The Momotaro Matsuri is Okayama city’s largest annual celebration, held over a weekend in early August and named for the Peach Boy legend rooted in the surrounding Kibi Plain. Its signature is the Uraja, a modern dance competition in which hundreds of teams parade through the streets in bold costumes with their faces painted in fierce patterns — a nod to Ura, the demon Momotaro is said to have defeated. Alongside it run mikoshi processions, taiko, hundreds of food stalls and, on the river, a large fireworks display that closes the weekend.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Okayama, Okayama |
| Hours | A weekend in early August, afternoon into night |
| Admission | Free |
| Time needed | An evening or two |
| Best time | Early August; fireworks on the final night |
What to Expect
- The Uraja dance, teams with fiercely painted faces.
- Mikoshi processions and taiko through the city centre.
- Hundreds of food stalls filling the streets.
- Fireworks over the Asahi River to close the festival.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Korakuen and the castle by day.
- Pair with kibidango and the Momotaro legend.
- Read our Okayama overview .
Getting There
- On foot: the festival fills the central streets around Okayama Station.
- Road closures: the city centre is closed to traffic during events.
Tips
Check the exact dates, which fall on a weekend in early August and shift each year, and book accommodation well ahead as the city fills. Come in the late afternoon to see the Uraja dance teams properly before the evening crush, and stake out a riverbank spot early on the final night if you want a good view of the fireworks.
