Saitama Prefecture, located just north of Tokyo, is home to a rich variety of centuries-old traditions and vibrant seasonal festivals. If you are looking to experience authentic Japanese culture this autumn and winter, here are three remarkable events taking place before the end of the year!
1. Iwatsuki Doll Memorial Service (Iwatsuki Ningyo Kuyo-sai)
- Date: November 3 (Culture Day)
- Location: Iwatsuki Castle Park (in front of the Doll Monument), Iwatsuki Ward, Saitama City
- Access: About a 23-minute walk (approx. 1.8 km) from Iwatsuki Station on the Tobu Urban Park Line (Noda Line).
Known as Japan’s premier “Doll Town,” Iwatsuki hosts this heartwarming annual Shinto/Buddhist memorial service to express gratitude to beloved dolls that have fulfilled their roles. Thousands of cherished dolls sent from across the country are neatly displayed on ceremonial stages. Under solemn prayers and Buddhist chanting, priests perform a ritual ceremony to honor the memories attached to them. It offers visitors a unique look into Japan’s deeply rooted culture of reverence and appreciation for everyday objects.
ℹ️ Iwatsuki Doll Cooperative Association
2. Izumo Iwai Shrine Yabusame Festival (Horseback Archery)
- Date: November 3 (Culture Day)
- Location: Izumo Iwai Shrine, Moroyama Town
- Access: About a 5-minute walk from Moro Station (JR Hachiko Line) or about a 10-minute walk from Higashi-Moro Station (Tobu Ogose Line).
With a legendary history dating back over 950 years, this dynamic horseback archery festival (Yabusame) is designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Saitama Prefecture. What makes Moroyama’s Yabusame exceptionally rare is that the archers are local young boys rather than adult masters. Adorned in ornate traditional costumes, the young riders gallop down the track on horseback while skillfully aiming and shooting arrows at targets. The combination of youth, bravery, and traditional elegance creates an unforgettable spectacle.
3. Chichibu Night Festival (Chichibu Yomatsuri)
- Dates: December 2 (Eve) & December 3 (Main Festival)
- Location: Chichibu Shrine and central Chichibu City
- Access: About a 3-minute walk from Chichibu Station (Chichibu Railway), or about a 15-minute walk from Seibu-Chichibu Station (Seibu Railway).
Registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, the Chichibu Night Festival is celebrated as one of Japan’s top three float festivals. Massive, intricately carved floats (Kasaboko and Yatai) adorned with lanterns are paraded through the streets accompanied by lively festival music (Chichibu Yatai-bayashi). The festival reaches its thrilling climax on the night of December 3, as 20-ton floats are hauled up the steep Dango-zaka slope while spectacular winter fireworks illuminate the crisp night sky.