The Akishima Citizen Whale Festival takes place in Showa Park (athletics stadium) and includes fireworks and a large whale parade.
What happens?
Highlights include a giant whale being pushed through the streets and a fireworks display, which takes place on the Saturday night. While you may be questioning the audacity of Japan in holding a festival celebrating whales, this event is held to commemorate the discovery of an ancient whale fossil found in the town in 1961.
Schedule
The fireworks will take place on Saturday, August 26 from 8 to 8:30 p.m. but there will be extra performances from 1:30 p.m. The whale parade will take place on Sunday, August 27 from 4 p.m. — setting off at Akishima Station (South Exit) and ending in Showa Park — and there will also be stage shows before from 1:50 p.m. and after the parade until 8 p.m.
How to get there
Showa Park is opposite Showa Memorial Park in Tachikawa. The nearest station is the Higashi-Nakagami Station on JR Ōme Line.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.