Guida
The Kumagaya Uchiwa Matsuri is the annual grand festival of Yasaka Shrine located in Kamakura-cho, Kumagaya City, Saitama Prefecture. It is held over five days from July 19th to July 23rd (the main public events typically take place during the three days from the 20th to the 22nd). The most distinctive feature of this festival is the culture of the 'Uchiwa' (traditional Japanese fan), which is also the origin of its name. During the Meiji era, 'Shibu-uchiwa' (durable fans coated with persimmon tannin) were distributed to participants, and this unique custom of distributing beautifully designed fans throughout the town continues to this day.
The origins of this festival date back to the 1590s, following the rituals of Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto. While it originally centered around Mikoshi (portable shrines), the style evolved during the Meiji era as the community began to purchase and parade elaborate 'Dashi' (festival floats) and 'Yatai' (stalls). Since around 1891, as each district acquired its own floats, the current format of a float-centric parade was established. Historically, the festival also had deep ties to local life, such as the custom of merchants serving red bean rice (Sekihan) to ward off plagues. In 2012, its historical and cultural significance was officially recognized when it was designated as the 'Kumagaya Yasaka Shrine Festival Ritual' by Kumagaya City.
The highlight of the festival is the parade of six grand floats and six stalls. A particularly thrilling spectacle is the 'Takikiai' (clashing/confrontation). This occurs when two or more floats face each other and compete with the powerful, rhythmic sounds of the Kumagaya Hayashi music. Another fascinating sight is the 'Underpass Crossing,' where the massive floats pass beneath railway lines. During the festival, you can also collect the traditional fans distributed throughout the streets, allowing you to truly feel the essence of a Japanese summer.
The festival runs from July 19th to 23rd. The most vibrant days for spectators are July 20th, 21st, and 22nd. These days feature large-scale street closures and the high-energy 'Takikiai' events, often held in the evening. In recent years, some events have shifted to the late afternoon or evening to mitigate the intense summer heat. To enjoy the sight of the illuminated floats against the dark night sky accompanied by the rhythmic music, the evening hours are highly recommended.
As a spectator, you can watch the grand floats and stalls pass by while listening to the powerful Kumagaya Hayashi music. Collecting the 'Uchiwa' (fan) is a unique experience; these fans often feature specific designs or local shop names, serving as cultural symbols of the region. Interestingly, the festival also embraces modern environmental awareness, such as the appearance of the 'Gomi-damashi' (trash-reducing) float to promote waste reduction.
The center of the festivities is around Yasaka Shrine in Kamakura-cho, Kumagaya. The main parade routes pass through the city center, with significant activities occurring near the intersection of Shichikawa-dori and City Hall-dori. The surrounding area is filled with local shops and restaurants, allowing you to enjoy the festive atmosphere alongside local delicacies.
Cash is highly recommended for street food stalls and local shops during the festival. While some vendors may accept credit cards or electronic money, having plenty of coins and 1,000 yen notes will ensure a smooth experience.
English signage and support may be limited around the festival area. It is helpful to have a translation app ready to understand signs or menus.
No prior reservation is required to watch the float parades or the festival festivities. It is an open event for everyone to enjoy.
Since the festival takes place in July, it is extremely hot and humid. Please wear breathable, lightweight clothing and bring a hat and plenty of water/hydration. Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended.
Photography of the floats and the scenery is permitted, but please be mindful of other spectators and ensure you do not block the path of the parade. Some specific religious rituals may have restrictions on photography.
Expect crowds and potential obstacles (such as steps or uneven ground) along the float routes and near the festival plazas. If using a wheelchair, it is advised to check the route and crowd status in advance.
Large-scale traffic restrictions and road closures occur during the festival. If you are using public transportation, please check for any changes to bus or train routes in advance. Please also be mindful of waste disposal and respect the local community.