Cocoon City Halloween – Cocoon City have had a Halloween Parade for quite a few years now, but from 2017 they increased the number of parades as well as the number of Halloween events. Then in 2018 they added even more Halloween celebrations. However, they cancelled most of their HalloweenRead More →
The Taisho (Taishou) period was between 1912 and 1926. Yono in Urawa Ward have been hosting an event in commemoration of the period for almost 30 years. If it had not been for the you-know-what it actually would be more than 30 years! The last time they held the eventRead More →
The Urawa Misono Festival¹ and fireworks were cancelled in both 2020 and 2021. I am so happy they are back in 2022. For one, the day time event is a railway festival, held in and around Urawa Misono Station. Who doesn’t love a railway festival!? Moreover, at night fireworks areRead More →
For the first time in years, the Halloween Afternoon Tea at Shikitei Cafe is not Disney themed. This year it is a more sophisticated affair with only subtle hints of Halloween and more use of Autumnal colors. Omiya Rikyu is a wedding venue, so the building and gardens are beautifullyRead More →
Anitamasai – Saitama’s largest Anime / Manga festival normally takes place in October annually in Omiya. Entry to the grounds is free. However, in both 2020 and 2021 on account of the Coronavirus the event was moved online. The organizers have confirmed that the 10th annual Anitamasai is scheduled forRead More →
The annual summertime Iwatsuki Festival is actually scheduled for this year. However, this year (2022), they will host it in September rather than its usual August. Furthermore, it will be on a smaller scale than usual. Iwatsuki Festival Iwatsuki festival is one of dozens of summer festivals held in SaitamaRead More →
The International Fureai Fair is held around the east exit area of Urawa Station. It was cancelled in 2021 and in 2020 they just had an online event. For the real deal, there are lots of stalls in the area for the festival. Fureai has a meaning similar to ‘exchange’Read More →
SURPRISE! It certainly was a surprise when Saitama city launched their “surprise” fireworks a week earlier than what was posted on the Saitama City tourism webpage. There are a few different firework displays annually in Saitama City. For example, in July there is normally a fireworks display in Owada ParkRead More →
Both the spring and autumn versions of the bi-annual Keyaki Hiroba Beer Festival were cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. However, in spring 2022 the event came back with a vengeance, much to the delight of all and sundry. Because this is one of the most popularRead More →
Before the pandemic, the Saitama Bon Odori had been held in Yono for more than 45 years. It has been greatly missed the last few years, but thankfully it is coming back in 2022. In 2022, Ryohei Kondo, artistic director of the Sai no Kuni Saitama Arts Theater, will joinRead More →