From late September to early November, as autumn deepens, most areas along the Tobu Railway line spanning Tokyo and its four surrounding prefectures will host distinctly Japanese autumn festivals and large-scale events. Among them, the “Kawagoe Festival” in Kawagoe recreates the Edo-period “Tenka Matsuri” (Festival of the Realm), and the autumn grand festival at the World Heritage site “Nikko Toshogu Shrine” attracts numerous domestic and international visitors every year. For overseas tourists visiting Japan, Tobu Railway Co., Ltd. has specially launched the “DISCOUNT PASS,” which allows holders to freely explore the scenic areas of Nikko’s Kinugawa and Kawagoe, providing a convenient and affordable way to experience the autumn charm of Tokyo’s outskirts.
The “Kawagoe Festival,” with a history of about 360 years
Designated as an important intangible folk cultural property of Japan, it is held in Kawagoe, known as the “Little Edo.”
The “Kawagoe Festival”
With a long history of about 360 years, it has now been designated as an important intangible folk cultural property of Japan. One of its highlights is the grand parade of “dashi” (festival floats). These ornately decorated “dashi,” common at Japanese festivals, parade through Kawagoe’s iconic Kurazukuri (warehouse-style) old streets, a symbol of Little Edo. Their scale and grandeur never fail to amaze spectators and add to the festive atmosphere. As night falls, the festival reaches its climax, with the beautifully lit “dashi” competing in the rhythm of flutes and taiko drums, drawing cheers from the crowd. This scene showcases the perfect preservation and awe-inspiring power of ancient traditions in modern times.
Dates: October 15 (Saturday) and 16 (Sunday)
Venue: Near Kawagoe Station, Saitama Prefecture
※ Take the Tobu Tojo Line to “Kawagoe Station” (about 30 minutes from Tokyo’s Ikebukuro Station)
