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 January 2027
Festivals, workshops, exhibitions and other events in Kumagaya, Higashimatsuyama, Gyoda, Konosu, Hanyu, Kazo, Yoshimi, Namegawa in January, in date order. You can also browse them on the map and calendar.
Events in January 2027 (67 events)
- 2026Fri, May 1+9 more dates
Tamamiya Children's Center Kamishibai
An event where you can enjoy entertaining picture-story shows presented by Konosu Kamishibai Egao. Aimed at infants, toddlers, and their guardians, it has no capacity limit and requires no prior registration, making it easy for families to drop in and enjoy the world of stories.
- January 1 (usually)
Yakyu Inari Shrine New Year's Day Festival
A Shinto ritual held at midnight at Yakyu Inari Shrine. It celebrates the beginning of the new year and prays for the prosperity of the nation and peaceful coexistence and mutual prosperity of the world. Visitors can participate along with their first shrine visit of the new year.
- 2027Fri, Jan 1
Tamashiki Shrine Saitan-sai
The first festival of the new year held at Tamashiki Shrine. Conducted alongside the New Year's Day Hatsumode visits, the grounds are lively with many worshipers praying for peace, good health, and longevity in the coming year.
- January 1 (usually)
Menuma Shodenzan Hatsumode & First Daruma Sale
A Hatsumode event to celebrate the beginning of the new year. The first sale of lucky daruma dolls takes place within the grounds, bustling with worshippers praying for good fortune and luck for the year. It is recommended for visiting at the start of the new year.
- January 1 (usually)
Yoshimi Kannon Gantan-e
An annual New Year event held at Yoshimi Kannon at the start of the year. Visitors can enjoy a serene visit while taking in the refreshing atmosphere of the grounds on New Year's Day, praying for good health and fortune for the coming year.
- 2027Tue, Jan 5
Flower Walk: Wintersweet
- 2027Tue, Jan 5 – Wed, Jan 6
Shinrin Park Greenery Sharing
- 2027Thu, Jan 7
Flower Walk: Early Plum Blossoms
- January 7 (usually)
Yakyu Inari Shrine Koshinsatsu Takiage-sai
A Shinto ritual to return and ritually burn old paper talismans, amulets, and ema plaques received during the past year. Visitors can prepare their minds and bodies through the burning ritual carried out with gratitude.
- 2026Sat, Oct 24+5 more dates
Municipal Agriculture and Forestry Park: Agri-Park Rangers!
A multi-session experiential program for elementary and junior high school students to enjoy nature, agriculture, and fundamental food experiences through farm produce in the park. In addition to regular activities, an overnight camp will be held in spring, allowing participants to fully immerse themselves in rich nature.
- 2027Sat, Jan 9
Ryutei Kochiraku and Yanagiya Kisaburo Duo Performance
A two-person rakugo performance by notable storytellers Ryutei Kochiraku and Yanagiya Kisaburo. Held in the Small Hall, visitors can enjoy their fast-paced, crisp delivery and authentic rakugo storytelling.
- 2027Sat, Jan 9
Green Arena Kakure-oni 2027
A sports event combining the classic games of hide-and-seek and tag. Taking place in the gymnasium, participants can enjoy the thrill of running around and hiding to escape. Anyone from elementary school students to adults can casually join regardless of age.
- 2027Sat, Jan 9
The 41st Gyoda City Elementary and Junior High School Shogi Tournament
A shogi tournament for elementary and junior high school students residing in the city. Along with preliminary rounds and final tournament matches for individuals, participants can also receive valuable teaching games from professional shogi player Shino Miyasou, Ladies' 2nd Dan.
- 2027Sat, Jan 9+2 more dates
27th Otori Yose
A three-part rakugo performance series featuring popular rakugo storytellers. In addition to two-person performances and solo acts, visitors can fully enjoy rich traditional storytelling art in the small hall, complete with variety acts such as Daikagura acrobatics, paper cutting, and kodan storytelling.
- 2027Sun, Jan 10
Shinrin Park Gourd Workshop
- 2027Sun, Jan 10+2 more dates
Prefectural Sports Festival (Soccer)
This is the soccer competition of the Prefectural Sports Festival, where representative teams from municipalities across Saitama Prefecture compete. Spectators can enjoy high-level matches played for local and regional pride.
- 2027Sun, Jan 10+2 more dates
Prefectural Sports Festival (Soccer)
This soccer tournament serves as an inter-municipal competition for the Prefectural Sports Festival. Visitors can watch earnest matches contested with pride by players representing various areas.
