Floats topped with large figures move through Sawara to traditional festival music. The autumn celebration uses the Suwa Shrine side of town; summer’s Yasaka Shrine area lies across the river.
Photo: katorisi · CC BY 3.0
Original date label: 2007-10-17. Original or supplied resized image; no additional editing.
Sawara Grand Festival dates
October 9–11, 2026, 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.; the summer festival is separate
Upcoming confirmed edition
Event dates and times use Japan Standard Time (JST). Usual annual dates are not a confirmed booking schedule for the next edition. Check the organizer’s notices for daily times, admission and weather-related changes.
Where to watch
Katori / Sawara · 香取・佐原
Sawara’s historic streets, west of the Onogawa River for autumn
佐原の町並み
The map marks one reference point, not the entire route or every entrance. For village rites or moving processions, use the organizer’s venue map.
View reference location on Google Maps ↗Getting there by train or bus
Take JR trains via Chiba and Narita to Sawara Station, then walk to the autumn festival area. Consult Katori’s current transport notice for special festival trains.
History and traditions
The float celebrations have continued for about 300 years. The summer and autumn shrine festivals are collectively known as the Sawara Grand Festival.
Nearby places to consider
These sights can help you plan the rest of your visit. Check each location’s opening hours and access separately; festival road closures may affect the journey.
The Inoh Tadataka Museum
伊能忠敬記念館
Before you visit Sawara Grand Festival
When is Sawara Grand Festival?
October 9–11, 2026, 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.; the summer festival is separate. The year shown belongs to this specific edition, not an automatically repeated future booking date. Check the linked organizer for times and changes.
How do I get to Sawara Grand Festival by public transportation?
Take JR trains via Chiba and Narita to Sawara Station, then walk to the autumn festival area. Consult Katori’s current transport notice for special festival trains.
What should I plan before visiting Sawara Grand Festival?
Choose the season and district first. On narrow streets, wait at a viewing point for a float to turn rather than pushing through its path.
These planning suggestions are JapanLiveNow’s editorial advice. Admission and operating arrangements follow the organizer’s current program.
Official program and visitor information
- www.city.katori.lg.jp — official festival or destination information ↗
- www.city.katori.lg.jp — official festival or destination information ↗
- www.city.katori.lg.jp — official festival or destination information ↗
This guide uses the shared festival source register reviewed on October 3, 2026. Official notices take priority over archive photos and previous editions.