
Guide
Kudamatsu Saturday Night Market
5 min readEvent Overview
The "Kudamatsu Saturday Night Market" is a quintessential summer celebration held around Kudamatsu Station, the gateway to Kudamatsu City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. Held on the first Saturday of August every year, the streets near the station become a pedestrian-only zone, transforming into a high-energy, festive space. Visitors can enjoy a unique summer night experience featuring local student booths, a diverse range of food trucks, and lively stage performances.
Highlights & How to Enjoy
The biggest draw of this event is the sensory experience. Start by enjoying live performances at the main stage located at the South Exit Rotary. As night falls, the area is beautifully illuminated by "Chiku-toro" (bamboo lanterns), creating a magical, dreamlike atmosphere perfect for a night stroll. The event also features high-energy activities like candy and rice cake tossing, making it an exciting experience for families with children.
Date & Schedule
The next event is scheduled for August 1, 2026. The event runs from 17:00 to 21:00. Please note that the event is expected to proceed even in light rain. As this is an annual tradition held on the first Saturday of August, it is a perfect way to spend a summer evening in Yamaguchi.
Venue & Access
The venue spans from the Kudamatsu Station South Exit through Motomachi Nishi and Honmachi streets, including the area around the Kiraboshi-kan Community Center. Access is excellent, located just a 1-minute walk from JR Kudamatsu Station. Using public transportation is the most convenient way to reach the festivities.
Tips for Visitors
Since the area is a pedestrian zone, you can wander freely through the streets to enjoy gourmet food from various trucks and stalls. We recommend bringing a camera to capture the vibrant atmosphere and the beautiful light displays. The lively stage events and traditional activities like candy tossing are great opportunities to feel the true energy of a Japanese summer festival.
What to Bring & Etiquette
As this is an outdoor summer event, we recommend bringing items to stay cool, such as drinks, a hand fan, or a portable electric fan. Please note that there is no dedicated parking available, so please use public transportation (such as JR Kudamatsu Station). For specific payment methods or detailed rules regarding food and drink, please check with the vendors or the official website on the day of the event.