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When winter blankets Japan in a crisp chill, the small mountain town of Chichibu comes alive with warmth, color, and tradition. The Chichibu Night Festival 2025 (Chichibu Yomatsuri), held every December, is one of Japan’s top three float festivals, celebrated for its majestic lantern-lit processions and spectacular fireworks.
This 300-year-old tradition transforms Chichibu into a glowing world of sound and light — a place where ancient culture meets festive joy.
🎎 A Festival Steeped in Tradition
Rooted in the legacy of Chichibu Shrine, the Night Festival dates back to the Edo period. It’s an annual expression of gratitude to the gods and a wish for good fortune in the coming year.
Designated as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, the festival showcases six elaborately decorated yatai (floats) and kasaboko (umbrella floats). Each float is adorned with intricate carvings, tapestries, and glowing lanterns, parading through the narrow streets accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of taiko drums and flutes.
On the night of December 3, these massive floats are pulled up a steep slope toward Chichibu Shrine in a spectacular display of strength, devotion, and unity.
📅 Official Dates & 2025 Schedule
Expected Festival Dates:
🗓️ December 2–3, 2025 (Tuesday–Wednesday)
(Official confirmation expected mid-2025.)
Festival Highlights:
| Date | Events |
|---|---|
| Dec 2 (Tue) | Opening ceremony, float exhibitions, food stalls open around Chichibu Shrine. |
| Dec 3 (Wed) | Grand parade of illuminated floats, taiko performances, and fireworks finale. |
Each night, thousands gather to witness the floats lit by hundreds of lanterns and the grand fireworks display that sparkles for nearly two hours — a rare sight in Japan’s winter season.
📍 Location & How to Get There
The Chichibu Night Festival takes place in Chichibu City, located in Saitama Prefecture, about 90 minutes northwest of Tokyo.
How to Get There from Tokyo:
- 🚆 By Train (Seibu Line): Take the Limited Express Laview from Ikebukuro Station → Chichibu Station (approx. 80–90 mins).
- 🚆 By JR Line: From Tokyo, take the JR Takasaki or Chuo Line to Omiya → transfer to the Chichibu Railway.
- 🚗 By Car: Around 2 hours via Kan-Etsu Expressway (expect limited parking).
From Chichibu Station, the main festival area around Chichibu Shrine is only a 10-minute walk.
🎇 Highlights of the Chichibu Night Festival
From the moment you arrive, you’ll be immersed in a truly magical experience:
- Majestic Floats: Towering wooden yatai decorated with gold, lacquer, and paper lanterns.
- Fireworks Over Winter Skies: One of the few winter fireworks displays in Japan, illuminating the cold December air.
- Street Food Galore: Try local delicacies like oden, yakitori, and amazake (sweet sake).
- Traditional Music: Flute and taiko performances echo through the streets, adding rhythm to the glowing night.
💡 Pro tip: The best view of the fireworks and floats is near Hitsujiyama Park or along the main approach to Chichibu Shrine.
💡 Insider Tips for Travelers
- Arrive Early: Crowds can reach over 200,000 visitors, especially on Dec 3.
- Stay Warm: Bundle up — temperatures drop to 0–5°C at night.
- Bring Cash: Many food stalls and shops are cash-only.
- Local Insights: Reddit threads and travel blogs often share real-time tips about crowd levels and train schedules.
If you’re planning to experience the festival like a local, check out the Chichibu Night Festival discussions on Reddit — travelers often share real-time updates, photography tips, and crowd management advice. You’ll find valuable insights from people who’ve attended the event in past years.
🏨 Where to Stay
- Wado Onsen Yun-no-Yado Wado – Traditional onsen ryokan, 20 minutes from Chichibu Shrine.
- Route Inn Chichibu – Comfortable business hotel right near Chichibu Station.
- Guesthouse Nishiki – Budget-friendly and traveler-oriented.
Book accommodations at least two months ahead — local hotels fill up fast during the festival.
🏔️ Nearby Attractions in Chichibu
Make the most of your visit by exploring these spots:
- Hitsujiyama Park: Known for pink moss (Shibazakura Hill) in spring.
- Mitsumine Shrine: A sacred mountaintop shrine surrounded by cedar forests.
- Chichibu Muse Park: Panoramic views and forest trails for nature lovers.
These attractions make Chichibu a perfect day trip or weekend getaway from Tokyo.
⚙️ Practical Information
- Admission: Free
- Hours: Afternoon to late night (fireworks around 7:30–9:00 PM)
- Accessibility: Some streets are crowded, but viewing areas are accessible.
- Language Support: Limited English; translation apps recommended.
❓ FAQs About Chichibu Night Festival 2025
Is Chichibu Matsuri another name for the festival? (Keyword: Chichibu Matsuri)
Yes. “Chichibu Matsuri” is the general name. “Chichibu Yomatsuri” is the official name, emphasizing the main night event on December 3rd.
Which prefecture is the festival held in? (Keyword: Chichibu night festival Saitama)
The festival is held in Chichibu City in Saitama Prefecture, Japan.
What time do the fireworks start?
The fireworks usually begin around 19:30 (7:30 PM) and last until 22:00 (10:00 PM) on the main night (December 3rd).
Is the festival free?
Watching the festival and the parade on the streets is free. However, if you want a fixed seat to watch the floats and fireworks comfortably, you will need to purchase reserved tickets..
What’s the weather like?
→ Cold but clear — average temperatures between 0°C and 8°C.
✨ Conclusion – A Night of Light and Heritage
The Chichibu Night Festival 2025 captures everything that makes Japan’s matsuri culture so enchanting — craftsmanship, community, and celebration under the winter sky.
As lanterns glow and fireworks bloom over the shrine, visitors feel the heartbeat of centuries-old tradition still alive today.
It’s more than a festival — it’s a luminous reminder of Japan’s enduring spirit.
🌏 Plan your journey, embrace the chill, and experience one of Asia’s most unforgettable winter festivals.
Read more: The Festival of Lights, Colors, or Both? Your Guide to Diwali 2025
