Menus and labels are in English. Event information is machine-translated from Japanese sources, and place details (names, descriptions, opening hours) are shown in Japanese.
Events in Gyoda in October 2027
Festivals, workshops, exhibitions and other events in Gyoda in October, in date order. You can also browse them on the map and calendar.
Events in October 2027 (1 event)
- fourth Sunday of October (usually)
No Lion Dance
A traditional performing art handed down in the No district. Three lions perform a heroic dance while beating drums, enacting a story of competing for a female lion. The procession visits various shrines and temples to dedicate their performances.
Events held in October 2026 (for reference, 53 events)
Many events are held around the same time every year, so use these to plan ahead. Check the official websites for this year's dates.
- 2026Sat, Oct 3
Japan Heritage Marche in Oshi Castle
An event gathering Japan Heritage designated cultures from across Eastern Japan. Held at Oshi Castle Park, visitors can experience the history and traditional culture of various regions, including Gyoda, the town of tabi storehouses.
- 2026Sat, Oct 3
Oshi Castle Ninja Dojo
A ninja training experience program for elementary school students held at locations such as the Oshi Castle Ruins. Includes a headband and rubber shuriken, allowing parents and children to enjoy an authentic ninja experience together.
- 2026Sat, Oct 3
Gyoda Hanachozu Town Special Project 2026
A special project where the hanachozu (floating flower basins) across Gyoda are decorated even more gorgeously than usual. A night light-up event is also held, allowing visitors to enjoy a magical atmosphere different from the daytime.
- 2026Sat, Oct 3
Oshi Castle Night Marche Yoichiru
A night market featuring around 20 vendors, including food trucks and miscellaneous goods, set against the illuminated backdrop of Oshi Castle. Visitors can enjoy gourmet food, drinks, and shopping in a special evening atmosphere.
- 2026Sat, Oct 3
Museum of the Sakitama Ancient Burial Mounds: Kofungun Guided Tour
A walking tour visiting the various burial mounds of the Sakitama Kofungun while listening to explanations from a curator. Departing from the front of the museum, you can walk around Kawarazuka Kofun, Maruboyama Kofun, and others to deepen your understanding of the cluster of ancient mounds.
- 2026Sat, Oct 3
Shinshukan High School Cultural Festival (Karensai)
Shinshukan High School's cultural festival, 'Karensai', will be open to the public. You can directly enjoy a variety of projects and exhibits inside the school, prepared through the collaboration of each class and club.
- 2026Sat, Oct 3+3 more dates
Storytime at Gyoda City Library
Volunteer groups hold picture book and kamishibai (picture storytelling) readings for preschoolers to elementary school students. With different cooperating groups each date, it is an event where children can enjoy the world of stories.
- 2026Sat, Oct 3+2 more dates
Gyoda Night Flower Walk
An event to take a leisurely stroll through the streets and night hanachozu floral water basins holding a paper lantern. Reception is held in front of the Gyoda City Museum inside the Oshi Castle Site, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the magical night atmosphere.
- 2026Sun, Jul 12+11 more dates
Gyoda Hachiman Marche
A market showcasing the charms of Gyoda, featuring freshly picked morning vegetables, fruits, flowers, food truck dishes, sweets, souvenirs, and handmade goods. Why not stop by to find your favorite items?
- 2026Sun, Oct 4
Gyoda City Library Piyo-Piyo Storytime
A storytelling session aimed at children from around 4 years old up to elementary school age. Participants can enjoy picture book and paper theater (kamishibai) readings by library staff, as well as oral storytelling.
- 2026Sat, Oct 10 – Sun, Oct 11
Japan Heritage: Tabi Storehouse Public Opening
Special public opening of the interiors of historic tabi storehouses and buildings that tell the history of Gyoda. Enjoy historical streetscapes along with old photograph exhibitions, slide shows, and novelty button badge giveaways.
- 2026Sat, Oct 10 – Sun, Oct 11
Tabi Storehouses Interior Opening
A special public opening event for the interiors of tabi storehouses, which are component cultural properties of Japan Heritage. Inside these normally closed storehouses, visitors can view tabi store photo slide shows and vintage photograph exhibitions.
