Product Description

The Chichibu Night Festival (Chichibu Yomatsuri) is a 350-year-old tradition and is considered one of Japan’s three greatest float festivals, alongside Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri and Takayama’s Takayama Matsuri. Held every year on December 2 and 3, this dramatic winter festival features massive illuminated floats, lively traditional music, and a spectacular fireworks display, making it one of the most exciting festivals in the Kanto region.

With ornate 10- to 20-ton floats, a steep uphill pull, and hundreds of paper lanterns lighting up the night, this festival is a must-experience event for visitors looking to witness Japan’s rich traditions and vibrant festival culture.

What to Expect at the Festival

December 2 – The Opening Festivities

The festival kicks off with various rituals and small performances, setting the stage for the grand events on the following day.

The yatai (festival floats) are displayed in Chichibu City, allowing visitors to admire their intricate wood carvings, embroidered tapestries, and glowing lanterns.
Traditional performances and kagura (sacred Shinto music and dance) take place at Chichibu Shrine.
Food stalls selling local specialties, sake, and festival snacks start opening, setting a festive mood.

December 3 – The Main Festival Night

1. The Grand Float Procession (7:00 PM – 10:00 PM)
The highlight of the festival is the parade of six enormous floats through the streets of Chichibu.
Floats are pulled by teams of locals through Chichibu’s main avenue, accompanied by drum and flute music.
Final challenge: The floats are hauled up the steep Dango-zaka hill near Chichibu City Hall, a breathtaking feat of strength, determination, and teamwork!

2. Breathtaking Winter Fireworks (7:30 PM – 10:00 PM)
Over 2.5 hours of fireworks light up the cold winter sky, providing a stunning contrast to the illuminated floats.
Unlike most Japanese fireworks, which are held in summer, this rare winter fireworks show is an unforgettable sight against the crisp December night.

3. Food & Festive Atmosphere
The festival streets come alive with hundreds of food stalls, selling everything from hot yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) to warm amazake (sweet rice wine).
Enjoy local sake from Saitama’s famous breweries and seasonal winter specialties.

The History of the Chichibu Night Festival

Dating back over 350 years, this festival is the annual celebration of Chichibu Shrine, dedicated to the Shinto deities that protect the region. The tradition of float processions represents a sacred ritual where the gods are paraded through the town, blessing the people and their land.

In 2016, the festival was officially recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, further cementing its importance in Japanese tradition.

How to Get to Chichibu

🚆 By Train
From Tokyo: Take the Seibu Ikebukuro Line from Ikebukuro Station to Seibu-Chichibu Station (80–90 minutes).
From Ueno or Shinjuku: Take the JR Takasaki Line to Kumagaya Station, then transfer to the Chichibu Railway for Chichibu Station (about 2 hours).

🚗 By Car
Chichibu is about 2 hours from Tokyo via the Kanetsu Expressway.
Parking: Limited due to the festival crowds—public transportation is highly recommended.

Tips for Visitors

✔️ Dress warmly – Chichibu can be very cold in December, often dropping below 5°C (41°F) at night. Layers, gloves, and a warm hat are recommended.
✔️ Arrive early – The festival draws over 200,000 visitors, so the best spots fill up quickly.
✔️ Use public transport – The roads and parking lots are extremely crowded during the festival.
✔️ Try local specialties – Warm up with Chichibu’s famous miso potatoes, waraji katsudon (pork cutlet on rice), and hot amazake.
✔️ Stay overnight – If possible, book a night at a local ryokan (traditional inn) or onsen resort to fully enjoy the festival atmosphere and hot springs.

Why You Should Experience the Chichibu Night Festival 2025

This one-of-a-kind winter festival is a dazzling mix of history, culture, and celebration. With stunning illuminated floats, an epic nighttime parade, and one of Japan’s rare winter fireworks displays, the Chichibu Yomatsuri is a must-see event for anyone visiting Japan in December.

Mark your calendar for December 2–3, 2025, and experience the magic of Japan’s most breathtaking winter festival!