KAWAGOE, Japan - s4story -- From the last Saturday in March (March 27, 2021) until May 5, "Children's Day," the traditional and lively city of Kawagoe, just 30 minutes north of Tokyo's Ikebukuro Station, along the Tobu Tojo Line, celebrates its Spring Festival. As the cherry trees outstretch their sakura laden blooms over the Shingashi River, strolling passersby and river boat passengers alike are welcomed by the sounds, scents, and smiles of the season (https://youtu.be/rg3pHJb2UOk). The festival period is subject to change or cancellation.



Events are held every week in the city. The Kawagoe Clan Matchlock Gun Squadron Demonstration marks the annual opening, while the Koedo Kawagoe Festival Folk Dance convention signals the festival's closing on the last day. In between other events include: the Kawagoe Tobi Union Ladder Riding, the Folk-Dance Sink, Marching band processions, a firefighters' band performance, the Koedo Kawagoe Taiko group performance, kimono fashion shows, Shishimai (lion dances), the Spring Boat Tour (free but tickets required), and more. Some events may be modified due to COVID-19.

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Best Places in Kawagoe for Hanami (Sakura Viewing) Experiences

• Kawagoe Daishi Kitain Temple's Sakura Matsuri: Late March - Early April (https://www.kawagoe.com/kitain/information/annual-events/0401.html)
• Kawagoe Aquatic Park (http://www.parks.or.jp/kawagoesuijo/) is dotted with varying species of cherry trees, including Somei-Yoshino and Kanzan. Because of the plethora of sakura varieties, the hanami period is extended. Paddle boats can be rented for an aquatic hanami experience.
• Shingashi River (https://www.pref.saitama.lg.jp/chokotabi-saitama/eng/things/flower/03.html) Kawagoe's Hikawa Shrine is a popular spot for the god of marriage, and just behind the shrine, as if to inspire nuptials, are 500 meters of cherry trees along the banks of the Shingashi River. In fact, this very spot along the river is where the boat crossing will be held on the Spring Festival's opening day.

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More Information

• TOBU Spring Festival HP: https://www.tobu.co.jp/en/sightseeing/cp/tobuspring/
• TOBU FB: https://www.facebook.com/tobugroup.en/posts/1078712392461890
• Kawagoe City Kawagoe Station Tourist Information Office: TEL 049-222-5556
• Koedo Kawagoe Tourist Association HP: https://www.koedo.or.jp/foreign/english/
• Kawagoe Discount Pass offers discount train fare and many other benefits: https://www.tobu.co.jp/en/ticket/kawagoe/premium.html

About Tobu Railways

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TOBU Railway Company, Ltd. is a major Japanese corporation consisting of approximately 90 companies. The Tobu Railways cover the longest operating distance in Metropolitan Tokyo, leading to numerous tourist attractions including: Asakusa and TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN in Tokyo; Nikko and Kinugawa-Onsen, famous for its world heritage sites and hot springs; the Tatebayashi and Ashikaga areas, known for their blooming flower fields; and Kawagoe, where the atmosphere of the old Edo era lives on. Tobu is also invested in a portfolio of hotels, including the newly opened The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko and FUFU Nikko Onsen Resort.