TOCHIGI CITY, Japan - Marylandian -- The Tochigi Autumn Festival dates back to 1874, when festival floats, known as dashi, were paraded in honor of Emperor Jinmu during a ceremony at the prefectural office. These elaborately decorated floats, called Edogata Ningyō Dashi (Edo-style doll floats), were originally made in Edo, the former name of Tokyo during the period from 1603 to 1867. Over time, the festival grew as local communities competed to showcase their magnificent floats, including those featuring Shizuka Gozen, a celebrated historical figure associated with the Tenka Matsuri (Edo Sanno Festival), alongside other creations by highly skilled doll makers.

The dolls displayed on the Edogata Ningyō Dashi vary in character and design. Many depict gods and heroes from the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, Japan's ancient historical chronicles, while others portray notable Chinese figures or represent traditional beliefs and legends.

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One of the festival's most exciting highlights is buttsuke, a spirited musical face-off in which multiple floats come together to perform ohayashi, traditional festival music. At the signal of each float's leader, the musicians begin playing as the float carriers raise their lanterns overhead and join in with enthusiastic shouts. Each community has its own distinctive calls, adding to the excitement and friendly rivalry. Traditionally, the float whose music falls out of tune concedes defeat.

As evening falls, the festival takes on an enchanting atmosphere. The floats' lanterns illuminate the streets, transforming the historic town into a magical spectacle. The sight of these magnificent creations glowing against the night sky is truly unforgettable.

Watch the festival video to experience the excitement for yourself.



Experience the Festival Year-Round at the Float Hall

Even when the Tochigi Autumn Festival is not taking place, visitors can experience its atmosphere at Dashi Kaikan (Float Hall). Opened in 1995, the facility recreates the festival experience through a combination of digital technology and authentic festival floats, bringing the excitement of this centuries-old tradition to life.

The Float Hall also preserves six floats designated as Tangible Folk Cultural Properties of Tochigi Prefecture. Three of these floats are displayed at any given time, allowing visitors to appreciate their impressive craftsmanship and elaborate decorations throughout the year. The floats are rotated regularly, offering a different perspective with each visit. With multilingual support now available, the facility makes this fascinating cultural heritage more accessible and enjoyable for international visitors.

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About Tobu Railway Group

TOBU Railway Co., Ltd. is a major Japanese corporate group comprising nearly 80 companies. Its railway network covers the longest operating distance among private railway operators in the Tokyo metropolitan area, connecting travelers with a wide range of cultural and leisure destinations.

These include Asakusa and TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN in Tokyo; Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen, renowned for their World Heritage sites and hot springs; the Tatebayashi and Ashikaga areas, celebrated for their seasonal flower displays; and Kawagoe and Tochigi City, where the atmosphere of old Edo lives on.

The group also operates a diverse portfolio of hotels, including The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko; Nikko Kanaya Hotel, one of Japan's oldest Western-style hotels; and, in Tokyo, AC Hotel by Marriott Tokyo Ginza and the Tobu Hotel Asakusa, which caters to families and other travelers.

For more information, visit the Tobu Railway sightseeing website.