Sakura Autumn Festival: A thorough guide to the Edo atmosphere with 300 years of history

What is the “Sakura Autumn Festival” with a history of 300 years?

Sakura’s Autumn Festival is the annual festival of Makata Shrine, the guardian deity of Sakura, which has continued for over 300 years since the Edo period. This is a major autumn event representing Chiba Prefecture, where the history and tradition of Sakura, which once prospered as a castle town, still remains strong.

3 must-see attractions

1. Gorgeous floats and portable shrines: Beautiful floats from each town parade through the old townscape.
2. “Essa no Korasa no Esssa”: The moment when the floats sway wildly to the sound of a unique chant, which is rare even in Japan, is full of excitement and power.
3. Fantastic lanterns at night: When the sun goes down, the floats are lit with lanterns, creating a fantastic and dramatic atmosphere that is completely different from the daytime.

Access and basic information

📍 Location: Around Shinmachi-dori, Sakura City, Chiba Prefecture
🚉 Nearest station: Approximately 10 minutes’ walk from Keisei Sakura Station (south exit) or approximately 15 minutes’ walk from JR Sakura Station
🗓️ Event period: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in mid-October every year (Detailed dates for 2026 will be updated as soon as they are decided)

Manners and tips for viewing (for foreign tourists)

・Traffic Regulations: During the festival period, Shinmachi-dori will be a large-scale pedestrian paradise (closed to vehicles).
・Payment: There are many delicious food stalls, but in most cases you can only pay in cash (Japanese yen), so be sure to have some change in advance.
・Safety: It is very dangerous when the float moves or changes direction. Please be sure to follow the staff’s instructions and clear the way.

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