- 2027Mon, Jan 11
New Year Special Rakugo Show: Koasa Shunputei and Ichiba Ryutei with Rocket Dan
A New Year rakugo performance featuring rich comic storytelling by Koasa Shunputei and Ichiba Ryutei, alongside upbeat manzai comedy by Rocket Dan. Enjoy an array of sophisticated performing arts and laughter to celebrate the new year.
- 2027Mon, Jan 11
Seed Specimen Box Making
- 2027Mon, Jan 11+1 more date
Saitama Wind Orchestra Contest Newcomers Competition
A newcomers' tournament where school brass bands and ensembles showcase passionate performances under their new rosters. Energetic and youthful music will resonate throughout the main hall.
- 2027Tue, Jan 12
Takimamuro Hikawa Shrine Target Archery Festival
A traditional ritual designated as a cultural property by Konosu City, originating from the legend of Sakanoue no Tamuramaro slaying a giant serpent. A sacred rite of shooting arrows at a target is performed to pray for abundant harvests, community development, good fortune, and warding off disasters.
- 2026Thu, Apr 9+10 more dates
Fukiage Children's Center Kamishibai
A picture-story show (kamishibai) event for preschool children and their guardians featuring fun stories read by volunteers. No advance reservation is needed and admission is free, making it easy to stop by and enjoy a fun time together.
- 2027Sat, Jan 16
Stargazing for Parents and Children: Let's Find the Winter Triangle!
An astronomical observation event open to elementary school students and their guardians. Participants will listen to an explanation of the winter night sky and observe the moon and planets using small telescopes. In case of poor weather, an indoor planetarium session will be held instead.
- 2027Sun, Jan 17
The 42nd Gyoda City Chorus Festival
A choral festival where groups affiliated with the Gyoda City Chorus Association present the results of their regular practice. Admission is free for all, providing an opportunity to enjoy musical culture through beautiful voices and harmonized melodies.
- 2027Sun, Jan 17
The 22nd Hanyu City Floor Curling Tournament
A tournament for floor curling, an accessible sport anyone can easily enjoy. Preliminary rounds and championship tournaments will be held for residents, workers, and students in the city.
- 2027Sun, Jan 17
Matsuyama Girls' High School Wind Orchestra Regular Concert
An independent concert by first- and second-year students representing the new lineup of the Matsuyama Girls' High School Wind Orchestra. Attendees can enjoy an uplifting, youthful stage performance for free in the hall.
- 2027Sun, Jan 17
The 24th Kumakoren Karuta Tournament
A New Year karuta card game tournament held for elementary school students. Participants compete in individual and team matches using the Kumagaya Local Karuta and the Sai-no-Kuni 21st Century Local Karuta.
- 2027Sun, Jan 17
Nature Observation: Winter Wild Bird Watching
- 2026Mon, Nov 2+2 more dates
Plaza Machinaka Marche
A gathering of delicious bento lunch boxes and savory breads from local eateries in front of Hanyu Citizen Plaza. Held to revitalize the city center, this market offers an easy way to enjoy limited-edition menu items and popular dishes.
- January 21 (usually)
Menuma Shodenzan Hatsu Daishi Fair
This is the first fair of the new year dedicated to Kobo Daishi. Visitors come to the temple grounds to offer prayers to Kobo Daishi and wish for peace, good health, and safety in the new year on this traditional day.
- 2026Fri, Nov 27+2 more dates
Sing! Konosu Hot Park
A regular singing event held in the Small Hall. Participants can enjoy singing nostalgic songs and favorites together, spending a refreshing time.
- 2026Sat, Jun 27+8 more dates
Handmade Craft Workshop at Konosu Children's Center
A workshop where children can make handmade toys together with volunteers. After the craft session, you can learn fun ways to play with the toys you made. Why not spend some wonderful time together as a family?
- 2027Sat, Jan 23
Professor Denjiro's Science Show
A stage packed with audience-participation experiments, including familiar demonstrations, giant balloons, and quizzes. Blending education and entertainment, people of all generations from young children to adults can enjoyably experience the wonders of science.
- 2027Sat, Jan 23
Kazo Future Museum: Capture the Waning Moon with a Smartphone!
A hands-on event where participants use a small telescope in combination with their own smartphones to photograph the sixteenth-night waning moon. You can capture a beautiful picture of the moon using your handheld smartphone.
- 2027Sat, Jan 23
Kumagaya Menuma Ekiden
An ekiden relay race starting and finishing at the Kumagaya City Menuma Central Community Center, where teams of five run through the Menuma area. Characterized by relatively short leg distances that make it easy to participate, spectators can enjoy cheering on the runners as they pass the sash along to their teammates.
