Izunuma-Uchinuma Lotus Festival

The Izunuma-Uchinuma Lotus Festival is a cherished seasonal event celebrating the natural beauty of one of Japan’s largest lotus-covered wetlands. Located in Miyagi Prefecture, these neighbouring marshes - Izunuma in Tome City and Uchinuma in Kurihara City - form a continuous wetland ecosystem designated as a Ramsar Site in 1985 for its ecological significance.

Spanning approximately 491 hectares (about 83 times the size of Tokyo Dome), these lowland lakes sit just 6 meters above sea level and reach depths of only 1.6 meters, making them ideal habitats for flourishing lotus plants. Each year from late July to August, millions of vibrant pink lotus flowers blanket the surface, creating a breathtaking, dreamlike landscape that draws photographers, families, and nature lovers alike.

A highlight of the festival is the lotus boat tour, where visitors can quietly glide through the lotus-filled waters aboard flat-bottomed boats, offering a close-up, immersive view of the blossoms.

Though Izunuma and Uchinuma lie in separate cities, they are divided by only a narrow strip of land and can easily be explored together. The festival’s venues and boat tour departure points are located just a few kilometres apart, allowing visitors to experience both marshes in a single trip.

Boat tours are available from three main locations:

Hasama Venue – near the Freshwater Fish Hall at the Izunuma-Uchinuma Sanctuary Center in Tome City (Lake Izunuma)

Wakayanagi Venue – near the Bird Hall at the Izunuma-Uchinuma Sanctuary Center in Kurihara City (Lake Izunuma)

Tsukidate Venue – near the Tsukidate Insect Museum at the Kurihara City Sanctuary Center (Lake Uchinuma) 

Tour availability and hours may vary by venue.