Saitama "Kawagoe Summer Festival of One Million Lanterns Saitama [Kawagoe Million Lantern Summer Festival] Little Edo Kawagoe in summer wrapped in the lights of colorful lanterns

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Kawagoe Summer Festival of One Million Lanterns
Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture, is located about 30 minutes from central Tokyo. Kawagoe City in Saitama Prefecture is a sightseeing spot where you can experience good old Japanese culture within a 30-minute drive from central Tokyo. The Kawagoe Ichibangai shopping street, with its streets lined with warehouses, is popular for its historical buildings and cultural assets, as well as for its sweet potato gourmet food, which can be enjoyed only in Kawagoe, a city known for its sweet potato cultivation.

This article introduces the "Kawagoe Hyakumanto Summer Festival," which is said to be a summer tradition in Koedo Kawagoe, a city full of attractions. Usually held for two days on Saturday and Sunday, this year the festival will be held for one day on Saturday, July 26, 2025.

What is the "Kawagoe Hyakumanto Summer Festival," a summer tradition in Koedo Kawagoe?

A festival with a long history that started in the Edo period

The Kawagoe Hyakumanto Festival began as a festival in 1850. It is said that the festival began with faceted lanterns in memory of Marquis Naritsune Matsudaira Yamato, the feudal lord of Kawagoe Castle. After Lord Matsudaira Naritsune died of illness in Kaei 2, Nanako, daughter of Genpachi Mitamura, made faceted lanterns and hung them at the front entrance during the New Year Bon Festival in Kaei 3 to repay "the favor that the Mitamura family received from Lord Naritsune". The festival was suspended after that.
Photogenic lanterns
The festival was suspended after that, but was revived in the summer of 1960 under the sponsorship of Kawagoe City, the Tourist Association, and the Kawagoe Chamber of Commerce and Industry, based on these historic events and stories commemorating the legacy of the Marquis Qinitoku. In 1982, the name was changed to "Kawagoe Hyakumanto Summer Festival" to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the city's incorporation, and the festival was reborn as a citizen-participatory festival, and has been held as a grand summer event in Koedo Kawagoe.

A full day of events from daytime to nighttime

Although most people have a strong impression that festivals are held at night, the "Kawagoe Hyakumanto Summer Festival" can be enjoyed throughout the day. Last year, the festival attracted 160,000 visitors! From locals to people from far away, everyone comes to feel the summer in Kawagoe.

The main area of the festival is from the Seibu Shinjuku Line Honkawagoe Station to Fudanotsuji and the surrounding shopping area. Stores of all kinds will be in a festive mood. From food to knick-knacks, you can find fashionable and cute contents, and many of the stores are reasonably priced, so everyone from adults to children can enjoy the festival.
The powerful performance of a gunfighting team

Click here for information on the "Kawagoe Hyakumanto Summer Festival" on Saturday, July 26, 2025.

The "Kawagoe Hyakumanto Summer Festival" will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025. The festival was held for two days until last year, but in 2025 it will be held for only one day. Also, please note that traffic control will be in place between 16:00 and 21:00, so please be careful if you are coming by car.

Events
festival stalls / festival music / Kawagoe-related historical procession / OH! Doriyanse KAWAGOE / Nigiwai Hiroba / musical performance / million light dream lanterns / unit shopping street event
The excitement lasts until the night.

Let's go to "Kawagoe Hyakumanto Summer Festival" to feel the summer in Koedo Kawagoe!

The charm of Koedo Kawagoe is that you can enjoy a photogenic stroll through the streets and eat your way through the city! Why don't you go to the "Kawagoe One Million Lantern Summer Festival" this summer as one of your summer memories?

Combine your favorite train with lodging or a day trip plan for a great travel experience!

You can make your own original trip!

The " JR East View Dynamic Rail Package " is a variable-price individual travel product available only on the web, which allows you to choose your train and accommodations freely and apply for them all at once. Depending on the timing and conditions of your application, you may be able to save even on the day of departure at the earliest! We also offer one-day trip plans! Enjoy your own trip according to your schedule and purpose.
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