Kawagoe Festival

Music-based float battles and food stalls in the fall

The streets of Kawagoe come alive during the third weekend of October with a vibrant festival that celebrates the town’s rich heritage and traditions. This historic town in Saitama prefecture is known for its beautifully decorated festival floats, paper lanterns, music, and dance. The festival-goers have the opportunity to join the locals in a mid-October celebration that honors Kawagoe’s history, which dates back to the Edo period.

One of the highlights of the Kawagoe Festival is the music-based battle between the floats. These floats are intricately designed and adorned with dolls of legendary figures. Each float is unique, with its own embellishments and color schemes. The festival-goers can witness these impressive floats up close and even walk alongside the musicians and dancers as they accompany the floats through the streets.

The festival also features a mesmerizing contest of music and dance. As the sun sets, the floats start moving through the streets in earnest. As they pass each other, they engage in a battle known as Hikkawase. This battle is a competition between the floats, where the players proudly demonstrate the skills of their hayashi orchestra group. The group is composed of flutes, drums, handbells, and dancers. The crowd gathers to cheer on the local musicians, creating an exciting and energetic atmosphere.

Apart from the float battles and music performances, the Kawagoe Festival offers various other attractions. The festival takes place in the historic Kurazukuri district, which adds to its unique charm. The district showcases the old Edo period backdrop, giving the festival a nostalgic and traditional feel. Throughout the town, there are stalls serving a variety of street food, allowing festival-goers to sample delicious Japanese cuisine. Children can also enjoy traditional activities and there are numerous candy and sweets shops to explore. One popular spot is Kashiya Yokocho, also known as Penny Candy Lane, where visitors can take a leisurely stroll and indulge in traditional Japanese sweets.

Getting to Kawagoe is easy, with convenient access from Tokyo. The fastest route is from Ikebukuro Station, where visitors can take the Tobu Tojo Line express train that takes approximately 30 minutes. This makes it an ideal day trip destination for those staying in Tokyo.

The Kawagoe Festival is a must-visit event for anyone interested in experiencing traditional Japanese culture and festivities. The combination of beautifully decorated floats, music performances, and delicious food creates a vibrant and memorable atmosphere. The festival allows visitors to immerse themselves in the rich history and heritage of Kawagoe while enjoying the lively and energetic celebrations.

In conclusion, the Kawagoe Festival is a yearly event that takes place in October in the historic town of Kawagoe. The festival showcases beautifully decorated floats, music performances, and delicious food stalls. Visitors have the opportunity to witness music-based float battles and engage in traditional activities. The festival is a celebration of Kawagoe’s rich heritage and provides a unique experience for both locals and tourists alike. Don’t miss the chance to join in the festivities and explore the historic district of Kawagoe during this vibrant autumn celebration.

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