Sakura Autumn Festival

Festival highlights

Highlights include the dashi, omikis所, and mikoshi passing one another along the streets of the castle town.

To the rhythm of Sakura festival music, the chant “Essa no kora sa essassa” rings out, and each neighborhood also performs its own dances.

After dusk, the dashi are illuminated, taking on a different appearance from during the day.

The procession of the Makata Shrine mikoshi, said to be one of the largest in Chiba Prefecture, is another signature scene of the festival.

An autumn festival with Sakura festival music, bringing the castle town to life with dashi and mikoshi

What to expect

During the festival, dashi, omikisho, and mikoshi from each neighborhood association parade through Sakura’s castle town.

Dancing takes place to festival music and chants, with different moves to enjoy in each neighborhood.

The Makata Shrine mikoshi also takes part in the procession, moving through town to the bearers’ chants.

In 2026, visitors will also be able to use information accessed via QR codes at the venue to check the locations of GPS-equipped dashi and other festival features.

How to take part

This festival procession sees dashi, omikisho, and mikoshi wind through Sakura’s castle town, where visitors can watch from along the route.

The calls and dancing to Sakura hayashi are also highlights.

Location and access

Venue and address

Around Makata Shrine and the Festival Plaza.

The address is around Shinmachi Street in Sakura, Chiba Prefecture.

Train and bus

About a 5-minute walk from Keisei Sakura Station on the Keisei Main Line, or about a 15-minute walk from Sakura Station on the JR Sobu Main Line.

Local bus routes will change from noon on the day of the event.

By car

Traffic congestion is expected on nearby roads on the day, and traffic restrictions, including road closures to vehicles, will be in effect.

Visitors are advised to use public transportation.

Address Around Shinmachi Street, Sakura, Chiba Prefecture

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Dates and season

2026 event information (the listed dates have passed)

The 2026 event was announced as scheduled to take place for 3 days, from October 9 (Friday) through the 11th (Sunday), from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The autumn festival is held every year on the 2nd Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of October.

Daily schedules for the dashi, omikisho, and mikoshi are provided.

Source: HOME - 佐倉御神酒所保存会

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Tips for your visit

During the festival, traffic restrictions will be in place around Shinmachi-dori, and local bus routes will be changed.

As nearby roads are expected to be congested, visitors are advised to travel to the venue by public transportation.

The venue will be very crowded, so please refrain from bringing bicycles inside and do not drive under the influence of alcohol.

Source: 交通規制マップ｜佐倉の秋祭り 公式ウェブサイト

Nearby attractions

Attractions near the festival include the Sakura Shinmachi Hayashi Museum, Makata Shrine, Sakura Samurai House, Former Hotta Residence, and Hiyodorizaka.

Sakura City Museum of Art, the National Museum of Japanese History, and Sakura Castle Park are also featured as nearby attractions.

Those interested in dashi figures and the history of the castle town can explore the town’s culture along with the festival.

Check the operating status and usage requirements of each facility before visiting.

Museums and art museumsSakura City

DIC川村記念美術館

千葉県佐倉市にある私立美術館

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Museums and art museumsSakura City

国立歴史民俗博物館

千葉県佐倉市にある日本の歴史、民俗学、考古学について総合的に研究・展示する歴史博物館

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写真：Wiiii / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Temples and shrinesSakura City

麻賀多神社

千葉県佐倉市鏑木町にある神社

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写真：Jerry fish tkc / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Attractions in the same municipality. Check each attraction’s official website for travel distances from the venue and current opening information.

Origins and History of Sakura Autumn Festival

Sakura Autumn Festival grew out of the longstanding Makata Shrine Festival and is a celebration expressing gratitude for a bountiful harvest.

The festival’s beginnings are unclear, but records show that it was being held around Kyoho 2 (1717).

During the Meiji period, the neighborhoods of Shinmachi acquired Edo-style dashi and dashi figures, and the festival took on the form that continues today by the early Showa period.

In 2016, the festivals of Sakura’s castle town were recognized as a Japan Heritage site.

Source: 佐倉の秋祭り - Wikipedia

Official information

佐倉の秋祭り公式ウェブサイト：佐倉の秋祭り 公式ウェブサイト↗

Source: 佐倉の秋祭り 公式ウェブサイト

Sakura Autumn Festival at a Glance

Sakura Autumn Festival is a local festival where dashi, omikisho, and mikoshi parade through the castle town, accompanied by Sakura festival music, dancing, and chants.

The 2026 event was announced as scheduled to take place from October 9 through the 11th, around Makata Jinja and Shinmachi-dori.

The venue is within walking distance of the station, but traffic restrictions and crowds are expected nearby, so public transportation is recommended.