Sawara Grand Festival - One of Kanto's Premier Float Festivals

The Sawara Grand Festival (Sawara no Taisai) in Katori City, Chiba Prefecture, is one of the Kanto region's most impressive float festivals with a history spanning approximately 300 years. The festival collectively refers to two celebrations: the Yasaka Shrine Gion Festival (Summer Festival) held in July and the Suwa Shrine Autumn Festival held in October. In 2016, it was inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The festival's main highlight is the 24 magnificent floats (dashi) that parade through the historic streets reminiscent of the Edo period. These floats reach heights of approximately 8 meters and are adorned with large dolls standing 4-5 meters tall, featuring elaborate Kanto-style carvings. Atop each float, performers play the "Sawara Bayashi," one of Japan's three great festival music traditions, creating a lively atmosphere.

The spectacular "Nono-ji Mawashi" rotating technique, where the massive floats are skillfully spun around, is particularly breathtaking. From dusk into the evening, lantern lights illuminate the historic streetscape and floats in an enchanting display, captivating all who visit.