Tochigi Autumn Festival

About this event

Tochigi City's largest festival, the 'Tochigi Autumn Festival', is held once every two years, featuring gorgeous Edo-style doll floats parading through 'Tochigi, the City of Storehouses'. The floats, adorned with splendid carvings and gold and silver thread embroidery, were mostly crafted from the late Edo period to the Meiji period, and six of them are designated as Tangible Folk Cultural Properties by Tochigi Prefecture. The origins of the festival date back to 1874 (Meiji 7), carrying on traditions built through the spirit and wealth of the merchants of 'Koedo Tochigi' (Little Edo Tochigi), which flourished as a river transport hub to Edo and a post town along the Nikko Reiheishi Kaido road. During the 'Buttsuke' float battles, floats face each other closely and compete with festival music (hayashi) to show the fruits of their daily practice, allowing spectators to experience the real thrill of the festival. In 2026, it will be held for two days from Saturday, November 14 to Sunday, November 15. In addition, the 'Children's Float Festival', where 3rd and 4th graders from local elementary schools pull floats, is also scheduled. The festival takes place in the city center passing through historic warehouse streets and along the banks of the Uzuma River.

Venue

Kura-no-Machi Promenade

13-1 Fujimicho, Tochigi, Tochigi 328-0043