Fukaya Festival

Overview

The Fukaya Festival is a summer festival held in Fukaya City, Saitama Prefecture, featuring a portable shrine parade as its main attraction. The festival originated from the "Yasaka Festival" which began in 1681 (the first year of the Tenna era) when the three deities of Tenno (Saraswati, Mahakala, and Gozu Tenno) formerly enshrined within Fukaya Castle were relocated to what is now Aioi-cho, and the shrine was renamed Yasaka Shrine, giving the festival a history of over 300 years. The venue is centered around the north exit of JR Fukaya Station, extending along Shiyakusho-dori Street and a portion of Nakasendo Road, and the festival is held annually on the last Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of July.

The most distinctive feature of this festival is the custom of vigorously splashing water on the portable shrines from the roadside. Due to the geographical characteristic of Fukaya being prone to intense heat, this practice is said to have originated from the practical need to cool down the summer shrines. In addition to the daytime portable shrine parade involving over a dozen neighborhood associations, each town parades its own floats and festival carts, with the sound of festival music (hayashi) echoing through the streets. Notably, this festival is sometimes referred to by three different names: "Yasaka Shrine Summer Grand Festival," "Yasaka Festival," and "Fukaya Festival," reflecting the layered nature of its history and regional variations in terminology.

History and Origins

The origins of the Fukaya Festival date back to 1681 (the first year of the Tenna era) in the early Edo period. The three deities of Tenno (Saraswati, Mahakala, and Gozu Tenno) that had been enshrined within Fukaya Castle were relocated to Tachimachi (present-day Aioi-cho), and the shrine was renamed Yasaka Shrine. This relocation marked the beginning of the "Yasaka Festival" as a religious observance, forming the prototype of the current Fukaya Festival. Fukaya Castle flourished as the seat of the Fukaya Uesugi clan during the Sengoku period, and even after its abandonment, the shrine within the castle continued to attract local faith.

According to tradition, this festival has been continuously observed for over 300 years. The Fukaya region is known for its hot and humid climate, and the custom of pouring water on the portable shrines during the summer procession is believed to have emerged naturally. This practice is not merely a means of cooling down; it also carries the meaning of purifying the shrines and warding off evil spirits, having become established as a sacred act. The preparation of large quantities of water along the parade route is a logistical necessity to support this tradition.

During the Meiji period and later, the festival underwent changes in name and form. The name "Yasaka Festival" continued to be used, but after World War II, the name "Fukaya Festival" gradually became more widespread. The official name "Yasaka Shrine Summer Grand Festival" still exists, but the name "Fukaya Festival" has become firmly established among local residents. The coexistence of multiple names reflects the complex historical layering of the festival.

In the 2020s, the festival faced periods of scaling down or cancellation, but by the 2023 fiscal year, it was recovering its pre-pandemic vitality. Parades of floats and festival carts, as well as performances of hayashi music, were held on Shiyakusho-dori Street and Nakasendo Road, attracting large crowds of visitors. Currently, the Fukaya City Tourism Association plays a central role in preserving and developing this tradition.

Highlights

Daytime Portable Shrine Parade The daytime portable shrine parade involving over a dozen neighborhood associations is the greatest highlight of the Fukaya Festival. The sight of each association proudly carrying its own portable shrine and parading through the city center is truly impressive. This parade begins in the morning, drawing large crowds of spectators along the route. Each time the shrines pass through intersections, the shouts of the bearers echo through the air, bringing the festival's excitement to its peak.

Custom of Water Splashing The custom of splashing water on the portable shrines from the roadside is the feature that has made the Fukaya Festival famous nationwide. Originating from Fukaya's climate, which is prone to severe heat, this practice leaves a strong impression on tourists. The water-splashed shrines shine even more brightly, and the bearers' morale is further heightened. Many photographers aim their cameras to capture the moment of water splashing.

Float and Festival Cart Parade Floats and festival carts crafted by each town parade along Shiyakusho-dori Street and Nakasendo Road. These floats feature traditional carvings and decorations, and lanterns are lit on them at night. Hayashi music is performed on top of the floats, with the sound resonating throughout the city. Each town's float has its own unique character, offering the pleasure of comparison.

