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 Higashimatsuyama in July 2027
Festivals, workshops, exhibitions and other events in Higashimatsuyama in July, in date order. You can also browse them on the map and calendar.
Events in July 2027 (8 events)
- fourth Saturday and Sunday of July (usually)
Higashimatsuyama Summer Festival
A traditional Higashimatsuyama City festival originating from prayers to ward off evil spirits at Yakumo Shrine. During the event, portable shrines are spiritedly paraded through each neighborhood and gorgeous festival floats are rolled out, enlivening the entire town.
- early July (usually)
Mochizuki Fusegi Ritual
A traditional folk ritual to ward off evil spirits and epidemics while praying for good health and prosperity of descendants. Visitors can observe this unique regional custom of hanging straw figures shaped like large straw sandals and male and female genitalia at the district borders.
- mid-July (usually)
Noda Lion Dance (Summer Festival)
A traditional performing art handed down since the Edo period, dedicated as a prayer to ward off evil. Its major feature is the "Zashiki-jishi" performed on mats in front of the main hall wearing cropped hakama and white tabi socks, and a procession down the highway is also held.
- late July (usually)
Shimogarako Lion Dance (Summer Festival)
A traditional lion dance dedicated at Karako Shrine in conjunction with the annual festival of Suwa Shrine. Said to have begun about 350 years ago, visitors can enjoy the emotional dances up close as well as the procession down the road from the shrine office to the shrine.
- late July (usually)
Yakumo Shrine Annual Grand Festival / Tenno-sama (Matsubacho Festival Music)
A traditional performing art designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Higashimatsuyama City, performed during events such as the Yakumo Shrine Annual Grand Festival. Visitors can enjoy up-close performances of lively festival music by the Matsubacho Hayashi-ren on floats within the shrine grounds and throughout the town.
- late July (usually)
Shodai Festival Music
Traditional festival music dedicated during the Yasaka Shrine Summer Festival. Enjoy the vibrant sounds handed down locally, including performances atop festival floats during the portable shrine procession and stationary music performances during the festival eve.
- late July (usually)
Goudo Lion Dance
A traditional folk performing art boasting a history of over 230 years. In a dance arena made of straw bales on the shrine grounds, three strikingly crafted lions perform their dedicated dance split into front and back garden sections. It is a rare traditional event that also retains legends of warding off disease.
- late July (usually)
Yakucho Festival Music
Performances of traditional festival music handed down in the local area since the Showa period. Along with newly renewed festival floats, historic melodies and pieces are presented as part of the local festival, offering a lively and cheerful atmosphere.
Events held in July 2026 (for reference, 11 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, Jul 25 – Sun, Jul 26
Higashimatsuyama Summer Festival
A traditional festival in Higashimatsuyama City said to have originated from the annual festival of Yakumo Shrine. Portable shrines parade through the neighborhoods and gorgeous floats are brought out, creating a lively summer atmosphere.
- 2026Sun, Jul 26+1 more date
Shimogarako Lion Dance
The traditional designated cultural property 'Shimogarako Lion Dance' is presented at Karako Shrine. View the powerful dance that has been passed down through generations in the local area. Times may vary slightly, and there is no parking.
- 2026Thu, Jan 1 – Tue, Dec 29
Hands-on Animal Experiences at Saitama Children's Zoo
This regular event offers activities such as animal petting, pony riding, cow milking, and animal feeding. A rich lineup of programs for both children and adults to learn and enjoy is available, including guided tours, craft workshops, and picture-story shows (kamishibai).
- Wed, Apr 1, 2026 – Wed, Mar 31, 2027
Koala Happy 40th Anniversary
An event commemorating the 40th anniversary of koalas arriving at the zoo. A diverse range of special events will be held, including distribution of limited-edition stickers, fun and educational exhibitions, and an Australia Fair featuring character appearances and live ethnic instrument performances.
- Wed, Apr 1, 2026 – Wed, Mar 31, 2027
Let's Make the World Rodent Map Together
An online project aiming to complete a world map by having participants send photos of handmade rodent crafts via Instagram DM. Anyone can casually participate, learning about rodent ecology by accurately depicting real-life species using felt, origami, or other crafting materials at home.
- early July (usually)
Fusegi Ritual of Mochizuki
A traditional folk ritual to ward off evil spirits and epidemics, praying for good health, safety, and the prosperity of descendants. Visitors can observe the area's distinctive custom of erecting large straw objects, shaped like giant sandals or male and female reproductive organs, along the district boundaries.
- 2026Sat, Jul 4 – Sun, Dec 27
Giraffe Backyard Tour
A guided tour led by zookeepers behind the scenes of the giraffe house. Explore areas normally closed to the public and observe the animals up close. Held on weekend and holiday afternoons; participation tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis at the information counter starting from park opening.
- Sat, Jul 18, 2026 – Wed, Mar 31, 2027
Children's Zoo Worksheet Quiz and Explanations
A total of 7 different worksheets are available to help you learn about animals while exploring the park. Observe the animals and make new discoveries while tackling spot-the-difference puzzles, discovery bingo, and more.
- late July (usually)
Yakumo Shrine Annual Festival / Tenno-sama (Matsubacho Matsuribayashi)
A traditional performing art designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property by Higashimatsuyama City, performed during the annual festival of Yakumo Shrine and other occasions. You can enjoy the lively festival music played on floats by the Matsubacho Hayashi-ren up close within the shrine grounds and throughout the town.
- late July (usually)
Shodai Matsuribayashi
A traditional festival music performance dedicated during the Yasaka Shrine Summer Festival. Enjoy the lively sounds handed down in the local community, including performances atop floats accompanying portable shrine processions and stationary performances during the eve of the festival.
- late July (usually)
Yakyu-cho Matsuribayashi
A traditional festival music performance passed down locally since the Showa period. Together with newly renovated floats, historic tones and musical pieces will be presented during the local festival, creating a lively atmosphere.