Chichibu Night Festival Floats
Chichibu Night Festival Floats © ちちびあん, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Chichibu Night Festival秩父夜祭

The Chichibu Night Festival is an annual festival held in Chichibu, a city located in Saitama prefecture. The festival is also known as the Chichibu Yomatsuri, which translates to "Chichibu Night Festival" in English. This festival is one of the largest and most famous festivals in Japan, attracting thousands of visitors every year.

The festival features six ornate floats, called yatai, which are decorated with intricate carvings and colorful lanterns. These floats are up to 20 meters tall and weigh up to 10 tons, and are pulled through the streets of Chichibu by teams of men, who chant and sing as they carry the yatai.

Each yatai is dedicated to a different deity or mythical figure, and features unique decorations that reflect the theme of the float. The yatai are illuminated by thousands of lanterns, creating a stunning visual display as they move through the dark streets of Chichibu. The festival also includes fireworks displays and traditional performances, such as taiko drumming and lion dances.

One of the highlights of the Chichibu Night Festival is the "Flower Garden" display, where each float is decorated with thousands of flowers and illuminated by lanterns. This display is a testament to the skill and artistry of the craftsmen who build and maintain the yatai.

The Chichibu Night Festival has a long history, dating back over 300 years. The festival is said to have originated as a way to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck to the town. Today, the festival is a celebration of Chichibu's rich cultural heritage and a chance for locals and visitors to come together and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

If you're planning to attend the Chichibu Night Festival, it's important to note that the festival draws large crowds, so it's advisable to arrive early and be prepared for a lot of walking. The festival is also held in the winter, so it can be quite cold, especially at night. However, the stunning displays and lively atmosphere make it well worth the effort.

Venue

  • Chichibu Shrine ⎯ 秩父神社

    Address

    1-3 Banba-cho, Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture 368-0041

    Getting There

    • 3 minutes walk from Chichibu Station (秩父駅)
    Visit Venue Page

Related topics

Links

At Hey Japan!, we strive to keep the events listed on our website as current as possible. However, it is important to note that event organizers may make changes to their plans, including cancelling events, altering schedules, or modifying admission requirements, without prior notice. To ensure that you have the most accurate information, we recommend checking official websites before attending any events.

Last Updated: