Get ready for a fun weekend in Saitama! This weekend (Feb 28th & Mar 1st) is packed with seasonal plum blossom viewing, fun Hinamatsuri (Girls' Day) celebrations in Iwatsuki and Konosu, and major outdoor family festivals like the Tokyo Farmers and Kids Festa which extends just over the border. If you need indoor activities, the Sayama Ski Resort is open, or you can catch the final day of the MOMAS Collection at the Museum of Modern Art Saitama.
See our top picks
Kawaguchi City x Real Treasure Hunt: Mysterious Kawaguchi Detective Agency
Kawaguchi City
A massive, free city-wide mystery game perfect for older kids.
Sayama Ski Resort 2025-26 Season
Sayama Ski Resort
Enjoy indoor skiing and snow play when the weather is unpredictable.
Fukaya Hanazono Premium Outlets 'Strawberry Fair'
Fukaya Hanazono Premium Outlets
A sweet treat event focused on tasting the local strawberry variety.
· February 28
7FREE : If you can pop down to Yoyogi Park, this free festival is perfect for showing kids where food comes from. Expect fun activities, taste testing, and maybe even seeing some farming equipment!It’s a highly interactive, free festival focused entirely on kids' engagement and education, running both days of the weekend.
: Enjoy one of the Kanto region’s top plum blossom festivals! Expect many events suitable for kids and adults alike amidst the beautiful flowers.It’s a beautiful seasonal outdoor experience with explicit mention that events are fun for children.
FREE : See the river surface lit up by countless sparkling lights in Kumagaya. It's a magical way to end a winter evening.It's a beautiful, free evening activity that is perfect for families winding down the weekend.
ANTIQUE MARKETFREE : If you are near Kawagoe, pop over to this market for some browsing. Flea markets are a fun way to spend a morning hunting for treasure.Markets offer casual, free browsing entertainment for the family.
PLANETARIUM WINTER SHOW: WATER EXISTING IN SPACE : Take a beautiful journey inside the planetarium to search for water in space! A great indoor option in Kawaguchi.Planetarium shows are high-quality indoor entertainment perfect for families.
: The Moominvalley festival kicks off this weekend in Hanno! A charming start to spring celebrating the beloved characters.Moomin events are incredibly popular with younger children and families.
PLUM BLOSSOM LIGHT UP (OGOSE)FREE : If you visit the plum grove during the day, stay late for the special light-up event, which turns the blooming trees into a magical spectacle.It offers a unique, enchanting nighttime view of the spring blossoms.
· March 1
2KONOSU SURPRISING DOLLS FESTIVAL WITH JAPAN'S LARGEST DOLL PYRAMIDFREE : If you missed the Iwatsuki Hina events, head to Konosu to see a massive doll pyramid display, including Japan's largest imperial couple set (Dairibina).This event offers a spectacular, unique variation on the traditional Hinamatsuri displays happening this time of year.
: A pop-up dinosaur event kicks off this weekend in Hanno! Perfect if your kids are fascinated by prehistoric creatures.Dinosaurs are always a winner for kids, and this marks the start of the event.
Also On· anytime this weekend
9: This is the very last chance to catch this collection showcasing masterpieces from the museum’s diverse holdings. Great for a slightly calmer, cultural outing indoors.This is the final day of the exhibition, making it a crucial last-chance event for the weekend.
FREE : Explore the city famous for dolls! This festival involves viewing, creating, and eating as part of the Hinamatsuri celebrations.It offers hands-on elements (creating/eating) around the traditional Hinamatsuri theme, centered in the City of Dolls.
: Need an indoor escape? Head to this indoor ski resort to enjoy skiing, snowboarding, or just playing in the snow—great for families regardless of the weather.It's an excellent family activity available regardless of the outdoor weather, perfect for late February/early March.
FREE : Explore Kawaguchi while solving a city-wide mystery to find a lost item. This is a great way to turn a city walk into an adventure.It’s a massive, free, city-wide game that encourages exploration, appealing strongly to older kids and teens.
FREE : Head to the outlets to taste the local specialty strawberry, 'Amarin.' If your kids love fruit, this is a sweet trip!Seasonal food fairs are always a big hit, and strawberries appeal to even the pickiest little eaters.
: Combine swimming fun with a light mystery game! Solve a letter from the dinosaurs while enjoying the heated pool.It merges two fun activities—swimming and mystery solving—into one venue.
: Solve puzzles while adventuring through Tokorozawa Sakura Town in this roaming mystery game centered around books and spirits.It’s a unique, location-based adventure perfect for families who enjoy collaborative puzzle solving.
: Work together to solve puzzles set around the historic Oshijo Castle area to save a character. This real-life mystery game is fun for the whole family.It combines history, mystery-solving, and teamwork in a unique location.
: Visit the Iwatsuki Doll Museum to see exquisite miniature Hina dolls spanning different historical periods. It's a close-up look at incredible craftsmanship.It's an indoor, culturally rich event focused on detailed craftsmanship that appeals to careful viewers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Saitama this weekend?
The best free options running this weekend (Feb 28 - Mar 01) are the Kawaguchi City Treasure Hunt, the Hoshikawa Illumination in Kumagaya, and the Strawberry Fair at Fukaya Outlets.
Are there any good indoor activities if it rains on Saturday?
Yes, you can visit the Sayama Ski Resort for snow play, check out the MOMAS Collection exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art Saitama (Sunday is the last day!), or visit the Planetarium at the Kawaguchi City Science Museum.
Where can we celebrate Hinamatsuri (Girl's Day) this weekend?
There are two great options: the comprehensive Iwatsuki Town Corner Hina Doll Tour and the spectacular Konosu Surprising Dolls Festival featuring Japan's largest doll pyramid.
