🎎 Kawagoe Festival川越まつり

The Kawagoe Festival is a poetic autumn spectacle in Kawagoe, held on the third Saturday and Sunday of October each year. During these two days, the city of Kawagoe is filled with tourists from all over Japan, making it the most lively and vibrant time of the year in Kawagoe. The Kawagoe Festival has a history of over 370 years and was designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset of Japan in 2005. In 2016, it was registered as a "World Intangible Cultural Heritage" by UNESCO. It is a traditional festival with a long history and precious cultural value. Many tourists come to admire or take photos of the luxurious and splendid floats, which come from various towns. The floats are mostly over 8 meters tall and weigh between 3 to 4 tons, adorned with exquisite embroidery and carvings, with large dolls displayed on top. Accompanied by lively music, the scene of people pulling the floats through the historic Kurazukuri old streets is quite spectacular. When multiple floats meet at an intersection, the drumming and music known as "Dancing Formation" (曳っかわせ) intensify, with the floats colliding and intertwining, while the crowd shouts in excitement, creating a thunderous atmosphere. This breathtaking scene elevates the festival's ambiance to a climax. Additionally, during the event, people wear traditional clothing unique to the festival, making it feel as if they have traveled back in time to historical Japan just by walking down the street.

It is recommended to use public transportation during the festival period. At night, lanterns will be lit, creating a completely different festive atmosphere compared to the daytime. The dolls decorated on top of the floats are mostly heroes from ancient myths and history. There are also a variety of stalls! Don't miss the delicious snacks that are only available during the festival events. On Saturday night, there will be an event called "宵山" (Yoyama), where you can carefully appreciate the floats in a quieter environment.