Kuki City
Index
Highlights of Kuki City
Kuki City (久喜市) is a city in Saitama Prefecture with easy access to Tokyo.
Summer is a great time to visit Kuki, as there is the Kuki Chouchin Festival in mid-July, during which huge floats with lanterns parade the city after dark. Just before this, in mid-June, there is also the Lavender and Iris Festival, where visitors can enjoy the scenery and purchase lavender products.
To get to Kuki from Tokyo, you can either take the Utusnomiya line (60 minutes from Tokyo or Shinjuku) or take the express train from Tobu Asakusa station (45 minutes). It is also close to Kuki IC on the Tohoku Expressway, offering good access by car (60- 90 min).
Access
From Tokyo
From Airports
Haneda Intl. Airport
Narita Intl. Airport
Ibaraki Airport
Main Stations
Videos of Kuki City
Kuki Chouchin Festival
Iris at Shoubujyoushi Ayameen
Things to DO in Kuki City
Kuki lantern festival
With a 240 year old history, The Kuki Chouchin Festival (久喜提燈祭り) is
one of the largest lantern festivals near Tokyo. 6 meter floats with hundreds of lanterns make an impressive view. You can watch locals assemble the floats form noon as well as paformances at night.
Washinomiya Shrine
Washinomiya Shrine (鷲宮神社) is known as one of the oldest shrines around Tokyo and performs popular Kagura dance six times a year. However it is also popular among anime fans who know it as the Takanomiya Shrine from “Lucky Star.” You can buy Lucky Star items here.
Iris and Lavenders
In mid June Kuki turns blue with Iris and Lavenders. Make sure to check out The Blue Festival featuring these beautiful flowers in mid June.
Learn more about places to visit in Kuki
EATING in Kuki City
Japanese Food
Kuki is a large city with many Japanese restaurants, such as Tonkatsu, Yakitori, Yakinikku, Ramen, and izakaya restaurants. Many are located around the West exit of JR Kuki Station.
Western Food
Kuki is a large city with many Western-style food restaurants, including a popular Beer& Berger (+brewery) restaurant and restaurants with European-style foods, Family-style restaurants, and Fast food chains. Many are located around the West exit of JR Kuki Station.
Lavender Manju
The lavender manju (ラベンダー饅頭) is a sweet treat only available during the summer seasons. It has lavender-colored skin and sweet bean paste inside.
Places to STAY in Kuki City
Hotels (Western style)
As Kuki is close to Tokyo, it is easy to find budget Western-style business hotels, through most online booking sites.
Top EVENTS around Kuki City
11th May (Sun)
Hojo Festival in Yorii - 1h 45min from Tokyo
2025:
11th May (Sun)
1hr 45min*
*from Tokyo
*from Tokyo
Japanese Name: 寄居北條まつり
Visit Yorii Hojo Festival in Yorii (Yorii Hojo Matsuri) to see the ultimate Samurai battle and sword fight! Don't miss it! (Yorii Town / 寄居町)
26th March (Wed) to 8th April (Tue)
Sakura Viewing in Kumagaya
2025:
26th March (Wed) to 8th April (Tue)
45min*
*from Tokyo
*from Tokyo
Japanese Name: 熊谷桜堤
Visit Kumagaya City to view the amazing Sakura & Canola blossoms nearby Tokyo! (Kumagaya City / 熊谷市）
2nd March (Sunday)
Nagatoro Fire Festival
2025:
2nd March (Sunday)
*
*from Tokyo
*from Tokyo
Japanese Name:
Visit Nagatoro Fire Festival (Nagatoro Himatsuri) to watch monks walk over fire! (Nagatoro Town / 長瀞町）
2nd-3rd, December *Same days every year
Chichibu Night Festival (Chichibu Yomatsuri)
2024:
2nd-3rd, December *Same days every year
1h 40min*
*from Tokyo
*from Tokyo
Japanese Name: 秩父夜祭
Chichibu Night Festival is a traditional Japanese festival registered as a UNESCO heritage. The highlight is the beautiful floats and fireworks on both nights.
3rd November (Sun) *Same day every year
Izumoiwai Yabusame Festival (Horseback archery Festival)
2024:
3rd November (Sun) *Same day every year
75min*
*from Tokyo
*from Tokyo
Japanese Name: 出雲伊波比の流鏑馬まつり
Witness the 1,000-year-old horseback archery tradition at Izumoiwai Yabusame Festival near Tokyo.
19th (Sat) to 20th (Sun) October
Kawagoe Festival (UNESCO Registered)
2024:
19th (Sat) to 20th (Sun) October
30min*
*from Tokyo
*from Tokyo
Japanese Name: 川越まつり
Visit the Kawagoe Festival and travel back to the Edo period Japan. Registered by UNESCO.
5th October (Sat)
*If it rains it will be postponed to 6th Oct (Sun)
*If it rains it will be postponed to 6th Oct (Sun)
Kounosu Fireworks
2024:
5th October (Sat)
*If it rains it will be postponed to 6th Oct (Sun)
*If it rains it will be postponed to 6th Oct (Sun)
50min*
*from Tokyo
*from Tokyo
Japanese Name: こうのす花火大会
Come see the spectacular 'world record' holding fireworks at Kounosu Fireworks!
15th August (Thurs) *Same day every year
Nagatoro Funatama Festival
2024:
15th August (Thurs) *Same day every year
*
*from Tokyo
*from Tokyo
Japanese Name:
Visit Nagatoro Funatama Festival to experience a Japanese river festival with beautiful river floats and fireworks. (Nagatoro Town / 長瀞町）
3rd August (Sat) *The first Saturday in August
Yorii Tamayodo Suitengu Festival
2024:
3rd August (Sat) *The first Saturday in August
*
*from Tokyo
*from Tokyo
Japanese Name:
Come and be amazed at the beautiful water floats and breathtaking fireworks at the Yorii Tamayodo Suitengu Festival! (Yorii Town / 寄居町)
20th (Sat) to 22nd (Mon) July
Kumagaya Uchiwa Festival
2024:
20th (Sat) to 22nd (Mon) July
*
*from Tokyo
*from Tokyo
Japanese Name: 熊谷うちわ祭
12th (Sat) and 18th (Fri) July (2 days only)
Kuki Chouchin Festival
2025:
12th (Sat) and 18th (Fri) July (2 days only)
*
*from Tokyo
*from Tokyo
Japanese Name: 久喜提燈祭り「天王様」（久喜）
Day trips from Kuki City
Each of these places are within a day trip away. Click on the image to find out more.
