Guida
The Sawara Grand Autumn Festival is a prestigious ritual held in the Sawara district of Katori City, Chiba Prefecture (Suwa Shrine). Set against a backdrop of streets that preserve the atmosphere of the Edo period, this historic festival features a parade of magnificent floats. The most striking feature is the heavy, all-zelkova wood construction of the floats, adorned with massive 'Oningyo' (large dolls) reaching up to 4 meters in height, crafted by master artisans from the Edo and Meiji eras.
The absolute highlight of this festival is the sight of 14 massive floats parading through the Shinjuku district. In particular, the 'Magiki' (No-no-ji mawashi) technique, where the floats perform a dynamic, sweeping turn, is a breathtaking spectacle that overwhelms the senses. The floats are decorated with exquisite Kanto-style carvings, allowing you to fully appreciate the pinnacle of Japanese traditional craftsmanship alongside the giant dolls perched above.
The festival will be held on October 12, 2025.
The venue is the area around the Shinjuku district in Sawara, Katori City, Chiba Prefecture (Suwa Shrine ritual).
The parade follows a route through the historic streets of Sawara.
While the movement of the floats is incredibly dynamic, the timing of turns and breaks can vary. To view the parade efficiently, we recommend staying informed about the current location of the floats through local information.
As this is an outdoor event involving significant walking, we highly recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. Please also prepare clothing suitable for changing weather conditions. For detailed rules and the latest updates regarding the festival, please consult the official sources.