Kawagoe Festival

Kawagoe Festival (川越まつり, Kawagoe Matsuri) is one of the most exciting autumn events in Saitama, rooted in the Hikawa Shrine’s “Reitaisai” ritual and celebrated every October. Known for its massive two-story Edo-style floats called dashi, the festival blends centuries-old craftsmanship with energetic parades and traditional hayashi music battles as the floats face off in the streets. The highlight is seeing these floats, complete with puppets and trapdoor-style mechanisms, navigating the town — a design once meant to pass through castle gates.

The festival isn’t just about spectacle; it connects the past with the present. Originally a unifying event in Edo times, it helped communities organize and draw strength from shared cultural identity. Today, locals continue this tradition with pride, handing it down to future generations. Walking the streets as the colorful curtains (kōhaku-maku) go up and the energy builds is a moving experience — one that honors both history and community spirit.