For a traditional Japanese parade experience, head to Suneori Amagoi — a rain festival from the Edo period. Held once every four years, the parade features a large dragon snake carried by hundreds of people.
What to expect
The centerpiece of Suneori Amagoi’s parade is an enormous 36-metre-long dragon made of straw, bamboo, and rope. During the procession, over 300 people carry the dragon through the streets of Tsurugashima City. The parade route is 2 km long and starts at Shirahige Shrine at 1 p.m.
As the parade continues, there are chances to watch several traditional ceremonies. This includes a prayer ceremony at Zennoji Temple and a rain ceremony at several points on the route. Finally, the dragon is dismantled in Ryujin Pond at 4:30 p.m., signifying the end of the event.
How to get there
Suneori Amagoi is held in Tsurugashima City, Saitama. The closest station is Sakado Station or Wakaba Station on the Tobu-Tojo Line. You can get there by taking the Fukutoshin Metro Line towards Shinrinkoen or catching the Tobu-Tojo line directly from Ikebukuro (around 45 minutes).
Once you arrive, it’s either a 25-minute walk to Shirahige Shrine from Sakado Station, where the parade starts, or a 15-minute walk from Wakaba Station to Kandachigaike Park, where the parade ends.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.