- 2027Tue, Jan 26
Flower Walk: Amur Adonis
- 2026Thu, Apr 23+10 more dates
Baby Storytime at Kita-Shinjuku Children's Center
A storytime event aimed at infants, toddlers, and their guardians. Enjoy a heartwarming bonding experience between parent and child through picture book readings and hand-play songs together with babies.
- 2027Thu, Jan 28
Flower Walk: Witch Hazel
- 2026Sat, Oct 24+2 more dates
Social Education Lecture for the Deaf
A lecture featuring guests such as athletes active in Deaf Rugby and Deaf Basketball. Attendees can learn about various ways of living and personal experiences through talks conducted in Japanese Sign Language.
- 2027Sat, Jan 30
Hinemos: Fantastic Toy Orchestra
A performance by Hinemos, a 10-piece musical group that plays toys, musical saws, and various other noise-making objects. Families can enjoy thrilling music that feels like stepping into a picture book. A handmade musical instrument workshop will also be held on the same day.
- 2027Sun, Jan 31
Virtuoso Forest of Music: Winter
A winter classical concert featuring a beautiful string trio ensemble of violin, viola, and cello. Delivering famous pieces by Mozart and other composers, the concert is open to audiences aged 4 and older.
- 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.
- Wed, Apr 1, 2026 – Wed, Mar 31, 2027
Play Ball with Parents and Kids at Kumagaya Sports and Culture Park
A ball-playing workshop for preschool children and their guardians. Parents and children can easily experience fun physical exercises using balls while moving their bodies together.
- 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.
- Wed, Apr 1, 2026 – Wed, Mar 31, 2027
Kumagaya Sports Cultural Park FY2026 Sports and Culture Courses
A diverse series of 10 courses will be held throughout the year. The lineup offers enjoyable learning opportunities, including a rugby rules class on a natural grass pitch, a makeup workshop taught by a professional, and a mini concert for parents and children featuring handmade instruments.
- 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.
- Sat, Sep 12, 2026 – Wed, Mar 31, 2027
Konosu Children's Center Planetarium: The World of Stars and Mythology
An event at the Konosu Children's Center planetarium featuring night sky explanations and myths about the constellations. Intended for children and their guardians, offering a casual way to enjoy the world of the night sky.
- Thu, Sep 17, 2026 – Wed, Mar 31, 2027
Yoshimi General Athletic Park Park Golf Tournament
- Thu, Sep 24, 2026 – Sat, Jan 30, 2027
ZOO HOPPER GUIDE
A private guided tour limited to one group per day, where an experienced staff member knowledgeable about the zoo guides you around the park by cart. Enjoy a special time with a course around the grounds and guidance tailored to your preferences.
- Thu, Oct 1, 2026 – Sun, Feb 14, 2027
Higashimatsuyama and Hiki Sightseeing Stamp Rally
A digital stamp rally visiting sightseeing spots in the Hiki area. Depending on the number of stamps collected, you can exchange them for prizes at facilities or enter a drawing to win local specialty products.
- Thu, Oct 1, 2026 – Wed, Mar 31, 2027
Tobu Zoo x Musashino Mura x Gururi Mori Stamp Rally
An app stamp rally touring Tobu Zoo and Musashino Mura. Collect stamps by using eligible attractions at both parks to receive a limited collaboration original card from Gururi Mori on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Sat, Oct 10, 2026 – Mon, Jan 11, 2027
Special Exhibition: Gold Fish Science
This special exhibition focuses on the genetics, colors, and morphological variations of goldfish, unraveling the secrets of their beauty from a scientific perspective. Visitors can enjoy learning about the relationship between goldfish and humans through various angles, including research on their relaxing effects on people.
- Sun, Nov 1, 2026 – Sun, Jan 31, 2027
Camellia and Its Charm (Special Public Opening of the Second Nursery Camellia Garden)
- Sat, Nov 14, 2026 – Mon, Jan 11, 2027
Shinrin Park Sogetsu Spatial Installation
- late November to early January (usually)
Ancient Lotus Park Illumination
A winter illumination event where the park is decorated with lights. From the 50-meter-high observation room and tower, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the glowing park and the beautiful night scenery of Gyoda.
- Sat, Dec 12, 2026 – Sun, Jan 31, 2027
Kitakawabe Illumination Operation
Around 40,000 LED lights magically illuminate a roughly 200-meter section between the Kitakawabe General Branch Office and the Learning Center. Enjoy a winter evening stroll viewing the radiant light displays, starting with the lighting ceremony on the first day.
