The Hagoita Market features a form of art traditionally sold at this time of year and for which Kasukabe is famous. The origin of the Hagoita is as a paddle-like racket for playing a badminton-like game called Hanetsuki. They are however more likely to be ornamental.
The tradition seems to have started about 700 years ago during the Muromachi period but they became a popular form of art in the Edo period when they were often decorated with depictions of famous kabuki actors. The market/festival takes place outside the east exit of Kasukabe Station which is roughly a 1 hour journey from central Tokyo on the Tobu “Skytree” Line.
If you live nearer central Tokyo, you may want to check out Senso-ji Temple’s Hagoita-Ichi Festival where many of the hagoita made in Kasukabe are sold.
| Dates: | 21st Dec–23rd Dec, 2017 |
|---|---|
| Web: | http://www.kasukabe-cci.or... (Link in Japanese) |
| Entry: | Free |
| Closest station(s): | Kasukabe (Saitama) |
| Area: | Kasukabe |
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