HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Experience the Sawara Grand Festival
Experience the vibrant energy, centuries of tradition, and colorful floats of the Sawara Grand Festival in Chiba Prefecture
Katori City, Chiba Prefecture
Held in the historic town of Sawara, this festival is one of Japan's largest float processions and a showcase of the Kanto region's unique cultural heritage.
The elaborate floats, known as dashi, are towering structures over nine meters high. They are adorned with intricate carvings, vibrant colors, and exquisite ornaments, each a marvel of traditional Japanese design and craftsmanship. The dolls atop these floats are usually representations of legendary or historical figures, and the carvings depict historical scenes, mythical creatures, or seasonal wonders.
These magnificent floats are pulled through the streets by locals in traditional attire and accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of Sawara-bayashi taiko drum and flute ensembles, which create an enchanting atmosphere. The No-no-ji Mawashi is one of the festival’s highlights, where the floats are spun multiple times to show off the strength and unwavering spirit of the participants.
By day, you can enjoy the lively parade of floats, savor local delicacies at the many stalls, and witness various traditional dances. By night, you can watch the town come to life with glowing lanterns as the floats move across and reflect off of the Ono River, creating a timeless scene.
Taking place over three days in July (on the first weekend after the 10th) and the second weekend of October, the Sawara Grand Festival is all about celebrating community, tradition, and the unique culture of Sawara.
How to get there
From Narita International Airport, take the JR Narita Line to Sawara Station (about 40 minutes).
From Tokyo Station, take the JR Line to Sawara Station (about 1 hour and 40 minutes). The festival area is about a 10-minute walk from the station.
(Summer) 1903-1 I, Sawara, Katori-shi, Chiba-ken
(Autumn) 466 I, Sawara, Katori-shi, Chiba-ken
