Latest in 2026! Tsubaki Matsuri (Camellia Festival) will be held again this year at "Tsubaki Kan Goishi in the World" in Ofunato, Iwate!

  • Iwate
  • Sightseeing
Camellia at its best
Camellia is the city flower of Ofunato, Iwate. In Ofunato, there is the "Camellia Museum of the World, Goishi," where 600 varieties of camellia from 13 countries around the world are collected. Camellias bloom in red, pink, yellow, and other colors, and you can enjoy single, double, peony, and various other flower shapes.
This time, we would like to introduce the "Tsubaki Festival" held every year from late January to late March, when camellias are at their best. 2026 will be held from January 25 (Sun.) to March 22 (Sun.). Why not stop by after touring the scenic Goishi Coast of Sanriku?
The 29th Tsubaki Festival in Ofunato, Sanriku

Ofunato and Camellia

Ofunato is known as the northern limit of camellia trees along the Pacific coast. Camellia trees can be seen everywhere in the city, including the largest and oldest camellia tree in Japan, said to be 1,400 years old, in the precincts of Kumano Shrine in Suezaki-cho, and the Goishi Camellia Garden along the boardwalk on the Goishi Coast. For this reason, the city is called the "village of camellia," and the camellia is also Ofunato's city flower.
Camellia Museum of the World, Goishi

Camellia World "World Camellia Museum, Goishi

The "World Camellia Museum, Goseki", located about a 2-minute walk from the Goseki Kaigan bus stop of the Iwate Kotsu Bus, is truly a camellia world with about 600 species of camellia, including about 400 Japanese species and 200 Western species. There are camellias from 13 countries, including the United States, England, Australia, Vietnam, and China. Because of the wide variety of camellias, some camellias bloom from December, with the peak from late January to mid-March, and the end of blooming in late April.
About 600 kinds of camellia
After enjoying the exhibits, be sure to stop by the store. The store sells camellia seedlings, potted flowers, camellia oil, camellia-patterned sundries, and other camellia goods, making it an irresistible spot for camellia lovers. Please try to find your own favorite camellia.
Camellia seedlings and potted flowers
Camellia goods

The 29th Tsubaki Festival in Ofunato, Sanriku

The Camellia Festival is held every year at the Camellia Museum of the World in Goishi, coinciding with the peak of the camellia blooming season. During the festival, not only can visitors view camellias in their full glory, but they can also experience the charm of Ofunato and camellias to the fullest by being greeted by Ofunato's character "Ofunaton," having their picture taken, having camellia crepes for sale, experiencing camellia oil pressing, and attending camellia cultivation workshops. A photo contest will also be held during the event, with prizes including gift certificates and assorted sweets. Please check the flyer for the event schedule.
Schedule
Map
In addition, various photo spots will appear exclusively during the event. The camellias in full bloom alone are sure to make for a photo-worthy shot, but the photo spots are also adorable. One of the ways to enjoy the Camellia Festival is to walk around with your camera or smartphone in hand, looking for your own favorite angle. How about sharing your memories on social networking services, or how about a commemorative photo of your trip with your loved ones?
Photo Spot (past photos)
Hina Matsuri (past photos)

Outline of the 29th Tsubaki Festival in Sanriku and Ofunato

Period: January 25 (Sun.) to March 22 (Sun.), 2026
*Closed on February 9, 24, and March 9.
Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Admission: High school students and older/500 yen Elementary and junior high school students/300 yen

Be surrounded by camellias in Ofunato, the home of camellias.

The camellia is loved as the city flower of Ofunato. We have introduced the "Tsubaki Matsuri (Camellia Festival)" where you can fully enjoy its dignified beauty. The fantastic space created by the colorful camellias along with the winter scenery of Sanriku will surely be a special memory of your trip, not to mention a great photo opportunity. Why not take a short trip this winter and experience the world of camellias, where Ofunato's rich nature and culture come alive?
Camellia at its best

Combine your favorite train with lodging or a day trip plan for a great travel experience!

You can make your own original trip!

JR East View Dynamic Rail Package is a variable price individual travel product available only on the web. Depending on the timing and conditions of your application, you may be able to get a discount as early as the day of departure. We also offer one-day trip plans! Enjoy your own unique trip according to your schedule and purpose.
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