What this is
Four portable shrines (mikoshi) carried through the streets of Kashiwa's central shopping district form the centrepiece of this annual summer festival. Alongside the mikoshi parade, the event fills the east-west shopping street with stage performances, food stalls, and craft vendors. It's a classic neighbourhood matsuri — lively, accessible, and rooted in local community tradition.
Who should go
Families, first-time visitors to Japan curious about traditional festival culture, and anyone passing through Chiba in September. The shopping street setting makes it easy to dip in and out without committing to a full day.
Good to know
Entry to the festival is free and no tickets are required — just show up. The venue is a covered and open-air shopping arcade directly outside Kashiwa Station, making it easy to reach and navigate. Food and craft stalls will almost certainly be cash-only, so withdraw yen beforehand at a convenience store ATM (7-Eleven and Lawson ATMs reliably accept foreign cards). The mikoshi procession is the highlight, so ask locals or check signage on arrival for the parade schedule. The area can get very busy in the early evening, so families with young children may prefer the earlier afternoon hours.
This event was sourced and translated from Japanese by What's On Japan. Details may change — verify with the official source before attending.