Yamada Spring Festival

Event Overview

The Yamada Spring Festival is the annual grand festival of Tsunemochi Shrine, famously known as the first event to introduce festival floats to the Chichibu region. Often called the 'Festival that Announces Spring to the Chichibu Path,' this traditional ceremony is a cherished local event that marks the beginning of the new season. It is a beautiful way to witness the deep connection between Japanese tradition and the natural cycle of the seasons.

Highlights & What to Expect

The main attraction is the spectacular parade of ornate festival floats (dashi). The festival features a total of three floats: one Kasaboko and two Yatai. As these magnificent floats are pulled through the streets, the powerful sounds of drums and traditional musical accompaniment (hayashi) fill the air, creating an electrifying atmosphere. Watching the floats move through the town offers a visceral sense of local energy and heritage. The event begins with morning rituals at Tsunemochi Shrine and transitions into the movement of the floats toward the Otayashiro (Yasaka Shrine) in the afternoon, providing a wonderful insight into the structure of Japanese Shinto rituals.

Schedule

The festival will be held on March 8, 2026. The planned schedule is as follows:

• *Morning Rituals**: Before 11:00 AM, the three floats (1 Kasaboko and 2 Yatai) gather at Tsunemochi Shrine for the opening ceremony.
• *Float Parade (Hikoki)**: The floats will parade during the following time slots:
• 08:00 – 11:00
• 13:00 – 17:00
• 19:00 – 21:00
• *Movement to Otayashiro**: In the afternoon, the floats depart for the Otayashiro (Yasaka Shrine), where the festivities continue at the shrine around 3:00 PM.

Venue & Access

The event takes place around the Tsunemochi Shrine area (Yamada, Chichibu City) and the Yasaka Shrine area.

From the nearest stations, Seibu-Chichibu Station (Seibu Railway) or Chichibu Station (Chichibu Railway), take the Seibu Kanko Bus (bound for 'Sadome' or 'Minano'). Get off at the 'Gakko-mae' bus stop to reach the festival area.

Tips for Visitors

The Yamada Spring Festival features multiple parade sessions from early morning to night. You can experience different moods depending on the time: the solemnity of the morning rituals, the movement of the floats in the afternoon, or the vibrant energy of the night-time parade. The rhythmic sounds of the traditional music are essential to the experience. We recommend arriving early to soak in the atmosphere of celebrating the arrival of spring in this historic community.

What to Bring & Etiquette

As most activities take place outdoors, please wear comfortable clothing. Since the parade continues into the evening (until 9:00 PM), we recommend preparing for cooler temperatures or bringing a light jacket. For the latest updates and specific rules regarding the ceremony, please check the official website.