The Kawagoe Festival, a major autumn event in Kawagoe, will be held in grand style over two days, October 18th (Saturday) and 19th (Sunday), 2025. This festival, which continues traditions dating back to the Edo period, has been designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan and is Kawagoe’s largest event, attracting many tourists from across the country every year. Click here for details about the 2025 Kawagoe Festival.
On the day of the festival, gorgeous floats parade through town, with the sounds of music and spirited shouts reverberating throughout the city. During the day, you can enjoy the colorful floats being pulled against the backdrop of the historic warehouse-style townscape, and at night, you can enjoy the fantastic sight of the floats lit up by the light of lanterns. In particular, the musical duel between the floats, known as “Hikikkawase,” is a powerful sight that is unique to the Kawagoe Festival and attracts many spectators.
There will also be numerous food stalls set up around the venue, where you can enjoy local cuisine and sample the unique flavors of festivals. The two days, when the entire town is filled with energy, will be a special time not only for tourists but also for local residents.
Take this opportunity to experience the history, tradition, and passionate charm of the Kawagoe Festival.