Chichibu Night Festival (Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture)

Chichibu Night Festival (Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture)

Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)

The Chichibu Night Festival is a major winter festival held every year on December 2nd and 3rd in Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture. A traditional event that has continued since the Edo period, gorgeous floats (floats) and portable shrines are paraded through the city, and at night, floats lit with lanterns and large-scale fireworks add color to the festival. Highlights include the mystical atmosphere at night, the elaborately carved and decorated floats from each neighborhood, and the mechanical puppets and musical accompaniment on the floats, attracting many tourists from both Japan and abroad.

Highlights

• A procession of gorgeous floats (floats): Floats decorated with intricate carvings, gold leaf, and gorgeous ornaments parade through the town. You can enjoy both the excitement during the day and the charm when the lights are on at night.
• Karakuri puppets and musical accompanimentDon't miss the mechanical puppet shows on the floats and the traditional music performances by musicians dressed in happi coats.
• Mikoshi procession: The portable shrine of Chichibu Shrine is carried with great vigor, adding even more excitement to the festival.
• Night fireworksOn the night of the festival, you can see fireworks being launched in the city. The combination of the lights from the floats and the fireworks creates a spectacle that is unique to this festival.
• Street food stalls: Local food stalls line the streets, offering winter delicacies such as yakisoba, takoyaki, and amazake.

Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)

• Nearest stations: Chichibu Station on the Chichibu Railway, Seibu-Chichibu Station on the Seibu Railway. From either station, you can walk or take a shuttle bus to the area surrounding the venue.
• From Tokyo: Ikebukuro → (Seibu Ikebukuro Line, Direct Express) → Seibu Chichibu, approximately 1 hour 20 to 90 minutes. Using public transportation is recommended.
• Local buses and shuttles: On the day of the festival, special buses and shuttles will often be operating around the venue, so be sure to check the station guide or information from the Chichibu Tourism Association in advance.
• Visiting by car: Traffic restrictions and parking shortages are expected in the city center during the festival. Please use public transportation whenever possible. If you must travel by car, please secure a parking space early or follow the signs for temporary parking lots in the area.

Estimated stay (estimated time required)

• If you want to see all the main attractions: 2 to 4 hours (including viewing the floats, watching the float music and trick puppets, and watching the fireworks).
• If you want to take your time taking photos and browsing the stalls, it will take half a day to an evening (4-6 hours).
• If you want to combine sightseeing in the surrounding area: We recommend staying overnight and enjoying sightseeing in Chichibu the next day (Nagatoro, Hitsujiyama Park, Mitsumine Shrine, etc.).

Nearby spots

• Chichibu Shrine: This shrine is the center of the festival. There are many highlights, including sculptures and shrine buildings.
• Hitsujiyama Park (Moss Phlox Hill): Famous for its spring moss phlox. A great place for a stroll in any season.
• Nagatoro: Famous for its natural scenery and river boat rides. A tourist destination easily accessible from Chichibu.
• Mitsumine Shrine: A popular power spot. It is far from the city center, so plan to stay as a day trip.
• Chichibu Festival Hall: There are exhibits on the history of the festival and the food stalls, making it a convenient place to prepare for the festival.

Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)

• Measures to prevent congestion: The festival will be extremely crowded on the day of the event. People will gather especially at night and during the fireworks, so we recommend arriving early and securing a viewing spot. Traffic will also be congested on the way back, so please allow yourself plenty of time.
• Cold weather measures: Chichibu is very cold in December. Please be sure to bring warm clothing, gloves, and heating pads.
• Traffic restrictions and detours: There will be many road closures and detours in the city center. Please follow the traffic regulations.
• Manners: Please be mindful of proper manners when visiting shrines and do not obstruct processions or other pedestrian traffic. Please be careful not to stop or sit at or around the food stalls, as this can be a nuisance to others.
• Considerations when shooting: You are free to take photos, but please be mindful of your surroundings and be mindful of the performers, locals, and other spectators when using flash or tripods.
• Fire and fireworks: When watching fireworks, be careful of sparks. Entry to the area near the launch site may be restricted. Flying drones is often prohibited.
• Cash and toilets: Food stalls tend to only accept cash, so it's a good idea to have some cash on hand. Toilets can be crowded, so we recommend using the toilets at stations or other facilities.

The Chichibu Night Festival is a fascinating festival that combines tradition with the beauty of winter nights. Please be prepared for the crowds and cold, and enjoy the traditional atmosphere to the fullest while being considerate of those around you.