- Thu, Dec 24, 2026 – Mon, Jan 11, 2027
Great Retro Exhibition: Reliving the Showa and Heisei Eras
A retro exhibition looking back on the Showa and Heisei eras is held at Yagihashi Department Store. This event allows visitors to encounter many nostalgic memories, making it a noteworthy event enjoyable across generations.
- Early January (usually)
Takagi Shrine Dezomeshiki
- Early January (usually)
Saitama Yakuyoke Kaiun Daishi Ryusen-ji Temple Daruma Market
An annual New Year event bustling with Hatsumode visitors and people seeking lucky daruma dolls. In addition to the daruma market held within the temple grounds, visitors can also enjoy the temple marche.
- January–February (usually)
Kumagaya Daruma Market
A traditional event said to have started in the Edo period to pray for the prosperity of Kumagaya-shuku. Many daruma stalls line up along the Hoshikawa River and at various temples and shrines, bustling with visitors looking to purchase lucky charms for the new year.
- 2027Sat, Jan 2 – Sun, Jan 31
Botanical Garden Special Exhibition: Seeds, Seeds, Seeds
- 2026Mon, Dec 7 – Mon, Dec 28+1 more date
Art Gallery Special Exhibition: Manabu Mori Hometown Exhibition
An exhibition showcasing works depicting Gyoda, commercial district wrapping papers, and more. 'Japanese Lyricism', which received the Minister of Education Award at an international exhibition, will also be on display, offering an evocative showcase full of affection for the local region.
- 2026Sat, Dec 5 – Sun, Dec 27+1 more date
Winter Collection Exhibition: Okinamaro Kurosawa and the Cultural Figures of Oshi Domain
A museum collection exhibition showcasing calligraphy, paintings, and works created by samurai of the Oshi Domain, centered on Okinamaro Kurosawa, a Kokugaku scholar and waka poet of the Edo period. Visitors can experience the rich culture and intellectual traditions nurtured among domain retainers at the time.
- 2026Tue, Oct 20 – Wed, Nov 4+5 more dates
Tomita Residence Hanare Panel Touring Exhibition
A panel exhibition introducing the charms of the Japanese-style architecture "Tomita Residence Hanare," registered as a national Tangible Cultural Property. The exhibition will tour public facilities in the city, such as Roadside Station Hanyu and Ciasse Hanyu.
- mid-January (usually)
Yakyu Tenmangu Shrine Festival
A festival dedicated to academic achievement held on the Sunday near Hatsu Tenjin. In addition to prayers for educational success, a calligraphy exhibition is held on the shrine grounds.
- late January (usually)
Kazo City Koinobori Exhibition
Events held in January 2026 (for reference, 32 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.
- January 1 (usually)
New Year's Day Ritual at Yakyu Inari Shrine
A ritual held at midnight at Yakyu Inari Shrine. It celebrates the beginning of the new year and prays for the prosperity of the nation and global coexistence and co-prosperity. Visitors can attend in conjunction with their New Year prayers.
- January 1 (usually)
Menuma Shodenzan Hatsumode & First Daruma Sale
A New Year's visit (Hatsumode) event celebrating the start of the year. The first sale of lucky daruma dolls takes place on the temple grounds, bustling with many worshippers praying for good fortune and luck for the year. It is recommended for prayers at the beginning of the new year.
- January 1 (usually)
New Year Service at Yoshimi Kannon
An annual New Year event held at Yoshimi Kannon at the turn of the year. While enjoying the crisp atmosphere on the temple grounds on New Year's Day, visitors can quietly offer prayers for sound health and good fortune in the new year.
- 2026Thu, Jan 1 – Wed, Jan 7
New Year Prayer Festival at Yakyu Inari Shrine
At the start of the new year, prayer rituals are conducted to pray for safety, peace, and happiness throughout the year. Visitors can offer prayers for family safety, warding off evil, and business prosperity, and a Shinto ritual is also performed to burn old talismans and amulets.
- 2026Sun, Jan 4
Strolling Gyoda: Past and Present Tales and New Year's Luck Test!
A historical tour guided by Narita Nagachika and the Sengoku Princess Hakase-chan, visiting sites such as castle gate ruins. Participants can enjoy shuriken (throwing star) throwing experiences, tour the Oshi Castle ruins, and receive souvenirs including an Oshi Castle Goin stamp.
- 2026Tue, Jan 6
Kumagaya City Annual New Year Dezomeshiki
An annual event held to pray for fire prevention, good health, and safety in the new year. Spectators can watch craftsmen carrying on tradition perform impressive acrobatic stunts atop high ladders and observe their brave procession through various parts of the city.
