Residents in northern Saitama City can look forward to the return of the Saitama KI-TA Festival this October, bringing a day of food, entertainment and community activities to the area around Miyahara Station. Held at the west exit rotary of JR Miyahara Station, the festival has been a local tradition since 2011. Organizers describe the event as a celebration of community development. Bringing together local businesses, welfare organizations, schools and residents while showcasing the unique character of the Miyahara area. The festival’s theme for 2026 is “Mirai e no Kakehashi” (A Bridge to the Future), reflecting its focus on community building and bringing people together.
Saitama KI-TA Festival
This year’s pre-event is on Saturday October 17th. And the main festival takes place on Sunday, October 18th, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Miyahara Station West Exit Rotary. Visitors can expect a variety of food stalls featuring local favorites connected to Miyahara, along with festival booths and family-friendly attractions. The event is also known for its lively stage program featuring performances by local groups, including music, dance, choir performances and martial arts demonstrations.
In addition to the food and entertainment, several community projects will be taking place as part of the festival. These include a Children’s Challenge Shopping Street, an elementary school art exhibition and displays showcasing children’s visions for the future. Organisers say the event is designed to be enjoyable for all ages, from young children to senior residents.
Illumination Miyahara
Adding to the festive atmosphere is the Illumination Miyahara lighting ceremony. According to the festival schedule, the illumination switch-on event will be held on Saturday, October 17 at 6:30 p.m. as part of the festival’s eve celebrations. There are some stage performances on that night too – the schedule in the photo above.
While the festival website does not provide further details about the illumination display itself, the lighting ceremony has become one of the associated events that takes place alongside the KI-TA Festival each year, helping to kick off the celebrations before the main festival day. The illumination is usually on nightly until around early or mid February.
Event Information
Event: Illumination Switch-on Ceremony and Saitama KI-TA Festival 2026.
Date: Saturday October 17th and Sunday, October 18th, 2026. Illumination: on nightly from October 17th, 2026, to February 2027.
Time: from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm on Saturday, and from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Location: JR Miyahara Station West Exit Rotary, 3 Chome-529-2 Miyaharacho, Kita Ward, Saitama, 331-0812. View on Google Maps.
Admission: Free.
Access: right at the West rotary of JR Miyahara Station, which is on the JR Takasaki line from Tokyo Station. It is approximately 35 to 40 minutes from Tokyo station and about 30 minutes from Ueno station.
Official website: https://fes.saitama-ki-ta.com/