There are at least two Yosakoi festivals in Soka City each year. This one in November and one in September with Samba as well. The upcoming, November, Soka Yosakoi is on Culture Day each year, which is November 3rd. The Soka Chamber of Commerce and Industry Festival is on the same day. Both are the last of three days of festivals on in Soka City the Culture Day weekend. The first is the large Soka Fusasara Festival which is on November 1st in 2026. Soka City is Saitama’s sixth largest city and, located on the border of Tokyo, is a commuter town for Japan’s capital.
Yosakoi Soka
In total 24 teams from within and outside Soka City participate in this yosakoi festival, which is 10 less than last year. Yosakoi is a type of traditional dance, often performed with at least one giant flag, which also “dances” in rhythm with the music and yosakoi choreography. There are three different venues where you can watch yosakoi on the day. All in Matsubara Ayase River Park. The main stage is at the Water front Lagoon Square. You can also see dancing on the street by route 1050 on the east side of the park. Finally, there is a ‘festival’ stage by the Soka Industry Office.
Soka Chamber of Commerce and Industry Festival
On the same day as the Soka Yosakoi, public holiday Tuesday November 3rd, they also will have the 34th annual Soka Industry Festival. It is on from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm. Highlights:
- Open-Air Art Exhibition
- Sokanicle
- Career Experience Corner Hosted by Local Businesses
- Food Trucks
- Stamp Rally with Luxury Prizes
- Robot Festival
- Sale of Locally Produced Goods
Event Information
Event: Yosakoi Soka 2026 よさこい草加 and Soka Chamber of Commerce and Industry Festival 第34回草加商工会議所まつり
Date: November 3rd 2026
Time: 10 am to 4.30 pm (Commerce and Industry Festival has an opening ceremony from 9.30 am).
Cost: there is no admission fee
Venue: Matsubara Ayase River Park, municipal route 1050 and Soka Industry Office, Sōka, Saitama 340-0013. View on Google Maps.
Access
Matsubara Ayase River park is about a five to ten minute walk from Tobu Line’s Dokkyo Daigaku Mae (Soka Matsubara) Station. By car; it is about 5 minutes from the Soka Interchange of the Tokyo Gaikan Expressway. Please note, parking is limited.