The Chichibu Night Festival has been celebrated for over 300 years, with historical records showing some floats dating back to 1716–1736. During the Edo period, Chichibu prospered as “Silk City” (Kinu no Takamachi), and the festival played an important role in the region’s cultural and economic life.

Chichibu Shrine, founded by Chichibuhiko no Mikoto, is linked to the worship of Mt. Buko. Legend says he taught silk weaving to the local community, strengthening the shrine’s connection to regional craftsmanship.

Traditionally held at the end of farming and winter preparation, the festival marked a major turning point in the yearly cycle. Often called the “Night Festival” or “Winter Festival,” it features an impressive procession of floats and dramatic fireworks. In 2018, approximately 280,000 people attended the two-day celebration.

On December 2 (Yoimiya), four floats — Miyaji, Kamimachi, Nakamachi, and Honmachi — are paraded through the city center from the morning. Watching them pass each other with expert precision is one of the day’s highlights.

Festival floats fall into two categories: Kasaboko and Yatai. Kasaboko originally featured large umbrella-shaped decorations covered with hundreds of flowers, but these umbrellas have not appeared in parades since 1914 due to overhead power lines.

Yatai floats carry rich decorations, thick curtains, and built-in stages designed for performing Kabuki.

On December 3, the four Yoimiya floats are joined by two additional floats, often called “moving Yomeimon” after the celebrated gate of Nikko Toshogu Shrine. These six floats, all designated as national tangible folk cultural properties, are among the festival’s greatest attractions.

At night, the floats glow with lantern light as musicians (hayashite) perform atop them.

Around 7 PM, the floats depart Chichibu Shrine, eventually reaching the Otabisho around 10 PM, the dramatic peak of the festival.

According to local legend, the festival commemorates the yearly meeting between Zao Gongen, the snake deity of Mt. Buko, and Myoken Bosatsu of Chichibu Shrine. As the floats pass Suwa Shrine — home to Zao Gongen’s wife, Yasakatome-no-kami — musicians stop playing in a ritual called Suwa Watari.

The festival features distinctive performing arts, including the Whisper Dance and Yatai Kabuki, accompanied by traditional nagauta music. For Kabuki performances, floats are fitted with temporary protruding stages that transform them into mobile theaters.

The performances follow Edo-period Kabuki style, portraying the daily lives of ordinary townspeople. Both the craftsmanship involved in preparing these temporary stages and the energy of the performances themselves are rare and highly valued cultural experiences.

One of the festival’s signature attractions is the breathtaking fireworks display — one of the largest winter fireworks shows in Japan. The interplay between the illuminated floats and the vivid fireworks creates an unforgettable atmosphere.

The program includes star mines, giant shakudama bursts, and a sparkling “golden waterfall,” all of which contribute to the festival’s spectacular winter night.

Because the festival area is small, the fireworks are best seen from rooftops in Chichibu city or places with a more open view of the sky, such as in front of Seibu Chichibu Station.

Take the Seibu Railway’s Seibu Chichibu Line to Seibu-Chichibu Station. The limited express Laview Red Arrow from Ikebukuro Station takes as little as 78 minutes.

From Tokyo or Shinjuku, transfer at Ikebukuro and continue on Seibu Railway’s express or limited express services.

Below are top-rated accommodations in Chichibu to enjoy convenient access to the vibrant floats, fireworks, and festivities of the Chichibu Night Festival. Be sure to book accommodations early, as they tend to fill quickly.