Written by Aarohi Narain
See impressive floats and soak up the festive atmosphere in Hachiōji.
What happens?
With a history going back to the Edo period, the Hachiōji Festival is one of the biggest float festivals in the Kantō region.
Long ago, the area’s beautifully decorated floats, which then numbered 20, carried dolls and stood out for their detailed carvings. Some were lost during the war, but over the years, the community has worked together to rebuild them.
Now, 19 neighborhood groups bring their floats to the festival each year — 11 of which are officially recognised as cultural properties by the city. These floats parade down Kōshū Kaidō Road, accompanied by music and dancing.
Event highlights
The highlight is the float battle (known in Japanese as buttsuke, meaning to collide or crash into), which is when two or more floats meet at an intersection, stop, and face off in a dramatic musical showdown. Each team performs with all their energy, trying to overpower the others through rhythm and spirit. If one float gets musically overwhelmed or starts following the other’s lead, they’re considered to have lost.
You’ll also catch folk dances, lion dances, a taiko drum battle, and two grand mikoshi (portable shrines), one for each of the area’s main shrines.
Schedule 2025
Here are the main festivities:
August 1 (Friday)
On August 1 from 6:30 to 7 p.m. local geisha will perform at the Nishi Hoshasen Yu Road Nakamachi Park.
August 2 (Saturday)
The first float procession takes place on August 2 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. along the Koshu Kaido featuring designated tangible cultural properties.
August 3 (Sunday)
The final day, August 3, is when the bulk of the action takes place.
There will be portable shrine parades from 2 to 9 p.m.
At 6 p.m., floats from the Shimo District gather at two intersections for a musical face-off.
From 6:40 p.m., all ten floats from the Kami District come together for the Float Match, an impressive joint performance of traditional music.
Finally, at 8 p.m., the Shimo District holds a Float Send-off Ceremony, where nine floats and the Yawata Yakumo Shrine portable shrine assemble for one last performance, joined by children’s lantern towers and a festive musical finale.
How to get there
The festival takes place 5 minutes away on foot from Hachiōji Station. From Shinjuku Station, hop on the JR Chūō Line and ride for about 36 minutes.
Alternatively, take the Keio Line and alight at Keio Hachiōji Station after riding for about 34 minutes. The main festival venue is about 10 minutes on foot from Keio Hachiōji Station.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.