Tochigi City
Tochigi city is a popular destination for travelers to visit on their way to Nikko. Visitors can enjoy many Edo period traditonal activities.
Tochigi Float Festival
とちぎ秋まつり （栃木市）
Watch Edo-style festival floats parade up and down the streets to the sound of overwhelming Taiko drumming.
The organizers have confirmed that this event is GOING ahead.
We're sure this is happening, but 2024 dates and times are not confirmed.
DATE
2024 : 3 days in Mid November (first day is Children’s festival)
Days
Hours
Min
Sec
*Dates and times have not been confirmed with the organizer.
*Dates and times updated 6th Oct (from official website)
Festival Times & Schedule
Day1 – From 9:30 – 15:30
(children’s festival)
Day 2 – From 9:30 – 20:00
Full day of float parades. ‘Butsuke (battle of the floats)’ in the evening.
Day 3 – From 9:30 – 20:00
Full day of float parades. ‘Butsuke (battle of the floats)’ in the evening.
(children’s festival)
Day 2 – From 9:30 – 20:00
Full day of float parades. ‘Butsuke (battle of the floats)’ in the evening.
Day 3 – From 9:30 – 20:00
Full day of float parades. ‘Butsuke (battle of the floats)’ in the evening.
*Dates and times are based on the 2022 event.
*All dates & activities are subject to change due to weather and/or unforeseen circumstances.
Cost
Free
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How to enjoy the Tochigi 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 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!
Access (How to get to Tochigi Float Festival )
From Tokyo
- 70min from Tokyo by train.
- 1 h 50min drive from Tokyo by car
Address
Center of Tochigi city main street around Yorozucho Police station.
栃木県栃木市万町付近
Yorozucho, Tochigi-city, Tochigi Pref
By Train
Tochigi Station (JR & Tobu Lines)
Take the Tobu Line (Tobu Nikko line / Tobu Utsunomiya Line) or JR Ryomo Line to Tochigi station. Walk for about 15 minutes from the station down the main street to the center of town.
Use the Japan Transit Planner to find trains.
By Car
Approximately 15 minutes drive from the Tochigi IC on the Tohoku Expressway.
Contact Details (Event Organizer)
For information about this event please contact the Tochigi city Tourism department directly.
Tel: +81 0282-21-2374
Email: none
Websites
Japanese Event Website (External Link – Japanese)
