Koedo Kawagoe Spring Festival

Kawagoe’s iconic kurazukuri storehouses set the stage for this energetic spring festival with a historical bent.

What happens?

During the Koedo Kawagoe Spring Festival, Kawagoe takes on a magical atmosphere, with gun demonstrations, daring firefighter stunts, and a cherry blossom boat ride along the Shingashi River.

Kawagoe offers a glimpse into Japan’s past just a short train ride from Tokyo. Check out our day trip guide for more information.

Event highlights

• Matchlock Gun Corps parade through town in full samurai armor, firing historical muskets against the backdrop of Edo-style buildings.
• The Ladder Stunt Show features skilled firefighters balancing on six-meter ladders.
• Over at Renkeiji Temple, expect a festive soundtrack brought to you by the Kawagoe City Firefighters’ Band.
• For a breathtaking view of sakura from the water, hop on the Cherry Blossom Boat Ride — if you’re lucky enough to snag a ticket.

Schedule 2025

There will be many events throughout the spring festival till April 20, but the main events take place on March 29 and 30.

March 29

On the opening day of the festival, there will be a host of events.

• The matchlock gun demonstration starts at 12:20 p.m. at Kawagoe Castle Honmaru Palace and ends at Renkeiji Temple by 1:40 p.m., with stops along the way.
• The Ladder Stunt Show happens at Kawagoe Festival Hall at 10:15 a.m. and Nakamachi Intersection at 10:40 a.m.
• The Firefighters’ Band plays at Renkeiji Temple from 12 to 1 p.m.

March 30

The Spring Boat Trip runs throughout the day, with daytime rides from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and lantern-lit evening rides from 6:30 to 8 p.m. However, note that the boat ride is highly dependent on cherry blossom conditions and weather. The event has been canceled last minute in past years due to unexpected snow or storms.

Other key events include a lion dance on April 4.

Tickets 2025

Update: The tickets for the Shingashi River Sakura Boat Ride are sold out.

The Shingashi River Sakura Boat Ride requires advance tickets. Only 400 tickets are available for the daytime ride and just 60 for the night ride. Daytime tickets cost ¥1,000 per person, while nighttime tickets cost ¥2,000.

How to get there

There are a few different routes to choose from to get to Kawagoe from central Tokyo. See our area guide for detailed information.

From Hon-Kawagoe Station

• Kawagoe Honmaru Palace is closest from Hon-Kawagoe Station, taking roughly 25 minutes on foot. Alternatively, take a bus from the station. The route that involves the least walking is the C01-1 headed for Agresh Kawagoe Roadside Station. Ride for 10 minutes (4 stops) and get off at the Museum and Art Gallery bus stop. From there, it’s a 1-minute walk. Otherwise, hop on the bus numbered 06 and get off at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine stop, then walk for about 7 minutes.
• The Kawagoe Festival Hall is 15 minutes away on foot from both Hon-Kawagoe Station and Kawagoe Honmaru Palace.

From Kawagoe Station

• Use the same 06 bus mentioned above if you’ll be coming from Kawagoe Station.
• From Kawagoe Station, the Kawagoe Festival Hall is about about 30 minutes on foot, or take the 01, 02, or 03 bus and get off at Fudanotsuji stop, then walk about a minute.