Sawara Grand Festival: dates, venue and how to get there
Katori / Sawara · 佐原の大祭
What to expect
Large doll-topped floats turn through narrow streets to Sawara-bayashi music. Summer and autumn are separate editions with different neighbourhood routes.
Photo: katorisi · CC BY 3.0
Original date label: 2007-10-17 · Resized for display; the source file and reuse licence are linked below.
Festival dates and programme
Confirmed upcoming edition
9–11 October 2026, 10:00–22:00; separate summer edition in July
The dates refer to the edition shown, not every future year. Programme times are in JST. Japan is 3 hours 30 minutes ahead of IST. Check the organiser’s latest notices for individual performances, weather changes and tickets.
Where the festival takes place
Katori / Sawara · 香取・佐原
Sawara old town, Katori
佐原の町並み
The location below marks one representative venue or route section. It is not the whole procession or every entrance; use the organiser’s venue map for your programme.
Getting there by train or bus
Travel by JR through Chiba and Narita to Sawara Station. Walk to the autumn festival streets, then use the official float map for the particular route you want.
Find a public transport route from your starting point ↗History and local traditions
Sawara’s float traditions span roughly three centuries. The name covers the town’s summer and autumn shrine festivals.
Plan your visit
For the autumn edition, start with its own route map rather than a July map. Float movements and turning points vary, so do not wait at an assumed fixed viewing time.
Editorial suggestion based on the festival’s venues and viewing format; no personal attendance is claimed.
Sawara Grand Festival: questions travellers ask
When is Sawara Grand Festival?
Sawara Grand Festival: 9–11 October 2026, 10:00–22:00; separate summer edition in July. These dates refer only to the stated edition. Check the organiser’s daily programme and weather notices before travelling.
How do I get to Sawara Grand Festival by public transport?
Travel by JR through Chiba and Narita to Sawara Station. Walk to the autumn festival streets, then use the official float map for the particular route you want.
Is the Sawara autumn route the same as the summer route?
No. The summer edition is associated with the eastern area; the autumn edition uses the western area. Follow the October route map and each float’s announced movements.
Official programme and sources
- www.city.katori.lg.jp: Official festival and visitor guidance ↗
- www.city.katori.lg.jp: Official location, transport or historical reference ↗
Reviewed . Some official pages are in Japanese. Open the source for this edition’s venue, daily programme and access conditions.