Iwakura City in Aichi Prefecture is hosting the Mini SL Market at Yume Sakura Park over four days: Saturday–Sunday, March 28–29 and Saturday–Sunday, April 4–5, 2026. Timed to coincide with the Iwakura Cherry Blossom Festival, the event takes place at Yume Sakura Park, approximately a 10-minute walk from Ishihotoke Station on the Meitetsu Inuyama Line.
A highlight of the event is the free-ride mini steam locomotive (mini SL), which will run throughout all four days. Last year the market was held just once during the cherry blossom festival period; this year it expands to two consecutive weekends.
Visitors can also enjoy kitchen cars and food stalls on all four days, and Iwakura City PR ambassador "Ee-wakun" will make appearances each day. On each Sunday, a popular clown will perform street entertainment, making it a great outing for families with young children.
Alongside the market, the Iwakura Cherry Blossom Festival runs from Friday, March 27 through Sunday, April 5. Along the Gojo River, visitors can stroll beneath cherry blossoms, browse festival food stalls, and enjoy illuminations in the evening.
Event Details
- Dates: Saturday–Sunday, March 28–29 and Saturday–Sunday, April 4–5, 2026, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
- Venue: Yume Sakura Park (185-1 Teruyama, Yatsurugichō, Iwakura City, Aichi Prefecture)
- Access: Approximately 10 minutes on foot from the East Exit of Ishihotoke Station on the Meitetsu Inuyama Line
- Organizer: Iwakura City / NPO Iwakura Tourism Promotion Association
- Official website: https://iwakura-kanko.com/event.php?id=2026_2_4
Notes
- The mini SL may be suspended or cancelled due to weather conditions.
- Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the venue grounds. There are no designated smoking areas.
- Please follow the instructions of staff when boarding the mini SL to ensure safe operation.
- During busy periods, waiting time may occur.
- Please dispose of rubbish at the waste stations on the venue grounds or return it to the stall where it was purchased.
- Dining areas are shared; please be considerate of other visitors.
- There is no parking available. Please come by foot, bicycle, or public transportation.
