Nanyo Chrysanthemum Festival (Miyauchi Venue)

The Nanyo Chrysanthemum Festival is reckoned the oldest in Japan, running for well over a century since the Meiji era. It is staged in two halves at two different sites; this is the first, the Miyauchi venue. The Miyauchi district grew up as the temple town before Kumano Taisha, one of Japan's three great Kumano shrines, and chrysanthemum flower art is displayed along the approach and through the surrounding streets. Rather than rows of potted entries, the emphasis here is on sculptural work using chrysanthemums as material, which makes it approachable for visitors who are not flower specialists. Kumano Taisha is also known for its associations with matchmaking, and many visitors combine the festival with the tradition of finding the three rabbits carved behind the main hall. From October 20 the festival moves to the Hana Park venue. Open 9:00 to 16:00.