Menus and labels are in English. Event information is machine-translated from Japanese sources, and place details (names, descriptions, opening hours) are shown in Japanese.
Events in Higashimatsuyama in January 2027
Festivals, workshops, exhibitions and other events in Higashimatsuyama in January, in date order. You can also browse them on the map and calendar.
Events in January 2027 (11 events)
- January 1 (usually)
Yakyu Inari Shrine New Year's Day Festival
A Shinto ritual held at midnight at Yakyu Inari Shrine. It celebrates the beginning of the new year and prays for the prosperity of the nation and peaceful coexistence and mutual prosperity of the world. Visitors can participate along with their first shrine visit of the new year.
- January 7 (usually)
Yakyu Inari Shrine Koshinsatsu Takiage-sai
A Shinto ritual to return and ritually burn old paper talismans, amulets, and ema plaques received during the past year. Visitors can prepare their minds and bodies through the burning ritual carried out with gratitude.
- 2026Sat, Oct 24+5 more dates
Municipal Agriculture and Forestry Park: Agri-Park Rangers!
A multi-session experiential program for elementary and junior high school students to enjoy nature, agriculture, and fundamental food experiences through farm produce in the park. In addition to regular activities, an overnight camp will be held in spring, allowing participants to fully immerse themselves in rich nature.
- 2027Sun, Jan 17
Matsuyama Girls' High School Wind Orchestra Regular Concert
An independent concert by first- and second-year students representing the new lineup of the Matsuyama Girls' High School Wind Orchestra. Attendees can enjoy an uplifting, youthful stage performance for free in the hall.
- 2027Sat, Jan 23
Professor Denjiro's Science Show
A stage packed with audience-participation experiments, including familiar demonstrations, giant balloons, and quizzes. Blending education and entertainment, people of all generations from young children to adults can enjoyably experience the wonders of science.
- Wed, Apr 1, 2026 – Wed, Mar 31, 2027
Koala Happy 40th Anniversary
An event commemorating the 40th anniversary of koalas arriving at the zoo. A diverse range of special events will be held, including distribution of limited-edition stickers, fun and educational exhibitions, and an Australia Fair featuring character appearances and live ethnic instrument performances.
- Wed, Apr 1, 2026 – Wed, Mar 31, 2027
Let's Make the World Rodent Map Together
An online project aiming to complete a world map by having participants send photos of handmade rodent crafts via Instagram DM. Anyone can casually participate, learning about rodent ecology by accurately depicting real-life species using felt, origami, or other crafting materials at home.
- Sat, Jul 18, 2026 – Wed, Mar 31, 2027
Children's Zoo Worksheet Quiz and Explanations
A total of 7 different worksheets are available to help you learn about animals while exploring the park. Observe the animals and make new discoveries while tackling spot-the-difference puzzles, discovery bingo, and more.
- Thu, Sep 24, 2026 – Sat, Jan 30, 2027
ZOO HOPPER GUIDE
A private guided tour limited to one group per day, where an experienced staff member knowledgeable about the zoo guides you around the park by cart. Enjoy a special time with a course around the grounds and guidance tailored to your preferences.
- Thu, Oct 1, 2026 – Sun, Feb 14, 2027
Higashimatsuyama and Hiki Sightseeing Stamp Rally
A digital stamp rally visiting sightseeing spots in the Hiki area. Depending on the number of stamps collected, you can exchange them for prizes at facilities or enter a drawing to win local specialty products.
- mid-January (usually)
Yakyu Tenmangu Shrine Festival
A festival dedicated to academic achievement held on the Sunday near Hatsu Tenjin. In addition to prayers for educational success, a calligraphy exhibition is held on the shrine grounds.
Events held in January 2026 (for reference, 6 events)
Many events are held around the same time every year, so use these to plan ahead. Check the official websites for this year's dates.
- January 1 (usually)
New Year's Day Ritual at Yakyu Inari Shrine
A ritual held at midnight at Yakyu Inari Shrine. It celebrates the beginning of the new year and prays for the prosperity of the nation and global coexistence and co-prosperity. Visitors can attend in conjunction with their New Year prayers.
- 2026Thu, Jan 1 – Wed, Jan 7
New Year Prayer Festival at Yakyu Inari Shrine
At the start of the new year, prayer rituals are conducted to pray for safety, peace, and happiness throughout the year. Visitors can offer prayers for family safety, warding off evil, and business prosperity, and a Shinto ritual is also performed to burn old talismans and amulets.
- January 7 (usually)
Koshinsatsu Takiagesai at Yakyu Inari Shrine
A Shinto ritual where amulets, protective charms, and ema (votive wooden plaques) received during the past year are returned and ritually burned. Visitors can refresh mind and body through this sacred burning ceremony offered with gratitude.
- 2026Mon, Jan 12
Capybara Hot Spring Special Guide
In this event, participants draw pictures of capybaras on cypress wood boards while listening to explanations from the deputy zoo director, and float the boards in the capybara hot spring bath. Available on a first-come, first-served basis with limited capacity; numbered tickets are required.
- 2026Thu, Jan 1 – Tue, Dec 29
Hands-on Animal Experiences at Saitama Children's Zoo
This regular event offers activities such as animal petting, pony riding, cow milking, and animal feeding. A rich lineup of programs for both children and adults to learn and enjoy is available, including guided tours, craft workshops, and picture-story shows (kamishibai).
- Mid-January (usually)
Yakyu Tenmangu Shrine Festival
A festival for academic success held on the Sunday close to Hatsu Tenjin. In addition to praying for academic improvement, a calligraphy exhibition is also held on the shrine grounds.