Shiraoka’s much‑loved Pokka Poka Summer Festival returns for its 20th year, bringing food stalls, stage performances, family-friendly fun, and a small fireworks finale. Held at the Pokka Pokka Care Facility in Uenoda, the festival is known for drawing large crowds, lively performances, and a warm, community-first atmosphere. This year’s event includes upgraded photo spots, as well as special seating for residents and families, and the return of singer Heiwa Katsujii, who will once again lead the crowd in the famous “Hyakusai Ondo” dance. The festival is scheduled for this coming Saturday, September 5th, 2026.
The Pokka Poka Summer Festival
On September 5th the festival grounds will be lined with 29 stalls, offering classic matsuri foods such as yakisoba, takoyaki, karaage, candied apples, shaved ice, cotton candy, and goldfish scooping. Stage performances begin at 3 PM, featuring brass band music, dance, sōran, taiko, hula, and a mood‑kayō show by Heiwa Katsujii at 19:45. Visitors are encouraged to practice the Hyakusai Ondo ahead of time – the organizers even provide a YouTube tutorial for those who want to join the dance with confidence.
A highlight every year is the festival’s dramatic finale, which local visitors often describe as “so close you have to look straight up”. The fireworks begin at 20:40, closing the festival with an unforgettable burst of colour and sound. The event also features a charming wind chime photo spot, upgraded from last year and located near the red gravel bridge area.
Schedule
- Stage performances from 3 pm
- Children’s Plaza from 3 pm
- Game Corner from 4 pm
- Start of the main summer festival from 5 pm
- Heiwa Katsujii live show at 7.45 pm
- Fireworks finale at 8:40 pm
Please note that they cancel the festival if its raining, with no postponement. However, it may go ahead if it just light rain, but heavy rain will stop the event. They make the final decision on the day and announce it on the special site and Daijukai homepage.
Event Details
Event: Pokka Pokka Summer Festival 2026 第２０回ぽっかぽか夏まつり
Date: Saturday September 5th 2026
Time: from 3 pm to about 8.50 pm
Cost: there is no admission fee
Venue: Mukogawagishi‑chō Parking Lot 向川岸町駐車場, Pokka Poka Care Facility, 357-1 Kaminoda, Shiraoka, Saitama 349-0221. View on Google Maps.
Access: there are temporary parking lots near the center for the occasion. The Kaiyo Center parking lot cannot be used. Parking around the facility is for staff and authorized vehicles only. As a community festival, it’s really for locals. The nearest train station is Shiraoka Station but it is a taxi / bus ride away.