Carved floats and kasaboko move through Chichibu in winter. The main December 3 programme combines float activity with fireworks, but the shrine, float streets and fireworks viewing areas are not interchangeable.
Chichibu Night Festival dates
Usually December 2–3; check the next edition’s detailed programme
Usual annual timing
Dates and times use JST. Usual timing is not a confirmed next-edition schedule. Read the organiser’s programme for start times, tickets, postponements and cancellations.
Where to watch
Chichibu · 秩父
Chichibu Shrine, city streets and the Otabisho approach
秩父神社・市内屋台曳行コース
Floats appear around Chichibu Shrine and downtown. On the evening of 3 December they climb Dangozaka toward the Otabisho; each float has its own neighborhood and schedule.
The directions below use one representative location, not every venue entrance or the complete procession route. Use the official venue map for your ticket or programme.
Getting there by train or bus
From Ikebukuro, take a Seibu limited express to Seibu-Chichibu and walk about fifteen minutes to the shrine. Chichibu Railway’s Chichibu Station is about three minutes from the shrine.
Planning your visit
Choose daylight for carved details or December 3 evening for illuminated floats. Plan the walk back to your departure station and the return train before the night programme.
This is an editorial travel suggestion, not a claim of a personal visit or a guarantee of the programme. When travelling from Canada, use your Japan arrival date to select the festival day.
What to look for
- Decorated floats
- Dangozaka ascent
- Scheduled fireworks
History and traditions
The festival has over 300 years of tradition linked to Chichibu Shrine and the town's silk trade.
Photo: Katorisi · CC BY 4.0. Original or supplied reduced image; no additional edits. See the original file for its date and context.
Nearby places to consider
Chichibu Festival Museum · 秩父まつり会館
Float displays and audiovisual exhibits explaining the night festival.
Visit near the shrine before the procession; festival-day opening arrangements may differ.
The description and suggested visit refer to the first attraction listed. Other links are separate nearby options; festival traffic and opening hours may affect your plans.
Chichibu Night Festival questions
When is Chichibu Night Festival?
Usually December 2–3; check the next edition’s detailed programme. Usual annual timing is not confirmation of the next edition.
How do I reach Chichibu Night Festival by public transport?
From Ikebukuro, take a Seibu limited express to Seibu-Chichibu and walk about fifteen minutes to the shrine. Chichibu Railway’s Chichibu Station is about three minutes from the shrine.
Are Chichibu and Seibu-Chichibu the same station?
No. Chichibu Railway’s Chichibu Station is closer to the shrine. Seibu services from Ikebukuro arrive at Seibu-Chichibu, a separate station.
Official programme and sources
- Official reference · www.chichibu-omotenashi.com ↗
- Official reference · www.chichibu-jinja.or.jp ↗
- Official reference · navi.city.chichibu.lg.jp ↗
- Official reference · www.chichibu-matsuri.jp ↗
Shared source records reviewed October 3, 2026. Some official pages are in Japanese. JapanLiveNow’s English guide is independently edited; the organiser’s latest announcement takes precedence.