Matsumoto Frog Festival

Name: Matsumoto Frog Festival
Start: 2026-06-21
End: 2026-06-21
Location: Matsumoto

The Matsumoto Frog Festival is a whimsical annual celebration held along Nawate Street in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture. This single-day public event features the Kaeru Market, where dozens of artists sell unique frog-themed crafts, alongside a costumed children's parade, live street performances, traditional drumming, and various local food stalls.

Date: Jun 21, 2026
Location: Matsumoto

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Event summary

Highlights

Kaeru Market featuring around 60 vendors selling unique frog-themed arts, crafts, and jewelry
Keroween costumed children's parade marching through Nawate Street
Energetic live drumming, music, and dance performances in colorful frog-inspired attire
Local food stalls selling festive Japanese treats like taiyaki and takoyaki

The Matsumoto Frog Festival is a lively annual celebration dedicated entirely to frogs, transforming the historic riverside Nawate Street in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, into a vibrant hub of green-themed festivities. The free-admission event attracts a diverse crowd of locals, families, and tourists who gather to enjoy the unique atmosphere and community spirit.

A central feature of the festival is the Kaeru (Frog) Market at Masugata Gate Square, which showcases the work of approximately 60 artists and craftspeople from across Japan. Visitors can browse and purchase a wide array of handmade frog-themed merchandise, including postcards, pins, jewelry, paintings, and other whimsical handicrafts. Another highlight is "Keroween," a scheduled afternoon parade starting at 1:00 PM where children dressed in creative frog costumes march through the streets.

Throughout the day, the festival space is filled with energetic music and dance. Performers dressed in colorful, patterned outfits reflecting the vibrant colors of frogs dance to the beat of traditional drums. In addition to the permanent shops along Nawate Street, numerous food vendors offer popular festival snacks such as taiyaki, takoyaki, kebabs, and fried noodles.

Practical details

Before attending

Check the sources below for current opening times, admission prices and registration requirements. A date range does not mean the event runs continuously or that admission is free.