🎆 Sawara Grand Festival (Summer 2025) – Complete Guide

The 2025 Sawara Grand Festival (Summer Festival) is scheduled to take place over three days, from Friday, July 11 to Sunday, July 13.

📍 Official Site (Japanese)

🎐 What is the Sawara Grand Festival?

The Sawara Grand Festival is one of the largest traditional float festivals in the Kanto region, recognized as:

• UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

• Important National Intangible Folk Cultural Properties of Japan

🏮 Festival Highlights

• All three days feature ranbiki (free-style float pulling) through historic neighborhoods.

• On Saturday evening (July 12), all 10 ornate floats will line up, creating a stunning scene especially at night under the lantern lights.

• Traditional Sawara Bayashi (festival music) and hand dances are performed throughout the day.

🗺️ Digital Map (Live Float Tracking)

You can check the real-time location of the floats using the digital map:

🔗 Sawara Festival Digital Map

🚃 Access & Transportation

• Train: From Tokyo Station, take the JR Narita Line to Sawara Station (~2 hours). From the station, it’s a 10-minute walk to the festival area.

• Special Train: JR East will operate a special “Sawara Summer Festival” Limited Express train from Shinjuku to Sawara on July 12 and 13 (no reservation required).

• Bus: Highway buses from Tokyo Station Yaesu South Exit take about 85 minutes.

• By Car: From the Higashi-Kanto Expressway, exit at Sawara-Katori IC. A large temporary parking lot (1,000 cars) will be available by the Tone River (free of charge).

• Note: Significant traffic restrictions will be in effect during the festival.

🌧️ Rain or Shine

The festival will proceed even in rainy weather. If it rains, the dolls on top of the floats will be covered with plastic sheets. However, the excitement and energy of the float pulling can still be enjoyed.

🔗 Sawara Weather Forecast

💡 Tip: As no rain is currently forecast, prepare for intense summer heat. Bring water, a hat, and sunscreen!

🏯 What to Do Around Sawara

While you’re in Sawara, make time for these nearby highlights:

🌸 Historic Townscape of “Little Edo”

Stroll along the preserved Edo-period canals lined with merchant houses, bridges, and old sake breweries.

📍 Map location (Google Maps)

📐 Ino Tadataka Museum

Visit the museum dedicated to Japan’s first national cartographer, who mapped the country during the Edo period.

⛩️ Katori Shrine (香取神宮)

One of the most important Shinto shrines in the region, about 20 minutes by car or bus from Sawara.

🎉 Final Thoughts

The Sawara Grand Festival (Summer 2025) promises tradition, energy, and visual splendor like no other. Whether you’re a culture lover, a photography enthusiast, or just looking for a memorable summer trip, this festival is not to be missed.

Mark your calendar, stay hydrated, and get ready to experience one of Japan’s most vibrant festivals!