Chichibu Night Festival

The Chichibu Night Festival is considered one of Japan's three major float festivals, alongside Kyoto's Gion Festival and the Takayama Festival in Hida. Held at Chichibu Shrine, it developed into a grand festival with the economic growth of the Kinuno Takaichi silk market during the mid-Edo period (1716-1829). It later became known as one of Japan's leading festivals. The festival is held each year on December 2 for the eve festivities and December 3 for the grand festival.

Its main attraction is the procession of two magnificent kasaboko floats and four yatai floats. One of the most impressive sights is watching these floats, which weigh as much as 20 metric tons, being hauled up the steep Dango-zaka slope beneath a night sky filled with colorful winter fireworks. The powerful rhythm of the yatai-bayashi festival music and the performers' spirited chants add to the excitement. Approximately 5,000 fireworks are launched over the two-day festival each year. This dazzling winter celebration attracts as many as 340,000 spectators.

More than 800 food and merchandise stalls add to the festive atmosphere. Visitors can sample yakitori and local Chichibu specialties such as miso potatoes. Inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2016, the Chichibu Night Festival continues to attract growing attention. It is a grand celebration that offers the chance to experience one of Japan's leading festivals.