Yorii Hojo Festival
event
Event Dates
Mid of May
Against the backdrop of cherry blossoms in full bloom, this Sengoku (warring states) period revival festival features everything from a procession of military commanders dressed in samurai armor, to the echo of roaring cannons as armies clash. A tale of samurai warriors unfolds through a performance so powerful that you can’t help but cheer! This festival is hosted annually on the second Sunday of April and is always bustling with tourists.
Basic Information
（To the City Area Main District）About 5 minutes from Yorii Station on foot
（To Tamayado Streambed）About 10 minutes from Yorii Station on foot
（To Hachigatajō Park) About 20 minutes from Yorii Station on foot
【Car】
About 15 minutes from “Hanazono” Interchange of Kan-etsu Expressway
Map
Nearby spots
Hachigata Castle is a prime example of Sengoku-period (late 15th-16th centuries) fortresses in the Kanto region and is recognized among Japan’s top 100 castles. It is said to have been built in 1476 (Bunmei 8) by Nagao Kageharu, the chief retainer of the Yamauchi Uesugi clan, who served as the regional governors of the Kanto region. Later, Ujikuni, son of warlord Hojo Ujiyasu from Odawara, expanded and fortified it to its present scale. During Toyotomi Hideyoshi's siege of Odawara, the castle was besieged by forces led by Maeda Toshiie and Uesugi Kagekatsu. After defending for over a month, it was surrendered on the condition that the lives of the garrison would be spared, and the castle was subsequently abandoned. The main bailey and other enclosures, surrounded by earthen ramparts and deep moats, still exist today. You can learn more about Hachigata Castle's history at the Hachigata Castle History Museum, located within Hachigata Castle Park. In addition to restored models and videos, the museum offers a virtual experience program where you can explore the castle grounds recreated using CG, giving you a sense of how it appeared in its heyday. Furthermore, by downloading the app "Yotte GO! Yorii Town" (風雲YｏｔｔｅGO!謎解き寄居町), you can view CG images throughout the park and enjoy interactive games.
The Edohigan Sakura tree located in Hachigata Castle Park is a natural town monument. This cherry blossom tree is estimated to be over 150 years old, and flowers bloom beautifully on its umbrella-shaped canopy of branches every year around the end of March. You can also enjoy the evening illuminated cherry blossoms during peak season!
The Saitama Museum of Rivers is an experience-oriented comprehensive museum centering around the Arakawa river with the theme of water and the livelihood of people.
The dam constructed on the Arakawa River in Yorii Town is called the "Tamayodo Dam," and the artificial lake created by the Tamayodo Dam is known as “Lake Tamayodo (Tamayodoko).” Visitors can enjoy activities such as canoeing and rafting on this peaceful lake known for its highly transparent water and surrounded by forest. It is also a famous spot for autumn leaves in Yorii Town.
Hanazono Forest is a sweets theme park modeled after a quiet European mansion, just two minutes away from Hanazono Interchange by car. Baumkuchen, sweets and souvenirs perfect as gifts, cakes and gelato specially selected by pastry chefs, freshly baked bread and outlet products are also available. Enjoy your favorite pastry or bread while strolling in the vast, beautiful rose garden.