- January 7 (usually)
Koshinsatsu Takiagesai at Yakyu Inari Shrine
A Shinto ritual where amulets, protective charms, and ema (votive wooden plaques) received during the past year are returned and ritually burned. Visitors can refresh mind and body through this sacred burning ceremony offered with gratitude.
- 2026Sat, Jan 10
Baseball Experience Class by Former Professional Baseball Players
- 2026Sun, Jan 11
Flea Market at Kiyasse Hanyu
A flea market held both outdoors and indoors. The local mascot Saitaman is scheduled to visit the venue, and visitors can enjoy shopping and socializing while staying warm.
- 2026Sun, Jan 11
Storytelling and Crafts Room at Joko Children's Center
- 2026Mon, Jan 12
Capybara Hot Spring Special Guide
In this event, participants draw pictures of capybaras on cypress wood boards while listening to explanations from the deputy zoo director, and float the boards in the capybara hot spring bath. Available on a first-come, first-served basis with limited capacity; numbered tickets are required.
- 2026Fri, Jan 16
Shinobu Miyahara Music School Piano Recital
A piano recital by Shinobu Miyahara Music School will be held at Taiyo no Hall. Come and listen to the performances of students presenting the results of their daily practice.
- 2026Sat, Jan 17
Local Production for Local Consumption Children's Cooking Class
- 2026Sat, Jan 17
Winter Festival at Mida Community Center
- 2026Sat, Jan 17
Winter Festival at Tamamiya Children's Center
- 2026Sun, Jan 18
Elementary School Bouldering Class at Kitanishiki Children's Center
- 2026Sun, Jan 18
Kumagaya Hatsuichi (Daruma Market)
This is a traditional first market of the year where numerous daruma doll stalls line the Hoshikawa River. In addition to daruma sales, visitors can enjoy various events such as mochi pounding, festival stalls, and decorative wooden paddle (hagoita) painting workshops, creating a lively atmosphere that wards off the cold.
- January 21 (usually)
Menuma Shodenzan Hatsu Daishi Fair
This is the first memorial fair of the New Year dedicated to Kobo Daishi. Worshippers visit the temple grounds to offer prayers to Kobo Daishi and pray for peace and good health in the new year during this traditional day.
- 2026Wed, Jan 21+1 more date
Hina Doll Wreath Making with Craft Bands
- 2026Thu, Jan 22
Northern District High School Music Festival
The Northern District High School Music Festival will be held at Taiyo no Hall. It is a music festival performed by high school students, hosted by the Saitama Prefecture High School Cultural Federation Northern District.
- 2026Sun, Jan 25
Oyaji Band in Tamamiya
- 2026Tue, Jan 27
Northern District High School Music Festival
The Northern District High School Music Festival will be held at Taiyo no Hall. Enjoy a musical stage where high school students from northern Saitama Prefecture showcase the results of their daily practice.
- 2026Sat, Jan 31
SAITAMA D:FEST
SAITAMA D:FEST will be held at Taiyo no Hall. Please contact the organizer directly for details and program content before visiting the venue.
- late November–early January (usually)
Ancient Lotus Park Illuminations
- mid-December–late January (usually)
Kitakawabe Illumination Campaign
A light event featuring around 30,000 lights illuminated by local volunteers. The approximately 200-meter planted section is decorated with colorful lights, brightening the winter night.
- early January (usually)
Saitama Yakuyoke Kaiun Daishi Ryusenji Daruma Market
- January–February (usually)
Kumagaya Hoshikawa-dori Daruma Market
- 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).
- 2026Sun, Jan 4 – Sat, Jan 31
Gyoda Hanachozu Town Food Walk
This event lets visitors stroll through the town of Gyoda adorned with hanachozu (floating flower basins) while using discount tickets to enjoy eating and dining on sweets and local gourmet specialties from participating shops.
- 2026Thu, Jan 8 – Fri, Jan 23
Kazo City Citizen Photographers Photo Exhibition
A photo exhibition featuring works by six volunteer citizen photographers active in Kazo City's public relations activities. Each photographer displays their handpicked, standout masterpieces, and winning tax-themed essays written by junior high school students are also on display at the same venue.
- Mid-January (usually)
Yakyu Tenmangu Shrine Festival
A festival for academic success held on the Sunday close to Hatsu Tenjin. In addition to praying for academic improvement, a calligraphy exhibition is also held on the shrine grounds.
- late January (usually)
Kazo City Koinobori Exhibition