Kawagoe Festival Museum

The Kawagoe Festival Museum (川越まつり会館, Kawagoe Matsuri Kaikan) offers visitors a chance to experience the vibrant spirit of Kawagoe’s most famous event year-round. Located just steps from the historic Kawagoe Warehouse District, the museum showcases the festival’s elaborate floats—towering structures adorned with intricate wood carvings, vivid colors, and traditional decorations. Some floats feature mechanical puppets (karakuri) that perform during the festival, and visitors can get an up-close view, gaining insight into the craftsmanship and cultural symbolism behind each design.

In addition to the floats, the museum presents multimedia exhibits that immerse guests in the sights and sounds of the Kawagoe Festival. Videos, traditional music, and displays of ornate costumes highlight the pageantry and community spirit that define the event. Held every October, the Kawagoe Festival has a history spanning over 370 years and is recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Even if you're not in town during the actual festival, the museum provides an engaging and interactive way to experience its magic at any time of year.