Menu

Kumagaya Uchiwa Festival

熊谷うちわ祭 (熊谷)

Experience the excitement of the largest Gion Festival North of Tokyo

Last updated by Angus M
on September 2, 2024
The organizers have confirmed that this event is GOING ahead.

DATE

2024
: 20th (Sat) to 22nd (Mon) July
Days
Hours
Min
Sec
*All dates & activities are subject to change due to weather and/or unforeseen circumstances.

*Information last checked on 2024-06-12

TIME & SCHEDULE

20th

6 pm to late evening – Festival floats and Traditional Japanese Taiko drumming

21st
1 pm to late evening – Festival floats and Traditional Japanese Taiko drumming

22th
8pm to midnight – Festival floats and Traditional Japanese Taiko drumming

*All dates & activities are subject to change due to weather and/or unforeseen circumstances.

*Information last checked on 2024-06-12

COST

Free

*Information last checked on 2024-06-12

How to enjoy the Kumagaya Uchiwa Festival​ ?

Picturesque scenery (Great for Instagram pics!)

Experience Traditional Japan

Enjoy food stalls

Enjoy for half a day

Fun for a group

Fun single traveler

🔥Now THAT’S What We Call Japanese Summer!👘

Hailed as the biggest Gion festival in the region, 🔥Kumagaya Uchiwa Festival  attracts hundreds of thousands of people ☀️every summer. This 3-day-festival is said to have started in the 👘Edo period and is especially known for its 👏🏼massive floats and 🔥powerful drumming performances.

The floats are carried out from 👘Atago Yasaka Shrine on the first day, and are proudly shouldered through the town at various times across 3 days. Don’t miss the fierce 🔥taiko drumming competition at around 8pm on the 3rd day! The festivities won’t stop all evening until the floats are safely returned to the shrine at 2am!

Try out the 🍡food vendors, 📷follow the exquisite floats, and witness the 💥festive matsuri-spirit bring the people together!

What else to do nearby Kumagaya Uchiwa Festival​?

Relax at an Onsen Glamping facility

Places to EAT in Kumagaya City
Places to STAY in Kumagaya City

Hotels (Western Style)

Kumagaya City is a large townd and there are many business style budget hotels near the station.

Access (How to get to Kumagaya Uchiwa Festival)

How to get there

Public Transport

40min from Tokyo (Ueno Sta.) by train (Shinkansen).

Car

1h 40min drive from Tokyo (East side) by car (Much easier to use public transport to the festival)

Location & Address

Address

Areas around Yasaka Shrine and Kumagaya Station

Atago Yasaka Shrine: 44 Kamakuracho, Kumagaya City, Saitama Pref. 360-0046

Kumagaya Station: 2 Chome-115 Tsukuba, Kumagaya, Saitama 360-0037

愛宕八坂神社 〒360-0046 埼玉県熊谷市鎌倉町44

Access from Tokyo

By Public Transport

Kumagaya Station (JR Takasaki Line, Joetsu & Hokuriku Shinkansen)​

Travel to Kumagaya Station and the festival won’t be hard to miss.

We recommend using a travel app like Google Maps or Japan Transit Planner to find train times.

By Car

Via Higashi-Matsuyama IC on Kan-etsu Expressway 

Approximately 20 minutes from the Higashi-Matsuyama IC on the Kan-etsu Expressway. (Using public transportation is highly recommended, given traffic restrictions and limited parking spaces during the festival)

We recommend using a travel app like Google Maps or Japan Transit Planner to find train times.

Contact Details (Event Organizer)

For information about this event, please contact the Kumagaya Tourism Association directly.
Tel: +81 (0) 48-594-6677
Websites

Official English Event Website (External Link – English)

English City Website (External Link – English)

Disclaimer:  NearbyTokyo.com strives to provide accurate and up-to-date information by researching and contacting event organizers. All information on the page is provided in good faith. We make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, validity, reliability, or availability of any information found here. Readers are encouraged to verify any information with official sources.

Other Events & Festivals near Tokyo in July

Back To Top