- 2026Sat, Oct 10+3 more dates
Special Exhibition "Oshi Domain 100,000 Koku" Gallery Talk
A museum curator will provide detailed explanations of the materials displayed in the special exhibition "Oshi Domain 100,000 Koku." This gallery talk is recommended for those who want to deepen their understanding of the exhibits.
- 2026Sun, Oct 11
The 34th Floating Castle Town Gyoda Children's Festival
A lively event for children. Features hands-on booths like balloon art and craft making, along with a stamp rally where participants can collect stamps to receive prizes.
- 2026Sun, Oct 11
Gyoda City Library Children's Film Screening
A screening event aimed at preschoolers and elementary school children. Episodes 49 to 52 (approx. 40 minutes) of the popular anime "Fushigi Dagashiya Zenitendo" will be shown.
- 2026Sun, Oct 11 – Mon, Oct 12
Northern Saitama Three Major Cities Charm Discovery Marche
A market bringing together the attractions of Gyoda City, Kazo City, and Hanyu City. The Gyoda City booth will feature traditional industries such as Gyoda tabi and Minamikawara slippers, allowing visitors to experience artisanal craftsmanship up close.
- 2026Sun, Oct 11 – Mon, Oct 12+6 more dates
Autumn "Let's Wear Armor" Samurai Armor Wearing Experience
An armor-wearing experience where visitors can familiarize themselves with the samurai culture of Gyoda. Full sets of modern armor (tosei gusoku) in large and small sizes are available, allowing participants to experience wearing authentic armor with staff assistance.
- 2026Wed, Oct 14+1 more date
Gyoda City Library Tamago Storytime
An event designed for children aged 0 to about 3 and their guardians. Library staff present picture book readings, fingerplays, and apron theater, offering an enjoyable time for parents and children.
- 2026Sat, Oct 17
Gyoda Kofun Excitement Tour
A one-day bus tour guided by kofun (ancient burial mound) singer Marikofun and others. It is a full day dedicated to ancient tombs, featuring visits to the Sakitama Kofun Cluster, viewing stone chambers that are normally closed to the public, as well as lunch and shopping.
- 2026Sat, Oct 17
Rice Harvesting of the Rice Paddy Art
Rice harvesting of the giant rice paddy art drawn with vibrantly colored rice plants will be held. In addition to admiring the magnificent scenery set on the vast canvas of rice paddies, visitors can take in a panoramic, grand view from the Gyoda Tower.
- 2026Sat, Oct 17
Gyoda City Library Kokko Storytime
An event aimed at toddlers through elementary school students. It features picture book read-alouds by library staff, as well as engaging hands-on crafts and origami activities.
- 2026Sat, Oct 17+2 more dates
Prayer for Peace: Recitation and Singing of Sankichi Toge's Atomic Bomb Poems
An event to reflect on peace through the recitation and singing of Sankichi Toge's 'Atomic Bomb Poems'. Hosted across three community centers in the city, participants will share prayers through resonant and touching artistic expressions.
- 2026Sun, Oct 18
Gyoda Kofun Festival
A festival where you can experience the appeal of the Saitama Kofun Cluster, which boasts one of the largest scales in Japan. Enjoy learning about local history through a variety of programs themed around ancient burial mounds and antiquity.
- 2026Sun, Oct 18
Let's Play with English ABC at Gyoda City Library
This event is designed for toddlers to elementary school students. Children can become familiar with English in a fun way through English songs, games, and picture book readings.
- 2026Thu, Oct 22
The 10th Gyoda Bar Hop
A popular bar-hopping event where participants visit restaurants and bars in Gyoda City to enjoy drinks and food. Participants meet and start at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Advance registration via flyer fax is required.
- 2026Fri, Oct 23 – Sun, Oct 25
The 16th Shadan Niji Photo Exhibition
A photography exhibition featuring around 40 pieces, including open-theme works and award-winning photos by members of the photography club. View compelling photographs captured from diverse individual perspectives.
