Kawagoe Hikawa Festival Float Event
Japanese name: 川越氷川祭の山車行事（かわごえひかわまつりのだしぎょうじ）
Kawagoe, Saitama
2026
Sat, Oct 17 – Sun, Oct 18
2027
Sat, Oct 16
Kawagoe Festival day 1 (eve)
Sun, Oct 17
Kawagoe Festival day 2 (float procession and hikkawase)
About the festival
This festival of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is said to have begun in 1648, when Matsudaira Nobutsuna, lord of the Kawagoe domain, donated a mikoshi (portable shrine) and other items. Developed under the influence of Edo's Tenka Matsuri festivals, it features floats topped with finely made dolls that tour the town, centered on the streets of traditional kurazukuri storehouses.
Hikkawase, a musical contest between floats facing each other
Hikkawase at night under glowing lanterns
Edo-style doll floats passing through the storehouse streets
Photos
Key facts
- Category
- UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: Yama, Hoko, Yatai float festivals
- Location
- Kawagoe, Saitama
- Main venue
- Central Kawagoe (Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine and the kurazukuri storehouse streets)
- Getting there
- The town center is within walking distance of Hon-Kawagoe Station on the Seibu Shinjuku Line and other stations.
This description was written by Matsuri Biyori based on public information. Dates and details may change. Please check the organizers' latest information before you go. Translated from the Japanese original.
Nearby and similar festivals
FAQ
- When is Kawagoe Hikawa Festival Float Event held in 2027?
- In 2027, it is scheduled for Sat, Oct 16 – Sun, Oct 17 (Calculated from the usual rule).
- Where is Kawagoe Hikawa Festival Float Event held?
- It is held in Kawagoe, Saitama. The main venue is Central Kawagoe (Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine and the kurazukuri storehouse streets).
- How are the dates of Kawagoe Hikawa Festival Float Event set?
- The third Sunday of October and the day before (Saturday) every year