Immerse Yourself in the Historic Tochigi Autumn Festival, Celebrated Every Two Years Since 1874
Oct 30, 2026
TOCHIGI CITY, Japan - Oct. 30, 2026 - PRLog -- The Tochigi Autumn Festival dates back to 1874, when festival floats, known as dashi, were paraded in honor of Emperor Jinmu during a ceremony at the prefectural office. These elaborately decorated floats, called Edogata Ningyō Dashi (Edo-style doll floats), were originally made in Edo, the former name of Tokyo during the period from 1603 to 1867. Over time, the festival grew as local communities competed to showcase their magnificent floats, including those featuring Shizuka Gozen, a celebrated historical figure associated with the Tenka Matsuri (Edo Sanno Festival), alongside other creations by highly skilled doll makers.
The dolls displayed on the Edogata Ningyō Dashi vary in character and design. Many depict gods and heroes from the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, Japan's ancient historical chronicles, while others portray notable Chinese figures or represent traditional beliefs and legends.
One of the festival's most exciting highlights is buttsuke, a spirited musical face-off in which multiple floats come together to perform ohayashi, traditional festival music. At the signal of each float's leader, the musicians begin playing as the float carriers raise their lanterns overhead and join in with enthusiastic shouts. Each community has its own distinctive calls, adding to the excitement and friendly rivalry. Traditionally, the float whose music falls out of tune concedes defeat.
As evening falls, the festival takes on an enchanting atmosphere. The floats' lanterns illuminate the streets, transforming the historic town into a magical spectacle. The sight of these magnificent creations glowing against the night sky is truly unforgettable.
Watch the festival video to experience the excitement for yourself.
Experience the Festival Year-Round at the Float Hall
Even when the Tochigi Autumn Festival is not taking place, visitors can experience its atmosphere at Dashi Kaikan (Float Hall). Opened in 1995, the facility recreates the festival experience through a combination of digital technology and authentic festival floats, bringing the excitement of this centuries-old tradition to life.
The Float Hall also preserves six floats designated as Tangible Folk Cultural Properties of Tochigi Prefecture. Three of these floats are displayed at any given time, allowing visitors to appreciate their impressive craftsmanship and elaborate decorations throughout the year. The floats are rotated regularly, offering a different perspective with each visit. With multilingual support now available, the facility makes this fascinating cultural heritage more accessible and enjoyable for international visitors.
About Tobu Railway Group
TOBU Railway Co., Ltd. is a major Japanese corporate group comprising nearly 80 companies. Its railway network covers the longest operating distance among private railway operators in the Tokyo metropolitan area, connecting travelers with a wide range of cultural and leisure destinations.
These include Asakusa and TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN in Tokyo; Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen, renowned for their World Heritage sites and hot springs; the Tatebayashi and Ashikaga areas, celebrated for their seasonal flower displays; and Kawagoe and Tochigi City, where the atmosphere of old Edo lives on.
The group also operates a diverse portfolio of hotels, including The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko; Nikko Kanaya Hotel, one of Japan's oldest Western-style hotels; and, in Tokyo, AC Hotel by Marriott Tokyo Ginza and the Tobu Hotel Asakusa, which caters to families and other travelers.
For more information, visit the Tobu Railway sightseeing website.
Marian Goldberg Marketing Communications, LLC
in Asso. w/ QBIC Factory Inc. for TOBU Railway
[email protected]
+1-347-559-6462
Photos: (Click photo to enlarge)
Source: Tobu Railway Group, LTD
Read Full Story - Immerse Yourself in the Historic Tochigi Autumn Festival, Celebrated Every Two Years Since 1874 | More news from this source
Press release distribution by PRLog
More News
Hotel Review: Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, Monaco – The Landmark Hotel Enters a Glamorous New Era
A true great of the French Riviera, whose ongoing refurbishment sees it reach even higher levels of opulence and service The post Hotel Review: Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, Monaco – The Landmark Hotel Enters a Glamorous New Era appeared first on Business Traveller.
