Note: Some photos are for illustrative purposes only.
The Kawagoe Hyakumantō Summer Festival – A Beloved Seasonal Tradition Blending Colorful Lanterns and Historic Storehouse Architecture
As dusk falls on a summer evening, the streets of “Little Edo” Kawagoe, illuminated by lanterns, transform into a fantastical scene as if time-traveling back to the Edo period. This magical setting is brought to life during the “Kawagoe Hyakumantō Summer Festival,” held annually during the last weekend of July.
This traditional event dates back to the Edo period, originally held in remembrance of the virtuous Lord Matsudaira Naritsune of the Kawagoe domain. Today, it has become one of the most iconic summer events in Kawagoe.
On festival days, the streets from Hon-Kawagoe Station to Ichibangai Shopping Street and Satsunotsuji are closed to traffic, turning into a pedestrian paradise filled with parades by local groups, stage performances, and lively food stalls. The highlight of the festival is undoubtedly the vibrant contrast between the rows of colorful lanterns and the traditional storehouse-style buildings. Visiting in a yukata or kimono allows you to blend seamlessly into the scenery—perfect for picturesque photos.
The lantern-lit streets from twilight into the night are a must-see. Why not spend a special summer evening enveloped in the dreamlike glow of Little Edo?
The 2025 festival is scheduled for Saturday, July 26, from 16:00 to 21:00 (subject to cancellation in case of severe weather, no postponement).
Enjoying the Kawagoe Hyakumantō Summer Festival in Yukata or Kimono
No summer festival in yukata or kimono is complete without delicious food. Kawagoe offers a rich array of culinary experiences that perfectly complement the elegance of traditional attire—from nostalgic machiya-style cafés and sweet shops ideal for strolling, to refreshing Japanese desserts. During breaks in the festivities, relax at a café with a foot bath, or refresh yourself with a cool sweet treat. In Kawagoe, a town made for kimono, you can enjoy a culinary journey that feels both nostalgic and new.
VANITOY BAGEL Kurazukuri Main Store
Access: About 14-minute walk from Hon-Kawagoe Station
Features:
A specialty bagel shop using 100% Hokkaido wheat; selected among Tabelog’s top 100 bakeries in Eastern Japan.
Ideally situated among traditional storehouses and just a short walk from the famous “Toki no Kane” bell tower.
Offers around 30 types of chewy, flavor-rich bagels.
During the Festival:
Special limited-time bagels available.
Menu Highlights:
Teriyaki Chicken Sandwich: The shop’s No.1 bestseller featuring juicy chicken and chewy bagels.
Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese Sandwich: A favorite among women for its rich, harmonious flavor.
Purple Sweet Potato & Sweet Bean Paste Bagel: A uniquely colored treat with sweet bean paste wrapped in purple dough.
Atmosphere:
The second-floor café provides panoramic views of the traditional storehouse streetscape.
Yuukiya
Access: 2-minute walk from Hon-Kawagoe Station
Features:
A long-standing local favorite offering authentic Osaka-style okonomiyaki and creative monjayaki for over 17 years.
Serves pork rice bowls during the day and okonomiyaki at night.
Carefully selected ingredients such as wheat from Kagawa and eggs from Yamagata.
During the Festival:
Special menu item: whole pickled cucumber.
Available on-site at the local greengrocer “Kawagoe Juicy,” which also sells fruit sandwiches and fresh juices during the festival.
Menu Highlights:
A variety of authentic Osaka-style okonomiyaki.
Creative monjayaki, especially the spicy ground-meat curry version.
Ladies’ Gathering Course (3-hour all-you-can-drink): for female guests only.
BBQ Course (2-hour all-you-can-drink): includes high-quality domestic meat and seasonal vegetables.
Atmosphere:
Quiet, partitioned seating throughout.
Private tatami rooms on the second floor (not reservable in advance).
A chic and modern hidden gem.
Koedo Country Farm Kitchen
Access: 10-minute walk from Hon-Kawagoe Station, within the sightseeing area
Features:
A buffet restaurant operated by a greengrocer.
Uses fresh, seasonal vegetables and fruits sourced daily from the market.
Colorful, visually appealing dishes served on elegant plates.
During the Festival:
Sells fruit skewers and fruit cups at the storefront, along with karaage (fried chicken) and gyoza (dumplings).
Menu Highlights:
All-you-can-eat buffet featuring an abundance of fresh vegetables.
Their famous medicinal curry.
A wide range of side dishes using seasonal produce.
Generous takeout menu options.
Atmosphere:
A calm second-floor dining area.
Chic country-style interior.
A cozy, welcoming space especially popular with women.
Reserve at Koedo Country Farm Kitchen
Beyond the Festival: Visit the “Wind Chime Corridor,” a Summertime Tradition
Another must-see during the Kawagoe Hyakumantō Summer Festival is the Hikawa Shrine, home to the “Wind Chime Corridor” (Fūrin Kairō)—a cherished summer tradition. The event coincides with the festival, offering more than 1,500 Edo-style wind chimes and a beautifully illuminated “River of Light.”
The shrine is about a 10-minute walk from the northern end of the festival area at Satsunotsuji, past the Toki no Kane bell tower.
Create Unforgettable Summer Memories in Little Edo
Strolling through Kawagoe’s historic streets in a gently swaying yukata, basking in the glow of lanterns at twilight, and savoring refreshing sweets in charming cafés—nowhere else captures the spirit of summer quite like this. Spend a memorable, elegant summer in Little Edo, Kawagoe.
Book a kimono at Kimono Rental Wargo Kawagoe Store
Written by AutoReserve Editorial Team
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