Kawagoe Festival

About this event

Held in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture, the "Kawagoe Festival" is the "Kawagoe Hikawa Festival Float Event," boasting a history of more than 370 years and recognized as one of the Kanto region's premier autumn festivals, designated as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Gorgeous, ornate floats parade through the traditional warehouse-style (kurazukuri) townscape. The highlight reaches its peak with the "Hikkawase," an overwhelming spectacle where passing floats face each other at intersections and engage in an intense musical competition (ohayashi). The floats feature luxurious craftsmanship known as the "Edo-style Kawagoe type," packed with artisanal details such as mechanical automata (karakuri puppets) of warriors and historical figures atop two-tiered towers and 360-degree rotating stages. Another charm is how its atmosphere changes dramatically with the time of day: the daytime parade set against the backdrop of the warehouse district, and the fantastical nighttime illumination when lanterns are lit. On both festival days, large-scale traffic restrictions are implemented in the central city area, turning it into a pedestrian-only zone. To avoid crowds, it is relatively easier to walk around before 10:00 AM or around 5:00 PM. If you plan to enjoy the event into the evening to watch the night Hikkawase, preparing with warm clothing and comfortable walking shoes is recommended.

Venue

Koedo Kawagoe Ichibangai Shopping Street (Kurazukuri Townscape)

Saiwaicho, Kawagoe, Saitama 350-0063