Kawagoe Hikawa Festival

The Splendor and Autumn Rhythm of Edo Echo in Little Edo

2026/10/16 - 2026/10/17

Every October, the historic streets of Kawagoe in Saitama Prefecture are filled with vibrant colors and sounds during the Kawagoe Hikawa Festival. Known as one of the Kanto region’s premier float festivals, this event transforms the “Little Edo” district, famous for its traditional storehouses, into a stage for magnificent floats, festival music, and lantern lights that illuminate the autumn nights. For two days, locals and visitors come together to enjoy a spectacular autumn festival where the elegance of Edo culture and the energy of the present blend seamlessly.

Held annually on the third Saturday and Sunday of October, it is Kawagoe’s largest traditional event, attracting over 800,000 people from all over Japan. Whether you’re a festival lover, a fan of history, or someone who wants to experience the beauty of Japanese tradition, this is an autumn event that will delight all your senses.

Main Attractions

Float Parade (Dashi Parade)

The stars of the festival are the floats, some towering up to 8 meters, adorned with intricate carvings, gold leaf, and colorful drapes. As the floats slowly make their way through the narrow, storehouse-lined streets, musicians play flutes and drums, and dancers perform atop the floats. At night, countless lanterns cast a magical glow, and the “Hikkawase”—where floats pass and face off with musical performances—is the festival’s greatest highlight.

Key Events

The “Hikkawase,” a musical battle between floats at intersections, is a thrilling spectacle. When floats face off, flutes and drums compete, and the cheers of the crowd reach a fever pitch. There are also children’s floats, lion dances, and street performances, filling the city with festival spirit from morning until night.

Costumes and Decorations

Participants wear colorful happi coats, headbands, and Edo-style kimono. Those pulling the floats wear matching festival attire and white tabi socks. The floats are decorated with lanterns, brocade curtains, and figures of legendary animals and heroes, while the streets are filled with the scent of incense and sweet treats from food stalls.

Traditional Food & Drink

Kawagoe’s famous sweet potato snacks, yakitori, takoyaki, and grilled dango are just some of the festival foods on offer. The aroma of charcoal, the sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes, and the crispy texture of tempura all enhance the flavors of autumn in Kawagoe.

Cultural and Historical Background

The Kawagoe Hikawa Festival began in the 17th century as the annual grand festival of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. It symbolizes the prosperity and culture of Kawagoe, which flourished as a merchant town during the Edo period. The traditions of floats and festival music are still carefully preserved today. In 2005, the festival was designated a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset, and it remains an autumn tradition that embodies local pride and community bonds.

For locals, it is a cherished event that unites families, friends, and the community. It’s a festival where you can truly feel history, craftsmanship, and the warmth of people.

Participant Voices

“We came from Osaka as a family for the first time. The power of the floats and the excitement of the musical battles were amazing! Eating sweet potato treats while hearing about the festival’s history from locals made for the best autumn memory.”

Fun Facts

More than 20 floats take part in the festival, each representing a different neighborhood in Kawagoe.
The floats can be up to 8 meters tall and weigh several tons.
Kawagoe is known as “Little Edo” for its preserved Edo-period townscape.
The festival was designated a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset in 2005.