Japanese Fall Festival 2025

The Japanese Fall Festival is a three-day event celebrating Japanese culture and Springfield's sister city relationship with Isesaki, Japan. The festival runs from Friday, September 5th to Sunday, September 7th, with varying hours and admission prices each day.

Admission tickets are sold at the gate only, with cash and card accepted. Prices range from $9 to $14 for adults and $4 for children ages 3-12. On Sunday, guests in cosplay also get the reduced $4 admission. Members of the Springfield Sister Cities Association get free entry all weekend.

The festival features a variety of activities, including a food court, vendors, workshops, and a special kids' area. The 2025 headliner is Samurai Sword Soul, a New York-based theater company. On Friday and Saturday evenings, there will be a special Candlelight Walk where you can purchase and release a wishing lantern on the koi ponds.

Pets are welcome, and volunteers are needed to help run the event, with volunteers receiving free entry on the day of their shift. The festival is presented by the Missouri Arts Council and is supported by several sponsors and partner organizations. Half of the proceeds from admissions will go towards the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden, and the other half will support the Springfield Sister Cities Association's cultural programming. For more information, you can visit the festival's official website.