Guide
Hanno Matsuri is a traditional festival that has been celebrated in Hanno City, Saitama, since 1971. Originally, various local autumn festivals were held separately throughout September, but to create a more unified celebration and mitigate weather-related issues, the festivities were consolidated into the current format in 1971. Today, the festival takes place over two days on the first Saturday and Sunday of November. The highlight of the festival is the sight of 11 decorative floats (dashi) parading through the city streets. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of traditional performing arts, including music from 'Sokonuke Yatai' (floats with open bottoms), lion dances (shishimai), portable shrines (mikoshi), and folk song parades.
The history of this festival is rooted in the effort to establish a grand civic celebration that strengthens community bonds. In 1971, the various regional autumn festivals held in September were unified into this single, cohesive event. The musical accompaniment (ohayashi) follows two distinct lineages: the 'Kanda Ohashi-ryu' (derived from Kanda-bayashi) and the 'Odawara Ohayashi Wakasa-ryu.' Specific songs like 'Niba,' 'Yatai,' and 'Yonchome' are performed in sync with the festival's progression. Additionally, the unique local dance known as 'Gedo' is a precious cultural heritage passed down through generations. Historically, Hanno has deep ties to Tokyo, with records showing a float carrying the deity Jimmu Tenno once participated in the 'Edo Tenka Matsuri' in Chiyoda, Tokyo.
The festival is split into two distinct days, each offering a different atmosphere. The first day is the 'Eve Festival' (Zen'yasai). During the day, 'Sokonuke Yatai'—floats designed for musicians to play while walking—circulate through the town. In the evening, the 'Hikiawase' occurs, where the floats meet in the city center; the intense and powerful music of the 'Shagiri' piece played during this time is truly unforgettable. The second day is the 'Main Festival' (Hon-matsuri), featuring 11 large, grand floats. These floats are led by figures such as 'Hanamanto' or 'Tekomai' and parade through the streets to the sounds of Kanda-bayashi. The energy is further heightened by lion dances, mikoshi, and folk song parades featuring Hanno Ondo and Nishikawa Ondo, as well as ladder-climbing performances.
Hanno Matsuri is held on the first Saturday and Sunday of November. As this is a time of late autumn, the crisp air adds to the seasonal charm. For a unique experience, visit on the first night to witness the 'Hikiawase' in the darkness, which offers a much more atmospheric and emotional setting than the daytime. For the second day, it is highly recommended to visit during the daytime to see the full-scale parade of the 11 grand floats. Note that a different type of summer festival is also held in July, focusing more on the Sokonuke Yatai style.
During the festival, you can listen to traditional ohayashi music up close. The dances performed to the rhythm, such as Okame, Hyottoko, Tenko, Shishi, and Gedo, offer a rare opportunity to understand the local culture. Watching the community-led folk song parades and ladder-climbing performances allows visitors to feel the vibrant energy of a traditional Japanese community firsthand.
Hanno City is surrounded by rich natural beauty, making it a great place to explore before or after the festival. The area also features facilities like the Tove Jansson-themed park, making it a family-friendly destination. Most events are concentrated in the city center during the festival period.
As the festival involves long periods of outdoor activity, please prepare accordingly. Since it takes place in November, bringing warm clothing is essential to stay comfortable in the cooling temperatures.