Guide
The Sawara Grand Autumn Festival is a traditional celebration held at Suwa Shrine in the Sawara district of Katori City, Chiba. Set against a backdrop of streets that preserve the atmosphere of the Edo period, this historic festival features magnificent floats parading through the town. The most striking feature is the heavy, all-zelkova wood construction of the floats, adorned with massive 4-meter-tall dolls crafted by master artisans from the Edo and Meiji eras.
The absolute highlight of this festival is the sight of 14 massive floats being pulled through the Shinjuku district. In particular, the "No-no-ji mawashi"—a dynamic, sweeping turn where the floats pivot sharply—is a breathtaking spectacle that commands the attention of all onlookers. You can fully immerse yourself in Japanese traditional beauty by observing the exquisite Kanto-style carvings and the giant dolls perched atop the floats.
The festival will be held on October 12, 2025.
The event takes place around the Shinjuku district in Sawara, Katori City, Chiba (Suwa Shrine festival area).
The parade follows a route through the historic streets of Sawara.
While the movement of the floats is incredibly dynamic, the timing of the turns and breaks can vary. To get the best view of the parade, we recommend keeping an eye on the local progress of the floats to find the best vantage point.
As you will be spectating outdoors for an extended period, we highly recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. Please also prepare for potential changes in weather. For specific rules or the latest updates regarding the festival, please consult the official local information.