1 Kinchakuda Red Spider Lily Festival : Sept. 21 – Oct. 6
Held in Hidaka City, Saitama Prefecture, the “Kinchakuda Red Spider Lily Festival” is one of the largest red spider lily (manjushage) events in Japan.
Kinchakuda was created naturally by a meander of the Koma River, which formed a flat piece of land shaped like a traditional Japanese pouch (kinchaku). In autumn, approximately 5 million red spider lilies bloom beneath the shade of the grove, creating a breathtaking landscape that looks like a seamless red carpet.
Key Information
| Item | Details |
| Location | Kinchakuda Manjushage Park (125-2 Komahongo, Hidaka City, Saitama) |
| Best Season / Timing | Mid-September to early October (held to match peak bloom) |
| Scale | Approx. 5.5 hectares (approx. 5 million flowers) |
| Admission Fee | 500 yen per person (charged only during peak bloom; free for junior high school students and under) |
| Highlights / Activities | Local food stalls featuring Hidaka specialties, regional products, and stage events. |
| Access | ・15-minute walk from Koma Station (Seibu Ikebukuro Line) ・Kokusai Kogyo Bus from Komagawa Station (JR Hachiko Line / Kawagoe Line) |
Features & Visitor Tips
- Stunning Contrast of Green Trees and Red Blossoms
Because the flowers bloom beneath the soft sunlight filtering through the grove of trees, the red color is exceptionally vivid and creates a mystical atmosphere. - Relaxing by the Koma River
Visitors can walk down to the banks of the crystal-clear Koma River running alongside the park to rest or enjoy a lunch box. - Congestion & Photography Rules
On peak weekends, surrounding roads (Route 299 and prefectural roads) and parking lots become extremely congested, so using public transportation (trains) is strongly recommended. Additionally, tripods and monopods are strictly prohibited during the festival for safety and nature conservation.
Note: The festival is scheduled from September 21 to October 6, but dates are subject to change depending on the blooming conditions. Please check our website for the latest blooming updates.
ℹ️ Kinchakuda Red Spider Lily Festival
2 Kawagoe Festival : Oct. 17 & 18
Held in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture, the “Kawagoe Festival” is one of the most famous float festivals in Japan, boasting over 370 years of history. Recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, the festival features elaborately decorated floats (dashi) carrying giant figures as they are paraded through the traditional warehouse district (Kurazukuri zone).
Key Information
| Item | Details |
| Location | Kawagoe City Center (around Hon-Kawagoe Station, Kawagoe Station, and the Warehouse District) |
| Festival Dates | October 17th and 18th |
| Scale | Approx. 20 and more towering floats (dashi), designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property |
| Admission Fee | Free (Open to the public throughout the city streets) |
| Highlights / Activities | Hikkawase (music battles between floats), traditional food stalls (yatai), and evening lantern displays |
| Access | ・Short walk from Hon-Kawagoe Station (Seibu Shinjuku Line) ・Short walk from Kawagoe Station (JR Kawagoe Line / Tobu Tojo Line) |
Features & Visitor Tips
- The Climax: “Hikkawase” Music Battles When floats meet at intersections, they turn to face each other and perform traditional festival music (hayashi) and dances. The atmosphere reaches its peak at night when lit by lanterns.
- Historic Townscape and Festival Floats The sight of magnificent, multi-tiered floats maneuvering through the preserved Edo-period warehouse district offers an unforgettable journey back in time.
- Congestion & Visitor Rules The entire area becomes extremely crowded with over 800,000 visitors. Major streets will be closed to vehicles, so using public transportation is strongly required. Please keep moving in congested spots and follow safety guidance around the floats.
Note: The festival is scheduled for October 17th and 18th, but event times and float routes may vary depending on weather conditions. Please check our website for the latest updates and festival maps.
3 The 37th Sayama Grand Tea Ceremony : Nov. 8
Held in Sayama City, Saitama Prefecture, the “Sayama Grand Tea Ceremony” (Sayama Dai-Chakai) is one of the largest outdoor tea ceremony events in the prefecture. Set against the vibrant autumn foliage of Inariyama Park, visitors can enjoy delicious Sayama green tea—famous for its rich flavor—served by various tea schools in an open, welcoming atmosphere.
Key Information
| Item | Details |
| Location | Sayama Inariyama Park (Inariyama, Sayama City, Saitama) |
| Event Date | November 8th |
| Scale | Multiple outdoor tea ceremony venues (noda date) set up throughout the park |
| Admission / Tea Ticket | Park entry is free (Tea ceremony participation requires tea tickets purchased on site or in advance) |
| Highlights / Activities | Traditional open-air tea ceremonies (noda date), tasting famous Sayama tea, sales of local tea products and Japanese sweets |
| Access | Direct access from Inariyama-koen Station (Seibu Ikebukuro Line) |
Features & Visitor Tips
- Tea Ceremonies Surrounded by Autumn Leaves Visitors can experience authentic Japanese tea ceremony culture while enjoying the peak autumn colors in a spacious, sunlit park setting.
- Enjoying Famous “Sayama Tea “Known for the proverb “Shizuoka for color, Uji for aroma, Sayama for taste,” Sayama tea is renowned for its rich and deep flavor. Local sweets paired with the tea are also a major highlight.
- Beginner-Friendly Environment Unlike formal indoor tea ceremonies, these outdoor sessions are relaxed and accessible, making them ideal for beginners and international visitors to comfortably enjoy.
Note: The event is scheduled for November 8th, but programs may be subject to change or cancellation in case of severe weather. Please check our website for the latest event schedules and ticket information.
