One of Saitama’s most famous places for Autumn / Fall colors. The best time to view Autumn leaves in Nagatoro is generally November. Stretching six kilometers along the Ara river from Iwadatami, resplendent fall colors decorate the Nagatoro Valley. Trees include Momiji, Kunugi and Oak. Taking the famous ‘Line Kudari’Read More →
The Chichibu Rocket Festival is most commonly referred to by its Japanese name “Ryusei Matsuri” even in English, possibly due to the uniqueness of this 400 year old festival. Ryusei literally means dragon power. The Ryusei Festival, or “Chichibu Yoshida Dragon Power”, is a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural PropertyRead More →
The fifth ever Chichibu Colorful Night Walk is confirmed However, this time it is on in Autumn rather than winter – on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from Friday September 18th to Sunday November 15th. Moreover, it’s the second one this year (2026). They also had a winter eventRead More →
The Terasaka Terrace Rice Fields is a beautiful area in Yokoze in the Chichibu District. They are known for both their fireflies in summer and the cluster amaryllis in September. Each year, for one day only, during the bloom period of the flowers, they have a cluster amaryllis festival. However,Read More →
A firelit Obon tradition in the mountains of Chichibu. On the evening of August 16th, the quiet Ogawa district of Kami-yoshida in Chichibu is transformed by the glow of nearly 400 torches, creating one of the region’s most atmospheric Obon fire festivals. Known as Ogawa’s 108 Lanterns, this ritual onceRead More →
Tucked into the foothills of Mt Ryokami, Fumoto Hana no Sato is one of Ogano’s quiet floral treasures; a dahlia garden that comes alive each autumn with rows of vivid, sculptural blooms. What began as a small local project has grown into a beloved seasonal spot, drawing visitors who enjoyRead More →
A summer evening filled with color, music, and community spirit in beautiful Ogano Town. The Ogano Tanabata Festival returns on Saturday, August 1st, 2026, transforming the town’s central streets into a lively celebration of summer. With food trucks, festival stalls, traditional dance, and a games corner for children. For theRead More →
The Nagatoro Funadama festival is one of the most breathtaking summer scenes in Saitama. If you miss the spectacular Yorii Tamayodo Suitengu festival, this is another chance to see stunning festival boats with lanterns floating on the river backdropped by fireworks. General Information about Nagatoro Funadama Festival Nagatoro Funadama FestivalRead More →
Ogano Town in Chichicu District started a new fireworks festival in 2022. This will be the fifth year ever of the fireworks festival in the town, not the fifth time to have fireworks! Indeed, Ogano town has long had a fireworks display on August 16th annually. However, it was partRead More →
Chichibu Ondo Festival & Fireworks. I feel like I’ve probably written this about 364 other times on this website, but the Chichibu district¹ is famous for having a festival (almost) ‘every day of the year’! Within the hundreds of festivals on annually some are bigger and better known than others.Read More →