- 2026Sat, Oct 24
Human Festival Kitasaitama 2026
An event to reflect on the importance of human rights. It features presentations of human rights essays, lectures, stage performances, and exhibitions of posters. A variety of activities can be enjoyed, including a mobile petting zoo as well as food and goods sales from three cities.
- 2026Sat, Oct 24
Ancient Lotus Hall Greening Promotion Course: Autumn Potted Plant Arrangement
A greening promotion workshop where you can experience creating a potted arrangement using plants characteristic of autumn. Feel free to join in clothes you do not mind getting dirty, and take your wonderful finished piece home to enjoy.
- 2026Sat, Oct 24
Parent and Child Craft: Pumpkin Basket
A craft workshop for elementary school students and their guardians to make cute pumpkin baskets using craft paper tape. Enjoy making things together as parent and child.
- 2026Sat, Oct 24
Ancient Costume Wearing Experience for Adults
A hands-on event for high school students and older to try on ancient costumes such as robes and hakama. Dress up as an ancient person, take commemorative photos, and stroll through the museum and the ancient burial mounds park.
- 2026Sat, Oct 24 – Sun, Oct 25
Techno Horti Horticultural College Bunkasai
A school festival held at Techno Horti Horticultural College. In addition to hands-on workshops such as succulent arrangements, dyed bouquets, and swag making, there will also be exhibitions and sales. The general public is welcome to attend alongside students.
- 2026Sun, Oct 25
The 73rd Gyoda Citizen Sports Festival
A sports event aimed at promoting citizens' health and enhancing a sense of mutual solidarity. The opening ceremony will feature awards for individuals who have contributed to the promotion of city sports and outstanding athletes, offering an opportunity to exercise and refresh alongside community members.
- 2026Sun, Oct 25
Gyoda Musicians Association 35th Anniversary Concert
A classical concert for adults held to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Gyoda Musicians Association. Experience the joy of music and deep emotion through the resonance of live performance. Recommended for those who want to casually enjoy authentic musical performances.
- 2026Sun, Oct 25
Gyoda Kyoritsu Clinic & Care Center Sakitama Health Festival
Visitors can experience health checks, nursing care consultations, and health quizzes, alongside a bazaar and food trucks. Stage events such as dance, gymnastics, and health talks will also be held, allowing everyone to casually enjoy learning about health.
- fourth Sunday of October (usually)
No no Shishimai Lion Dance
A traditional performing art handed down in the No district. Three lions beat drums and dance heroically, enacting a story of competing for a female lion. The procession visits local shrines and temples to offer dedication dances.
- 2026Fri, Oct 30 – Tue, Nov 3+1 more date
78th Gyoda City Cultural Festival (2026)
A variety of events will be held across multiple venues, featuring exhibition divisions such as paintings, crafts, and flower arrangement, performance presentations including koto and traditional Japanese dance, Go and shogi tournaments, and tea ceremonies, showcasing the everyday cultural activities of affiliated groups.
- 2026Sat, Oct 31
Gyoda City Culture Festival Go Tournament
- 2026Sat, Oct 31
The 1st Gyoda Downtown Halloween Costume Contest
A Halloween event for junior high school students and younger children accompanied by guardians. Enjoy a parade through the town in your favorite costumes, along with a costume contest featuring wonderful prizes.
- 2026Sat, Oct 31
Japan Women's National Rugby Team vs. Wales Invitation Match
An invitation program for Saitama Prefecture residents to watch an international women's 15-a-side rugby match. Experience the thrill of world-class play in person. Invitations are determined by lottery for those living, studying, or working in Saitama Prefecture.
- 2026Sat, Oct 31
Sakitama Lecture: Archaeology of the Inscribed Iron Sword
A history lecture examining the relationship between Yamato and the Sakitama Kofun Cluster through findings from archaeology and ancient history, based on the personal and place names inscribed in gold on the iron sword. Yoshimichi Tsukada, professor at Taisho University, will provide an accessible explanation.
