Sawara Grand Festival
MatsuriKanto(Chiba)
Annual eventDates
2026-07-10 — 2026-07-12
Venue
Sawara Historic District (Onogawa River area)
Admission
Free
Crowd Level
Moderate crowdChiba's float festival in the historic canal town of Sawara.
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.
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.