Japan is an absolute dream destination for many, especially during cherry blossom season—but unfortunately, it’s also quite expensive. If you’re still longing for a dose of East Asian culture, you should take a day trip to Augsburg. Every year, the local Botanical Garden hosts the Japanese Spring Festival, which offers a glimpse into the country’s culture. With dance, cuisine, and cosplay, you can celebrate both tradition and pop culture here.
A colorful program at the Japanese Spring Festival
The Japanese Garden in Augsburg is a gem within the city’s Botanical Garden and is considered particularly authentic. Architect Yoshikuni Araki is responsible for the garden’s design, which he modeled after Kyoto. There could be no better setting for a Japanese Spring Festival. On May 10, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., a colorful program awaits you at three locations within the garden.
In the Rose Pavilion, you’ll find music and poetry. Here you can listen to the Shinwa Taiko drums, the Japanese women’s choir, and the participants in the haiku competition. On the martial arts field, you’ll see demonstrations of various martial arts, from karate to aikido . In the seminar room, the paper theater will entertain you. You can also get hands-on, for example by folding origami or playing karuta. Cosplayers are expressly welcome and may showcase their elaborate costumes. And of course, there will be plenty of Japanese culinary delights, from karaage to onigiri to dorayaki.
A proven event with a new concept
The Japanese Spring Festival in Augsburg is taking place for the 19th time this year. This year, the event falls on May 10, Mother’s Day, making it the perfect activity to celebrate the occasion. Since the event has grown in popularity in recent years, organizers decided to adopt a new concept this year.
To ensure you don’t have to stand in a hundred-meter-long line for up to an hour like last time, admission is regulated via time slots. Tickets are available only online in advance; they are not sold at the box office. You choose a time slot in advance for when you want to visit the Japanese Spring Festival and are bound to that time slot. This allows for better regulation of visitor flows and shortens wait times.
📍 Location: Augsburg Botanical Garden, Dr.-Ziegenspeck-Weg 10
📅 Date: May 10, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
💶 Price information: €8.50 regular, €4.50 reduced