- 2026Sat, Oct 31+1 more date
Shonandai High School Marching Band Open Practice
Watch a marching practice session by the nationally acclaimed Shonandai High School Marching Band. This is a rare opportunity to experience their powerful performance and perfectly synchronized movements up close as they prepare for the Kanto Tournament.
- Wed, Apr 1, 2026 – Wed, Mar 31, 2027
Real Mystery Solving Game: The Mystery Sleeping in Oshi Castle - Legendary Treasure
An interactive real-life mystery-solving game set in and around Oshi Castle. Participants become the protagonists, solving mysteries hidden inside and outside the castle grounds while enjoying sightseeing on an adventure seeking legendary treasure.
- 2026Sat, Jul 18 – Sun, Nov 29
Sainokuni Eastern and Northern Museum Kids Stamp Rally
A stamp rally visiting participating museums across the eastern and northern regions of Saitama Prefecture, open to junior high school students and younger. Participants can receive prizes such as mechanical pencils or original tote bags based on the number of stamps collected.
- 2026Sat, Aug 8 – Tue, Nov 3
Japan Heritage Quiz Rally 2026
A quiz rally where participants can freely explore the Japan Heritage component cultural properties of Gyoda City while answering questions. Submitting answers earns a participation prize card, and those who answer all questions correctly will have a chance to win a special card set by lottery.
- 2026Wed, Sep 2 – Mon, Oct 26
Ryo Furube Replica Art Exhibition
An exhibition of replicated original art by manga artist Ryo Furube, resident of Gyoda City and creator of "Scavengers Another Sky." Visitors can closely view this valuable artwork on display for the first time in his hometown of Gyoda City.
- 2026Thu, Oct 1 – Sat, Oct 10
Gyoda Tower Light-up at Ancient Lotus Park
A special illumination of Gyoda Tower held in conjunction with All-Japan Tower Association Observation Day. Visitors can enjoy the sight of the tower vibrantly illuminating the night.
- 2026Thu, Oct 1 – Wed, Oct 14
Gyoda Hanachozu Week
Colorful and gorgeous hanachozu (floating flower basins) are displayed throughout the streets of Gyoda. This event allows visitors to stroll around and search for their favorite beautifully decorated flower basins while feeling the atmosphere of autumn.
- 2026Thu, Oct 1 – Mon, Nov 30
Gyoda Ekimae Post Office Pink Lady 50th Debut Anniversary Exhibition
An exhibition commemorating the 50th anniversary of Pink Lady's debut. Posters, records, and various rare goods from that era are displayed in the lobby, looking back on their past achievements.
- 2026Sat, Oct 3 – Mon, Oct 12
Gyoda Tabi Expo
A local production area event held in Gyoda, the town of tabi. Visitors can enjoy diverse activities including factory tours, tabi-wearing experiences, and a stamp rally, as well as discover traditional charms through exhibits and walking tours.
- 2026Sat, Oct 3 – Mon, Nov 23
Special Exhibition: The Era of Wowake - Northern Musashi in the 5th Century
This special exhibition focuses on the 5th century in northern Musashi and the era in which Wowake lived, showcasing the history of the period and excavated artifacts. Visitors can explore the origins and cultural appeal of the ancient Saitama region.
- 2026Sun, Oct 4 – Mon, Oct 12
Gyoda Tabi Expo
An expo featuring various events held across the city themed around Gyoda tabi (traditional Japanese split-toe socks). Visitors can experience the charm and history of Gyoda, the town of tabi.
- 2026Sat, Oct 10 – Mon, Nov 23
The 39th Special Exhibition: Oshi Domain: 100,000 Koku
Focusing on the territory of the Oshi Domain, which extended as far as Settsu Province far from Musashi Province, this special exhibition unravels village governance and people's lives through rare historical materials preserved across various regions. Enjoy exploring the changing world of the 100,000-koku Oshi Domain across the ages.
- late October to early November (usually)
Gyoda City Chrysanthemum Exhibition
This annual autumn event showcases the cultivation techniques of enthusiasts who carefully grow chrysanthemums, the official flower of Gyoda City. Visitors can take their time admiring the magnificent, large chrysanthemum blossoms lined up throughout the Oshi Castle grounds.