Akabane Baka Festival

Festival highlights

The main highlight is the large-scale parade that brings the main festival to a close.

Led by student and adult music groups, Baka Odori dancers, costume groups, and Edo-style mikoshi proceed along the street in front of Akabane Station’s east exit, filling the town with music and dancing.

In 2026, a music parade, Baka Odori dance and costume groups, and a mikoshi parade were planned, along with an ice art event at Akabane Park.

A spring grand parade bringing music, dancing, and mikoshi to the streets of Akabane

What to expect

Over the 2 days of the eve-of-festival celebration and main festival, enjoy stage performances, food stalls, flea markets, and more at Akabane Park and the plaza at Akabane Station’s east exit.

On the day of the main festival, an opening ceremony is held at Akabane Elementary School, followed by a music parade, the Baka Odori dance and costume groups, and a mikoshi parade.

Events and schedules vary by venue, so you can move between locations to catch the activities you want to see.

How to take part

In 2026, volunteers were recruited to support the festival.

Duties listed included setting up the venue, managing crowds, showing visitors to their seats, providing first aid, and cleaning. Applicants had to be between 18 and 60 years old.

The application deadline is February 22, 2026, and this is separate from the process for attending or watching the festival as a regular visitor.

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Location and access

Venue and address

The festival is held mainly around the east exit of JR Akabane Station, including Akabane Park, the Akabane Station East Exit Plaza, and the grounds of Akabane Elementary School.

The grounds of Akabane Elementary School are used only on the main festival day.

Train and bus

A short walk from JR Akabane Station.

Source: 赤羽馬鹿祭り / 東京都 -【JAPAN 47 GO】

Address Around the east exit of JR Akabane Station, Kita City, Tokyo

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Dates and season

2026 event information (the listed dates have passed)

In 2026, the eve-of-festival celebration was held on April 25 (Saturday), and the main festival on April 26 (Sunday).

The listed hours were 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Akabane Park venue and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the special venue at Akabane Station’s east exit.

The grand parade takes place on April 26 and is canceled in severe weather.

Accommodation and hotels PR

Tips for your visit

The opening ceremony at Akabane Elementary School admits visitors through the main gate only, and general spectators are advised that entry begins at 10 a.m.

Bags are inspected and visitors undergo a body check upon entry, so it’s a good idea to bring as little luggage as possible.

Please refrain from smoking on the street within Akabane Elementary School and throughout the parade route, and use the designated smoking areas.

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Nearby attractions

Inashiki Castle Ruins, within the grounds of Seishoji Temple at 1-21-17 Akabanenishi, are introduced as a place connected with the origins of the Akabane Baka Festival.

Inashiki Castle, built by Ota Dokan, offers a glimpse into local history and helps visitors understand the festival’s origins.

Sightseeing spots in Kita City near the festival grounds include Akabane Ryokudo Park and the former Iwabuchi Watergate.

Origins and History of Akabane Baka Festival

The Akabane Baka Festival was started by Akabane shopkeepers in Showa 31.

It is said to have begun as a way to celebrate the recovery of the Akabane shopping district after the war, honor Ota Dokan’s achievements, and create a festival for local residents.

Its name refers to the first event being held on April 1. After it was temporarily renamed the “Dai Akabane Festival,” it returned to the name “Akabane Baka Festival” in 2012.

Official information

The official Akabane Baka Festival website provides event information, programs, traffic restrictions, temporary bus stops, parade information, and more.

For inquiries, contact the Akabane Baka Festival Executive Committee at 03-3903-2568.

Akabane Baka Festival at a Glance

The Akabane Baka Festival is a community-focused spring festival that brings music groups, dancing, costumes, and mikoshi through the streets around the east exit of Akabane Station.

In 2026, a variety of events were held on April 25 and the 26th at Akabane Park, the plaza at Akabane Station’s east exit, Akabane Elementary School, and other locations.

Before visiting, check the information about entrance gates, baggage inspections, and smoking areas.