Explore the Enchanting Chichibu Night Festival
Introduction
The Chichibu Night Festival (Chichibu Yomatsuri), held annually on December 2nd and 3rd in Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture, is a spectacular winter celebration. Recognized as one of Japan’s top three float festivals along with Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri and the Takayama Festival, this event is a blend of tradition, pageantry, and excitement. A UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2016, the Chichibu Night Festival offers visitors a rare chance to experience the grandeur of Japanese winter festivals.
| Event Dates | December 2- 3, 2024 |
| Official site | https://www.chichibu-matsuri.jp/yomatsuri/ |
| Location (venue) | Chichibu Shrine |
| Address | 1-3 Banba-machi, Chichibu City, Saitama |
| Entry | Free |
The History and Origins
The origins of the Chichibu Night Festival date back over 300 years, deeply tied to the local shrine and community. Originally centered around Chichibu Shrine, the festival developed in the Edo period alongside the thriving silk trade in the region. Over time, it evolved to feature elaborate yatai floats and fireworks displays, blending cultural festivities with religious traditions. Today, the festival represents the end of the harvest season, offering locals and visitors a unique way to celebrate winter before the New Year arrives.
Highlights of the Festival
The yatai floats, each weighing up to 20 tons, are the heart of the Chichibu Night Festival. Decorated with intricate woodwork and vibrant lanterns, these floats are paraded through the narrow streets of Chichibu, accompanied by traditional taiko drums and flutes. The procession reaches its peak on December 3rd as the floats climb the steep Dango Slope—a breathtaking sight where the efforts of the participants create a palpable sense of unity and celebration.
Alongside the floats, fireworks light up the night sky, with up to 7,000 pyrotechnic displays marking the festival’s grand finale. Unlike typical summer fireworks festivals, these winter illuminations add a magical, crisp ambiance to the chilly December evening. Spectators often gather around Chichibu Shrine and the Otabisho, a key festival site, to witness the climactic arrival of the floats.
How to Enjoy the Festival
Whether you are attending as a participant or an observer, there are many ways to immerse yourself in the festival’s energy. Visitors can stroll through streets lined with over 800 food stalls offering Chichibu delicacies like miso potatoes and yakitori. For the best views, head to the Dango Slope in the evening or explore side streets for closer interactions with the floats as they pass by.
Dressing warmly is essential, as the festival takes place outdoors on cold winter nights. Comfortable shoes are also recommended for those planning to walk the city streets. For tourists, traveling from Tokyo is convenient, with express trains from Ikebukuro Station taking about 90 minutes.
Food and Souvenirs
The Chichibu Night Festival is also a gastronomic delight. Festival-goers can indulge in local specialties at the many stalls, including fried river fish, yakisoba, and traditional Japanese sweets. These culinary treats offer a perfect opportunity to warm up between events. Souvenirs range from festival-themed trinkets to artisanal products reflective of Chichibu’s rich silk history, making it easy to bring home a piece of the festival spirit.
Access
Access to Chichibu Shrine
By Train
The most convenient way to reach Chichibu Shrine from Tokyo is via the Seibu Ikebukuro Line. Board the Limited Express Laview from Ikebukuro Station, which takes approximately 78 minutes to Seibu-Chichibu Station. From there, transfer to the Chichibu Railway and ride to Chichibu Station, which is just a 3-minute walk from the shrine.
By Bus
Alternatively, from Seibu-Chichibu Station, local buses provide service to key attractions, including Mitsumine Shrine. While the Chichibu Shrine is very close to Chichibu Station, taking the bus allows visitors to explore other nearby destinations either before or after visiting the shrine.
By Car
For those traveling by car, Chichibu can be accessed via the Kanetsu Expressway. The drive takes approximately 2 hours from central Tokyo, depending on traffic. However, parking near the shrine is limited, so it is recommended to use public transportation when possible.
Travel Time Overview
- From Ikebukuro, Tokyo: About 78 minutes via Seibu Limited Express
- By Car from Central Tokyo: Around 2 hours, depending on traffic
- From Seibu-Chichibu Station: 3-minute walk from Chichibu Station
