Kawase Matsuri (2026)
7/19(日) 〜 7/20(月)
1-3 Bamba-cho, Chichibu, Saitama (around Chichibu Shrine)
The grand summer festival held annually on July 19-20 at Chichibu Shrine in Chichibu, Saitama. Locally known as O-Gion, this traditional festival traces its origins to the Gion Festival of the Heian period and boasts over 300 years of history. The spectacular sight of 8 festival floats (4 kasaboko and 4 yatai) being pulled through the streets accompanied by powerful yatai-bayashi music is breathtaking. Known as the "daytime festival" paired with the winter Chichibu Night Festival, it is also a "children's festival" where kids serve as musicians and clappers. The highlight on the 20th is the mikoshi-arai, where the portable shrine is plunged into the Arakawa River to wash away all calamities. On the evening of the 19th, dedicatory fireworks are launched from Hitsujiyama Park. Designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Saitama Prefecture in 2021.。
infoThis information was collected and summarized by AI from public sources.
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Access & Location
⚠️ Dates and locations are subject to change. Please also check the reference site for details.
Address
1-3 Bamba-cho, Chichibu, Saitama (around Chichibu Shrine)
Official Information
https://www.chichibuji.gr.jp/2025kawase/Get Ready
Prepare for this festival
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auto_awesomeHighlights
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Procession of 8 festival floats (4 kasaboko and 4 yatai) with powerful yatai-bayashi music. The mikoshi-arai on the 20th, a dynamic ritual where the portable shrine is plunged into the Arakawa River. The Tenno Pillar Raising ritual and dedicatory fireworks from Hitsujiyama Park on the evening of the 19th. The charming sight of children taking center stage. The "daytime festival" paired with the winter Chichibu Night Festival.
history_eduHistory & Origins
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Originating from the Gion Festival popular during the Heian period, the first written record appears as "Kawase no Harae" in the Inoue Family Documents of 1659 (Manji 2). Also recorded in documents from 1709 (Hoei 6), this festival has over 300 years of history as Chichibu's representative summer festival. On July 30, 2021, it was designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Saitama Prefecture as the "Chichibu Kawase Matsuri Kawase and Yatai Events."
event_repeatPast Editions
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Originating from the Heian-period Gion Festival, the earliest record appears as "Kawase no Harae on June 15" in the Inoue Family Documents of 1659 (Manji 2). Also recorded in a document to the Oshi Domain magistrate in 1709 (Hoei 6), the festival has over 300 years of history. Held annually on July 19-20 at Chichibu Shrine, 8 floats (4 kasaboko and 4 yatai) are paraded through the streets. Beloved as the "daytime festival" and "children's festival" paired with the winter Chichibu Night Festival. Designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Saitama Prefecture on July 30, 2021 as the "Chichibu Kawase Matsuri Kawase and Yatai Events."
directionsAccess
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10-minute walk from Chichibu Railway Ohanabatake Station. 15-minute walk from Seibu Railway Seibu-Chichibu Station. Temporary parking at Chichibu Miyaji Ground (9:00-22:00, free). Traffic restrictions in effect.
groupsCrowd Forecast
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The mikoshi-arai on the afternoon of the 20th is the most crowded time. Float processions take place on both days, so the morning to early afternoon on the 19th offers a more relaxed viewing experience.
hotelBook a hotel in 埼玉県 秩父市 earlyPRchecklistTips & What to Bring
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Drone flights and aerial photography are prohibited. Take measures against the summer heat. Public transportation is recommended as traffic restriction areas are extensive. Arrive early if using the free parking at Miyaji Ground.
Visitor Report
The Chichibu Kawase Matsuri is a deeply beloved traditional summer festival, serving as the summer counterpart to the winter Chichibu Night Festival. Visitors praise the impressive sight of 8 floats (4 kasaboko and 4 yatai) parading through the streets, saying it rivals the Night Festival in excitement. The heartwarming sight of children serving as musicians and clappers creates the warm atmosphere unique to a "children's festival." The highlight mikoshi-arai on the 20th draws cheers as the portable shrine is vigorously plunged into the Arakawa River, with visitors describing the climactic moment as giving them goosebumps. The dedicatory fireworks on the evening of the 19th resonate powerfully through the mountains, adding to the festive atmosphere. Less crowded than the Chichibu Night Festival, the approachable feel of a local festival is also part of its charm. A rare festival where you can experience historic Shinto rituals and float processions up close.
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