Name: Kawagoe Million Lights Summer Festival
Start: 2026-07-25
End: 2026-07-26
Location: The stretch from around Hon-Kawagoe Station to the Fuda-no-Tsuji intersection

A summer festival featuring a variety of events, including dancing, music, and historical parades, in Kawagoe’s lantern-lit city center.

About Kawagoe Million Lights Summer Festival

The Kawagoe Million Lights Summer Festival takes place in the city center of Kawagoe, Saitama Prefecture, and brings color to the castle town in summer.

It is said to have originated as a ceremony honoring the legacy of Masanori Matsudaira, and has since developed into a community event where people can enjoy lanterns, dancing, music, and parades.

The Little Edo streetscape and colorful lanterns come together to make it a signature event of summer in Kawagoe.

Source: 川越百万灯夏祭り - Wikipedia

Festival highlights

Highlights include lanterns illuminating the streets from around Hon-Kawagoe Station to the Fuda-no-Tsuji intersection, and the atmosphere of the city streets closed to traffic.

During the day, events include the refreshing custom of sprinkling water on the streets, a historical parade connected to Kawagoe, and demonstrations by a matchlock gun corps.

There are also a hayashi music competition, dancing, and music events in the shopping district, so you can enjoy the festival’s different character by day and night.

Source: 川越百万灯夏まつり

A summer festival through the streets of Little Edo, illuminated by lanterns

What to expect

At venues throughout the city, events such as sprinkling water on the streets, dancing, hayashi music, live music, and historical parades take place at different times of day.

Shopping districts also offer food and drink, as well as children’s activities such as target shooting, ring toss, and yo-yo fishing.

Some venues host events into the evening, and visitors can enjoy walking along the streets and exploring multiple activities.

How to take part

The festival as a whole is described as an event for local residents to take part in, but no system for visitors to register in advance or participation requirements for individual events have been announced.

The venue features dancing and music, children’s activities in the shopping district, and food and drink sales. Visitors can enjoy the events as spectators.

Participation methods vary by event, so please follow the on-site guidance on the day.

Location and access

Venue and address

The route from the area around Hon-Kawagoe Station to the Satsunotsuji intersection.

2026年は両日16:00〜21:00に交通規制が行われました。

Train and bus

A 2-minute walk from Hon-Kawagoe Station on the Seibu Shinjuku Line, and a 12-minute walk from Kawagoe Station on the JR Kawagoe Line and Tobu Tojo Line.

Bus services operate on modified schedules due to traffic restrictions.

By car

Traffic restrictions will be in effect on the route from the area around Hon-Kawagoe Station to the Satsunotsuji intersection, so take care when traveling through the area during restricted hours.

Address The stretch from around Hon-Kawagoe Station to the Fuda-no-Tsuji intersection

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Dates and season

2026 event information (the listed dates have passed)

The 2026 Kawagoe Million Lights Summer Festival was held on July 25 (Saturday) and Sunday the 26th.

Events announced for the 25th included sprinkling water on the streets, dancing, and a hayashi music competition; those for the 26th included a historical parade connected to Kawagoe and dance events.

Times and venues vary by event, and all times are approximate.

Source: 百万灯夏まつり

Accommodation and hotels PR

Prices and availability are current at the time of retrieval. For multi-night stays, only the first night’s price is shown. Confirm the final price and directions to the venue with the booking provider. Select your dates again when using the area search link. Search area: within 3 km of Central Saitama Prefecture / Kawagoe City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)

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Tips for your visit

Photo and data sources

写真：三人日 / CC BY-SA 4.0

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Origins and History of Kawagoe Million Lights Summer Festival

The Kawagoe Million Lights Summer Festival is said to have originated as a ceremony honoring the legacy of Masanori Matsudaira, the lord of the Kawagoe domain, who died in 1850.

A legend says that, for the first Bon of Masanori’s passing, a retainer’s daughter made kiriko lanterns and hung them under the eaves. This is said to have led to the lantern festival.

After being suspended for a time, it was revived in 1957 and renamed in 1982.

Official information

The official website of the Kawagoe Million Lights Summer Festival Executive Committee provides information on event status, venues, traffic restrictions, and the events scheduled for each day.

In 2026, a traffic restriction map, bus detour map, pamphlet, and dance timetable were also posted.