U ne Yasaka Shrine Grand Festival

Festival highlights

A highlight is the 2 kasahoko floats making their way against a backdrop of Mount Buko and the surrounding rural landscape.

As the float descends the slope in front of the shrine and turns, it changes direction; when it climbs the slope, the sound of yatai-bayashi festival music rings out.

The kasahoko floats are decorated with flowers handmade by local residents, and lanterns are lit at dusk.

You can also look out for the contrasting designs: the Kamigumi bears the sun, while the Shimogumi bears the moon.

Source: 宇根八阪神社例大祭 - Wikipedia

A spring festival with sun-and-moon kasahoko floats making their way at the foot of Mount Buko

What to expect

The shrine ceremonies take place in the grounds of Yasaka Shrine, after which the kasahoko procession begins.

The 2 floats are paraded around the U ne district, accompanied by the flutes and drums of the U ne Shachu group and the calls of the children playing festival music.

You can watch the procession and its turns on the slope and at the corners in front of the shrine.

Stalls set up in the shrine grounds, and fireworks are set off at the end.

How to take part

General visitors are welcome, and participation as a Kasahoko float puller is also offered.

The capacity for float pullers is a little over 10 people, and anyone may apply, but advance registration is required.

Participation is free.

If you wish to take part in pulling the float, check whether advance registration is required separately from the information for visitors.

Advance registration is required to take part as a Kasahoko float puller.

Anyone may apply, and the stated capacity is a little over 10 people.

Participation is free.

No application URL is provided, so please check with the Yokoze Town Museum of History and Folklore, the listed contact, for details.

Location and access

Venue and address

The grounds of Unesaka Shrine and the Une district.

The address of Une Yāsaka Shrine is 3305 Yokose, Yokoze-machi, Chichibu-gun, Saitama Prefecture.

Train and bus

It is about a 15-minute walk from Yokoze Station on the Seibu Chichibu Line.

By car

Parking is limited, so please avoid coming by car if possible.

Parking

Temporary parking is available, but the 2026 information states that parking is limited.

Address 3305 Yokoze, Yokoze Town, Chichibu District, Saitama Prefecture

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Dates and season

2026 event information (the listed dates have passed)

In 2026, the festival was held on April 5 (Sunday), with hours listed as 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The event is held on the first Sunday of April, and the kasahoko procession begins after the shrine ceremonies.

According to the 2026 information, fireworks were scheduled for the end.

Accommodation and hotels PR

Tips for your visit

The venue spans the grounds of Yasaka Shrine and the U ne district, and the viewing location changes as the kasahoko floats proceed.

The procession passes along the slope and around the corners in front of the shrine, so please watch from a place that does not obstruct its progress.

Parking is limited, and visitors are advised to avoid coming by car if possible.

The festival may be canceled due to circumstances, so it is a good idea to check its status before setting out.

Nearby attractions

Near the festival venue is a dashi from U ne associated with information about the kasahoko floats’ cultural designation.

The 2 kasahoko floats are paraded as part of the additional festivities for the Yasaka Shrine Grand Festival and are designated Tangible Folk Cultural Properties by Yokoze Town.

As far as could be confirmed, no nearby facilities with specific distances or travel times from the venue are listed.

If visiting alongside the festival, follow the guidance around the venue.

Source: 宇根の山車 ２基 - 歩楽～里（ぶら～り）よこぜ

Origins and History of U ne Yasaka Shrine Grand Festival

The U ne Yasaka Shrine Grand Festival is said to date back at least to Bunsei 12 (1829).

The festival is said to have originally been held as a summer Gion Festival, then moved to spring to avoid the busy farming season, and eventually came to be held on the first Sunday of April.

The shrine was once located at the summit of Mount Tenno, and the kasahoko floats were hauled up a steep slope.

The shrine was later moved to level ground, leading to the procession seen today.

Official information

Event details and information on how to participate are available on Buntama, Saitama Prefecture’s traditional culture information site.

You can check the 2026 event date, venue, access, the participant limit for float pullers, advance registration, participation fees, and more.

For inquiries, contact the Yokoze Town History and Folklore Museum.

U ne Yasaka Shrine Grand Festival at a Glance

The U ne Yasaka Shrine Grand Festival is a spring festival in the U ne district of Yokoze Town, where 2 culturally designated kasahoko floats are paraded.

Highlights include floats bearing the sun and moon, turns on sloping roads, Chichibu yatai-bayashi festival music, and lanterns and fireworks in the evening.

In 2026, the festival was held on April 5, and participants can join as float pullers by registering in advance.

Parking near the venue is limited, so visitors are advised to walk from Yokoze Station.