The Izu Shirahama Aloe Flower Festival is a longstanding tradition spanning four decades, taking place annually from early December to early January at Izu Shirahama Aloe Village in Shimoda City, Shizuoka Prefecture. This unique festival highlights the striking winter-blooming Aloe arborescens, known for their vivid scarlet flowers that create a beautiful contrast against the blue waters of the sea.
The history of aloe in Shirahama dates back to the Meiji era when local fishermen brought the plants home from southern islands. Over time, Shirahama became known as “Aloe Village,” where over 30,000 aloe plants now bloom across the area’s frost-free coastal landscape. The centerpiece of the festival is the 500-meter seaside promenade, where guests can stroll through clusters of aloe while enjoying panoramic ocean views.
The Aloe no Sato shop serves as a hub of activity during the festival. Visitors can enjoy a complimentary cup of aloe tea and browse a range of local specialties, including aloe-based products, aloe seedlings, and regional delicacies. As an added bonus, the first 500 visitors to the event will receive a free mini aloe plant.
A fun and interactive highlight of the festival is the Aloe Village Photo Spot Quiz Rally. Guests can follow the promenade to answer quiz questions for a chance to win exciting prizes, such as Shirahama gift coupons, aloe product sets, and local seafood goods.
The Izu Shirahama Aloe Flower Festival is a rare opportunity to enjoy the outdoors in winter while witnessing one of nature’s unique seasonal spectacles. Admission to the event is free (bring yen if you plan on making any purchases at Aloe no Sato), and the operating hours are from 9am until 3pm daily.
