Kikuchi Chrysanthemum Doll Festival

About This Event

Warrior dolls of the Kikuchi clan rendered in chrysanthemums, with schoolchildren's entries alongside

Kikuchi carries the character for chrysanthemum in its name and is known as the home of the Kikuchi clan, the lords who fought for the Southern Court across Kyushu in the 14th century. Drawing on that history, the Chrysanthemum Doll Festival held here each autumn places dolls dressed as Kikuchi warriors, their robes fashioned from living chrysanthemums, at the heart of the display; 2026 marks the 36th festival. The venue is the Furusato Sosei Civic Plaza in the town centre, where members of the city's chrysanthemum festival committee show the large and small blooms, cascades and bonsai forms they have raised over the year, alongside plants grown by pupils of local elementary, junior high and high schools, a reminder of how the whole town takes part. The 2026 festival runs from 31 October to 15 November, open 9:00 to 17:00 with free admission. Parking is available at the plaza, and on weekends and holidays at the neighbouring prefectural regional office. Details of events during the run are announced on the Kikuchi tourism association website. Combined with Kikuchi Onsen and the autumn colours of Kikuchi Gorge, it makes a full taste of the season.