeas in the prefecture (approximately 74,700 plants), to both the city and beyond, and to inject vitality into Wakamatsu City. (The event began in 1999, and this year marks the 27th anniversary.) Takatoyama’s mountain hydrangeas bloom from late May to early June each year, and its western hydrangeas bloom in mid-June. This year’s Hydrangea Festival will have a branch venue event on June 1 (Sunday) when the mountain hydrangeas are in bloom, and a main venue event on June 8 (Sunday) and June 15 (Sunday) when the western hydrangeas are in bloom.