Honjo Gion Festival
A summer festival centered on Yasaka Shrine in Honjo City, Saitama, held annually on the Saturday and Sunday before Marine Day. Originating in 1663 as a market deity festival, mikoshi processions have been held since 1768. The highlight is the dedication of the 'Dai-machi no Shishimai' (lion dance), designated as a Saitama Prefecture Intangible Folk Cultural Property, performed at Yasaka Shrine. Over 20 mikoshi parade through the city with spirited chanting, along with children's and adult mikoshi processions, and demonstrations of fire brigade timber-calling chants, banner-waving, and ladder-climbing by the local tobi (scaffolding workers) guild. Experience the history and vitality of Honjo, which prospered as a Nakasendo post town.
Honjo Gion Festival に関する情報をみんなで持ち寄りましょう。
Event Info
auto_awesomeHighlights
expand_more
The 'Dai-machi no Shishimai' lion dance, designated as Saitama Prefecture Intangible Folk Cultural Property, is the top highlight. Over 20 mikoshi parade through the city in an impressive procession. Tobi guild demonstrations of timber-calling, banner-waving, and ladder-climbing. Broad participation from children's to adult mikoshi.
history_eduHistory & Origins
expand_more
Originated in 1663 (Kanbun 3) when three neighborhoods received a market deity from Hanzawa Village. In 1760 (Horeki 10), Kanasana Shrine began mikoshi processions, and following suit, a mikoshi was purchased in 1767 (Meiwa 4), with the first mikoshi procession held in 1768 (Meiwa 5). A festival carrying on the traditions of Honjo, which prospered as a Nakasendo post town.
event_repeatPast Editions
expand_more
Originated in 1663 when three neighborhoods received market rights and a market deity from Hanzawa Village. In 1760, Kanasana Shrine created a new mikoshi for post-town processions. Following suit, Honmachi purchased a mikoshi in 1767, and the first procession by three neighborhoods was held in 1768. Held annually for over 260 years, it has become Honjo's established summer tradition as a former Nakasendo post town. Currently features over 20 mikoshi in a grand procession.
directionsAccess
expand_more
About 10 minutes walk from Honjo Station on the JR Takasaki Line. About 15 minutes from Honjo-Kodama IC on the Kanetsu Expressway.
groupsCrowd Forecast
expand_more
Saturday and Sunday afternoons during the mikoshi procession are the liveliest. The area around Yasaka Shrine is especially crowded during the lion dance dedication. Shaved ice and cold treats are popular given the summer heat.
hotelBook a hotel in 埼玉県 本庄市 earlyPRchecklistTips & What to Bring
expand_more
Bring hats, sunscreen, and drinks due to the intense summer heat. The venue is centered on Honjo's central shopping district along the Nakasendo, so be aware of traffic restrictions.
Get Ready
Prepare for this festival
PR一休.com / じゃらん遊び・体験
10/19〜10/25、
埼玉おすすめ
いちばんの注目は草加神社 例大祭。
秋のうまいもの
雨の日でも楽しめる
家族で楽しむ
Visitor Report
Honjo Gion Festival is highly regarded as a vibrant summer festival steeped in the traditions of a Nakasendo post town. Over 20 mikoshi parade through the city with 'Seiya, Seiya!' chanting, and the streets fill with excitement as children's, adult, and corporate mikoshi all join in. The Dai-machi lion dance performed at Yasaka Shrine is a Saitama Prefecture-designated cultural property, with many visitors impressed by the performers' skill in full costume despite the intense heat. The tobi guild's ladder-climbing demonstrations are also thrilling, offering a chance to see traditional arts up close. Numerous food stalls line the streets, with shaved ice being especially popular in the summer heat. Despite being a local city festival, it draws large crowds, with a warm atmosphere where locals and visitors enjoy the celebration together. Conveniently accessible on foot from JR Honjo Station.
* Compiled from multiple websites and social media sources.
アクセス・場所
For the organizer of this event
Corrections, photos, and removal are all free. We never charge organizers for listings.
* This site participates in affiliate programs