Hayashi Music Competition The performance of hayashi music on floats and festival carts is a crucial element that enlivens the festival atmosphere. The bearers' movements are synchronized to the rhythm of flutes and drums. The musical pieces vary by neighborhood association, with traditional melodies being passed down through generations. At night, the sound of hayashi music echoes beautifully in the light of the lanterns.

Hana-koi Soran Dance The festival features a performance called "Hana-koi Soran," a dance unique to the Fukaya Festival. Local children and adults participate in this energetic dance, drawing applause and cheers from the audience. This performance demonstrates the fusion of the festival's tradition with new elements.

Ibayashi Performances At each neighborhood association's venue, ibayashi (stationary hayashi) performances are held. Unlike performances on moving floats, these are musical presentations at fixed locations. Spectators can enjoy the music up close and appreciate the skill of the performers. Ibayashi provides a valuable opportunity to experience the traditional musical culture of the Fukaya Festival.

Event Information and Access

• Event Name: Fukaya Festival (Yasaka Shrine Summer Grand Festival)
• Organizer: Fukaya City Tourism Association, Fukaya Festival Executive Committee
• Timing: Annually on the last Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of July (check the official website for the latest schedule and confirmation of event status)
• Venue: JR Fukaya Station North Exit Rotary, Shiyakusho-dori Street, part of Nakasendo Road
• Access: 1-minute walk from JR Fukaya Station on the JR Takasaki Line (directly from the north exit)
• Admission Fee: Free
• Parking: Paid parking lots available in the vicinity (use of public transportation is recommended due to expected congestion during the festival period)
• Contact: Fukaya City Commerce and Industry Promotion Division (Phone: 048-577-3409)
• Official Website: Fukaya City Tourism Association website (https://www.city.fukaya.saitama.jp/doraku/guide/guide05.html)
• Notes: Held rain or shine; may be scaled down or canceled in severe weather (check the official website in advance)

Surrounding Area Information

Near Fukaya Station stands Yasaka Shrine, which is deeply connected to the history of the Fukaya Festival. This shrine is the place where the three deities of Tenno were relocated from Fukaya Castle in 1681, serving as an important site that conveys the festival's origins. During the festival period, the shrine grounds are bustling with visitors, and many tourists seek to obtain goshuin (red ink stamps).

Fukaya City is nationally famous as a production area for Fukaya green onions (Fukaya negi). Numerous restaurants in the city offer dishes featuring these onions, attracting many visitors who stop by between festival events. Additionally, historical sites such as Fukaya Castle Ruins Park and former brick manufacturing facilities are scattered throughout the area, making them worth visiting in conjunction with the festival. The Fukaya Fireworks Display is also held annually in July, but its schedule differs from the Fukaya Festival, so advance confirmation is necessary.

From JR Fukaya Station, access to tourist destinations in northern Saitama Prefecture is convenient. It is possible to tour nearby summer festivals such as the Kumagaya Uchiwa Festival in Kumagaya City and the Honjo Festival in Honjo City. Furthermore, Fukaya City has many sake breweries and temples, making it recommended for those who wish to delve deeper into the region's culture and stay for several days, not just for the festival.

Related Information

• Fukaya Fireworks Display: An annual fireworks display held in Fukaya City in July. Since it is held on different dates from the Fukaya Festival, it is possible to enjoy both events.
• Yasaka Shrine: The shrine that is the origin of the Fukaya Festival. Located in Aioi-cho, it enshrines the three deities of Tenno. Special rituals are conducted during the festival period.
• Fukaya City Tourism Association: The organizing body of the festival (Phone: 048-575-0015). Provides sightseeing information and event details.
• Participating Neighborhood Associations: Over a dozen associations participate, including Inaricho Jichikai, Tadokorocho Jichikai, Honjucho Jichikai, Nakacho Jichikai, Honcho Jichikai, and Aioicho Jichikai.
• Fukaya City Commerce and Industry Promotion Division: The contact point for inquiries about the festival (Phone: 048-577-3409). The schedule and performer information can be confirmed here.
• JR East Takasaki Line: The access railway line to Fukaya Station. It takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Tokyo Station and about 10 minutes from Kumagaya Station. Extra trains may operate during the festival period.
• Fukaya City Official Website: The latest festival information and traffic regulation notices are posted. It is recommended to check this site before visiting.

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