Things to do in Kuki – Nearby Tokyo Interview
Nearby Tokyo talks to Kuki city’s local tourist office about things to do in the area, including their famous lantern festival as well as their Iris, lavender and cosmos flowers.
Tochigi Autumn Float Festival
(Tochigi Aki Matsuri)
とちぎ秋まつり （栃木市）
Traditional Edo-style festival floats parade the streets to the sound of Taiko drumming.
Last updated by Angus M
on October 28, 2024
The organizers have confirmed that this event is GOING ahead.
DATE
2024
: 1st (Fri) to 3rd (Sun) November
This is a biannual event
This is a biannual event
Days
Hours
Min
Sec
*All dates & activities are subject to change due to weather and/or unforeseen circumstances.
*Information last checked on 2024-07-06
TIME & SCHEDULE
1st Day (1st Nov)
Children's Day
*This day is a children's version. Local children take the Dashi (floats) around town.
9:30-11:30 AM and 1:15- 3:30 PM
2nd & 3rd Day (2nd & 3rd Nov)
Main Festival Days
A Full day of float parades. ‘Butsuke (battle of the floats)’ is in the evening.
1:30-8:00 PM
*This is a biannual event
*All dates & activities are subject to change due to weather and/or unforeseen circumstances.
*Information last checked on 2024-07-06
COST
Free
*Information last checked on 2024-07-06
How to enjoy the Tochigi Autumn Float Festival ?
Take photos
Experience Traditional Japan
Fun for the family
Solo travelers
Enjoy for 3-5 hours
🏮Witness the 💥Battle of festival Floats🥁
Traditional Edo-style festival floats called ‘Dashi’ carry exquisitely carved figures decorated in gold and silver. Watch by as they parade up and down the streets to the sound of overwhelming taiko drummers.
In the evening you can also watch ‘Butsuke’ where floats battle against each other.
This biannual festival at the start of November is one of the best traditional festivals in this region so make sure not to miss it.
Things to do nearby Tochigi Autumn Float Festival
Local recommendations
- Culture
- Visit Tochigi City Art Museum (Ukiyo-e paintings etc)
- Visit Yokoyama Kyodokan Museum (Old merchant's house)
- Visit Tochigi Dashikaikan Museum (Festival floats)
- Visit Tochigi Utamarokan Gallery (Ukiyo-e)
- Visit Okada Kinenkan (Old merchant's house)
- Active
- Walking around historical part of town and around the canal
- See autumn leafs at Mt. Ohira
- Food / Drink
- Festival Food Stalls
- Western & Japanese style family friendly restaurants
Shoai Samurai
Visit Shoai Samurai for a unique, eco-friendly Japanese culture experience.
Try traditional indigo dyeing (Aizome) and support the local community. Create your masterpiece while making a positive impact!
'Tochigi City'
(learn more about this area)
Tochigi City is 1 hour north of Tokyo and is a popular destination on the way to Nikko or Ashikaga. Visitors can enjoy many traditional Edo period activities here.
Places to EAT in Tochigi City
Places to STAY in Tochigi City
Hotels (Western Style)
There is a few western style hotels around the north side of Tochigi Station.
Ryokan (Japanese Style)
Tochigi City is home to Kanahan, a hisorical Ryokan in the town center.
Guesthouses & Aiirbnbs
There is a guesthouse on the Uzuma river near the town centerand a few airbnbs.
Kanahan (Ryokan)
Make your stay in Japan special. Visit this family-run ryokan with a history since the Edo period. Its been carefully renovated keeping the original building and feel. Some meals on the menu were even created based on old documents from Edo-period. (Baths are all private)
Access (How to get to the Tochigi Autumn Float Festival)
How to get there
Public Transport
80 min from Tokyo by train.
Car
80 min drive from Tokyo by car.
Location & Address
Address
Center of Tochigi city’s main street (around Yorozucho Police station).
Yorozucho, Tochigi-city, Tochigi Pref
栃木県栃木市万町付近
Access from Tokyo
By Public Transport
Via Tochigi Station (Tobu Line or JR Ryomo Line)
Take the Tobu Line or JR Ryomo Line to Tochig Station and exit from the North exit. Walk 10 minutes towards the city center (up the main road), and you won’t miss the festival!
Via Shin-Tochigi Station (Tobu Line)
If coming from Nikko or Utsunomiya, take the Tobu Line to Shi-Tochig Station and exit from the West Exit. Walk 15 minutes towards the city center, and you won’t miss the festival!
We recommend using a travel app like Google Maps or Japan Transit Planner to find train times.
By Car
Via Tichigi IC on Tohoku Expressway and Kita-Kanto Expressway
From the Tochigi IC on the Tohoku Expressway and Kita-Kanto Expressway, drive 20 minutes.
(Traffic and parking are limited, and it can get quite crowded. We recommend traveling by public transport as this is easy. If you need to drive, we recommend leaving your car at a nearby station and taking the train.)
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 Tochigi City Tourist Office directly.
Tel: +81 (0)282-21-2374
Websites
Tochigi City Tourism Website (External Link – Japanese)
Tochigi Prefecture Tourist Association Website (External Link – Japanese)
Tochigi City Tourist Association Website (External Link – Japanese)
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.
