Sawara Grand Festival
MatsuriKanto(Chiba)
Annual eventDates
—
Venue
Sawara Historic District (Onogawa River area)
Admission
Free
Crowd Level
Moderate crowd
Photos
Using Sawara to understand Japanese festivals and summer matsuri
Sawara Grand Festival is a useful doorway into broad Japanese festivals because it combines floats, festival music, historic streets, and both summer and autumn timing. If you searched for a summer festival in Japan, use this detail page as the concrete example, then broaden out through the Japanese festivals guide and the summer festivals in Japan hub.
UNESCO-listed float festival in Sawara, Chiba. Jul 10–12, 2026. Edo-period streets, towering dashi floats, and traditional bayashi music.
Sawara Grand Festival features elaborate dashi floats topped with large historical figures, pulled through the preserved Edo-period merchant district along the Onogawa River. The festival is held twice a year — the summer festival in July at Yasaka Shrine and the autumn festival in October at Suwa Shrine. It is designated a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage as part of Japan's float festival tradition.
At a Glance
- Type
- Matsuri
- Dates
- 2026-07-10 – 2026-07-12
- Venue
- Sawara Historic District (Onogawa River area)
- Status
- Ended
- Crowd Level
- Moderate crowd
- Admission
- Free
- Annual event
- Annual
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I confirm the official status of Sawara Grand Festival?
Use the official source for the latest schedule, route changes, and cancellation updates: https://www.city.katori.lg.jp/sightseeing/matsuri/.
What is the current status of Sawara Grand Festival?
The current listing status is ended. Last checked: 2026-03-10.
How crowded is Sawara Grand Festival?
The typical crowd level is moderate.
What are the highlights of Sawara Grand Festival?
Elaborate floats with large historical figures parading through Edo-period streets; UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage designated festival; Traditional festival music (Sawara-bayashi) performances
Highlights
Elaborate floats with large historical figures parading through Edo-period streets; UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage designated festival; Traditional festival music (Sawara-bayashi) performances
Access
JR Narita Line to Sawara Station, 10 min walk to the festival area. From Tokyo, take the JR Sobu/Narita Line via Chiba (about 2 hours). Also accessible from Narita Airport via JR Narita Line (about 30 min).
Tips for Visitors
The summer festival (July) features 10 floats while the autumn festival (October) has 14 floats. The evening parade with illuminated floats is especially beautiful. Combine with a visit to the preserved Edo-period streetscape along the canal.
Location
📍 Sawara Historic District (Onogawa River area)
