Suigo Itako
A peaceful riverside town just 30 minutes from Narita International Airport. Famous for its 1.5 million iris flowers, hand-row boat cruises along ancient waterways, and the beloved Yomeiribune bride-on-a-boat tradition.
About Itako City
Itako is located 70 kilometres far from Tokyo and each of its three sides faces a waterside. Only 30 minutes by car from Narita International Airport, Itako City is a riverside sight full of atmosphere and heartwarming welcome.
In early summer, Itako becomes a paradise of beautiful iris flowers and hosts its original events such as “The Matsuri Sancing” which will make you feel refreshed. The city also boasts a long history as a waterside town.
🌸 Suigo Itako Iris Festival
The Suigo Itako Iris Festival has been held since 1952. Around 1.5 million varieties of beautiful iris flowers bloom from around June 1 to June 30. The festival attracts visitors from all around Japan who come to see the vivid purple flowers blooming in the beautiful riverside area.
🚣 Cruising on a Hand-row Boat
The Suigo waterways were used as a substitute for land transportation in this Suigo waterfront area, and operation every day during the Iris Festival. The unique atmosphere aboard the boat, hearing the sound of flowing water, is truly special.
🚤 What to Expect on the Boat
Glide silently along ancient canals lined with iris flowers and weeping willows. The boat woman (Funakata-san) rows with traditional skill, sharing stories of the waterways. A deeply memorable and meditative experience unlike anything else in Japan.
👰 Yomeiribune — Bride on a Boat
Until the 1960s, Itako utilized a wide network of waterways for transportation. Back then, the lifestyles and transportation were inseparable from the water, and getting married was no exception — brides arrived at their new homes by boat.
In 1985, this style of wedding became popular again at the Tsukuba EXPO. Since then, this event takes place every year at the Iris Festival as a representative tradition. The enchanting scene of a bride in full traditional dress, arriving by decorated wooden boat, is one of the most photographed moments in Itako.
👰 When & Where
The Yomeiribune (bride on a boat) show is performed at the pavilion at the Iris Festival — typically mid-June. The traditional wedding ceremony is recreated in full costume on the decorated boat, gliding through the iris fields. An unforgettable spectacle.
🏛️ Choon-ji Temple
Choon-ji is an East Kanto Aizen Buddhist temple in Itako. Around 3,000 ajisai (hydrangea) flowers bloom from mid-June to mid-August, creating a beautiful purple-blue haze across the temple grounds. Every year on August 3rd, the Choon-ji Festival is held.
📅 Seasonal Events Guide
🌸 More Flower Highlights
🛍️ Roadside Station Itako
Pick up locally made souvenirs and fresh produce at the Roadside Station Itako. Around 1,000 items made in Itako are available, including the famous Aiya sake brewery products and local specialities.
🚆 Access & Transport
TEL: +81-299-63-1111 (international) · 0299-63-1111 (domestic)
E-mail: kankou@city.itako.lg.jp · Free Wi-Fi available citywide
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