Kawagoe Million Lights Summer Festival
event
Event Dates
Late July
The Kawagoe Million Lights Summer Festival, held around Hon-Kawagoe Station, is a beloved summer tradition. It originated when the local townspeople, mourning the passing of the lord of Kawagoe Castle, lined the streets with beautifully crafted lanterns in his honor. After a pause, the festival was revived in 1960, and in 1982 it grew into the grand celebration now known as the “Kawagoe Million Lights Summer Festival.”
Taking place each year in late July, the festival’s highlight is the countless colorful lanterns that cast a warm glow over Kawagoe’s historic streets. The atmosphere is further enlivened by a historical procession connected to the city, lively hayashi music competitions, and the spirited dance event “Oh! Toryanse Kawagoe.”
Basic Information
12-minute walk from JR/Tobu Tojo Line "Kawagoe Station"
Map
Nearby spots
Located on the first floor of Pepe Honkawagoe Station of Seibu Shinjuku Line, we offer tourist information and sightseeing brochures. We are the closest visitor information center to Koedo Kawagoe and the Kurazukuri townscape. In addition, we offer wheelchair rental and baggage storage services (payment required).
Koedo Kurari is an improved facility retaining the atmosphere of the original Kyūkagamiyama brewery, established in 1875. The brewery, built through the Meiji, Taisho, and Shōwa periods, was remodeled and designated as one of Japan's registered tangible cultural properties along with the three warehouses: souvenir shop (Meijigura), Restaurant (Taishōgura), Japanese sake shop (Shōwagura), and meeting space (Tenjigura).
Founded in 1549 by Renkei Daishi, the mother of Kawagoe Castle Lord Masashige Daidoji. Later during the Tokugawa period, it was officially recognized as a temple and made into a school for Buddhist monks, and many Buddhist monks were educated there. In addition, the temple enshrines Fukurokuju, one of the 7 lucky gods of Kawagoe. Events are held at the temple on a regular basis.
Kitain Temple thrived after the appointment of Sōjō Tenkai, entrusted by Ieyasu Tokugawa, in 1612. Most of the temple burnt down in Kawagoe's great fire in 1638, but was renovated during the Edo period by the third generation shogun Iemitsu, who transferred the "Iemitsu Birth Room" and "Kasuga Bunkachi Makeup Room" to the temple from the Edo castle. In addition, the entire area was designated as an important cultural property. One of Japan’s three major arhat, “Gohyakurakan”, can be seen here.
Matsumoto Soy Sauce Factory has been making soy sauce in Kawagoe for around 250 years. The brewery, established in 1764, still carries out production with traditional methods using 40 cedar vats that have been in use since the Edo period. At a tour of this soy sauce brewery, designated an important part of Kawagoe's city landscape, you can experience firsthand the tradition of soy sauce production.