Streiks: Wir navigieren Sie durch die geplanten Ausstände
In einigen europäischen Ländern müssen sich Reisende auf Ausfälle im Zug- und Flugverkehr einstellen. The post Streiks: Wir navigieren Sie durch die geplanten Ausstände appeared first on Business Traveller.
Food safety in India: A challenge for the world's most populous country
India's food industry feeds more than a billion people every day. But ensuring that what reaches consumers is safe has become an increasingly difficult challenge. The country has witnessed a rise in cases of food adulteration, with sometimes fatal consequences. As concerns over adulteration and poor hygiene grow, questions are being raised about whether regulators can effectively oversee such a sprawling sector.
Why Africa is Becoming a Bigger Priority for Etihad Airways
With six new routes and a string of airline partnerships, the Abu Dhabi carrier is positioning itself as a bridge between Africa and Asia – but its ambitions extend far beyond new destinations. The post Why Africa is Becoming a Bigger Priority for Etihad Airways appeared first on Business Traveller.
Is There a ‘Safest Seat’ in a Train Crash? Experts Say It’s Not So Simple.
After a high-speed collision near Toledo, Spain, killed at least 69 people, rail safety experts said the rough consensus that it is best to sit in the middle of a train has its limits.
Naher Osten: Airlines setzen Flüge nach Dubai weiter aus
Die europäischen Airlines haben die Wiederaufnahme nach Dubai erneut verschoben. Condor setzt die Verbindungen in das Emirat ganz aus. The post Naher Osten: Airlines setzen Flüge nach Dubai weiter aus appeared first on Business Traveller.
A Feast for the Senses: How to Savor Fall on Long Island
Journey behind the scenes and take in the sights, sounds and tastes of the East End’s culinary scene this November The post A Feast for the Senses: How to Savor Fall on Long Island appeared first on Business Traveller.
K-drama Oh! My Guard: Jung Yong-hwa, Hong Seung-hee stumble in trifling fantasy romcom
Lead cast: Jung Yong-hwa, Hong Seung-hee, Lee Yi-kyung, Park Yoo-na Jung Yong-hwa (Sell Your Haunted House) and Hong Seung-hee (To the Moon) headline Oh! My Guard, a frothy fantasy romantic comedy set in the entertainment world. The general rule with K-drama romcoms is that opposites attract, and at first this appears to hold true for TV actor Uhm Tae-bong (Jung) and wealthy agoraphobe Oh Hae-ra (Hong). Though Tae-bong is a major star, he isn’t afraid to be seen in public, waving and talking to...
After 28 Years Walking the Globe, Karl Bushby Is Almost Home
Karl Bushby has walked 31,000 miles, crossing some of the world’s harshest landscapes. He plans to reach his mother’s house in England next week.
How Hong Kong-raised artist Cici Wu turns her diasporic experiences into poignant works
In her New York solo exhibition at 47 Canal, Hong Kong-raised artist Cici Wu animates the gallery space with 11 paper lanterns made using traditional techniques. Inside the lanterns constructed with bamboo and willow sticks and sheathed in mulberry paper, she has placed pulsating LED lights that cast moving shadows. There is something cinematic about these luminous sculptures that are traditionally vessels of memories and loss. The pulsating light in each lantern corresponds to a section of the...
American Airlines Joins the $150 Credit Card Club. What Do Travelers Get?
American Airlines and Citi are raising annual fees on two AAdvantage credit cards to $150, adding travel credits and rewards while leaving cardholders to decide whether the benefits justify paying more. The post American Airlines Joins the $150 Credit Card Club. What Do Travelers Get? appeared first on Business Traveller.
Etihad Rail Partners with Citymapper for Journey Planning
Passengers can now use the Citymapper app to map out first- and last-mile connections alongside national rail services in the UAE The post Etihad Rail Partners with Citymapper for Journey Planning appeared first on Business Traveller.
YOUR NEWS, OUR NETWORK.
Do you have Great News you want to tell the world?
Be it updates about your business or your community, you can make sure that it’s heard by submitting your story to our network reaching hundreds of news sites across 6 verticals.