Top Street Food Picks at Kawagoe Festival 2024

The Kawagoe Festival, recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage and a nationally designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, is a must-see event in Japan.

Last year, the festival attracted an impressive 561,000 visitors!

This historic festival, which dates back to the Edo period, is not only famous for its cultural displays but also for its delicious street food.

Here’s what you need to know to make the most of the food stalls at Kawagoe Festival 2024.

Event Overview: Kawagoe Festival 2024 Highlights

The History of Kawagoe Festival

The Kawagoe Festival began over 370 years ago in 1648, during the Keian era.

The festival is rooted in the Reitaisai, a grand annual festival held by Hikawa Shrine.

The parades of portable shrines (mikoshi) and elaborately decorated floats (dashi), which were a part of Edo’s grand festivals, have been passed down through the generations.

The highlight of the festival is the procession of floats, each representing different neighborhoods within Kawagoe City.

These floats are adorned with unique designs, often featuring traditional dolls at the top.

The middle section of each float houses a platform for musicians playing lively festival music.

The dashi parade, designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property in 2005, is a breathtaking spectacle.

When two floats meet, they perform a musical face-off called “Hikkawase,” adding to the vibrant atmosphere.

Kawagoe Festival 2024 Street Food Guide

If you’re visiting Kawagoe, you won’t want to miss the unique street food that the festival has to offer!

While the details for 2024 are still under wraps, here’s a sneak peek at some of the popular stalls from 2023.

We’ll update this section as soon as the latest information is available.

Popular Street Foods at Kawagoe Festival:

Mega Ganja’s Festival Menu:

Mega Ganja’s mega yakisoba is a crowd favorite every year.

It’s a must-try for anyone attending the festival!

🏮本日は川越祭りです🏮
お祭り限定メニュー
・メガヤキソバ
・マカナイ
・アブリ丼
※テイクアウトのみになります
※通常メニューは販売してません
お待ちしています🍜 pic.twitter.com/xjKmnFEfur

— メガガンジャ (@MEGAGANJA) October 14, 2023

Ganja Ramen’s Limited Edition:

The famous Ganja Ramen, known for its long queues, offers a special take-out version during the festival.

Don’t miss the chance to enjoy their ramen on the go!

Ganja on Google Map

Makotoya’s Yakisoba:

Makotoya’s thick noodles make their yakisoba a festival hit.

In 2023, they even introduced a new item, the monja bun, which was a big success.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 太麺やきそば　まことや (@kawagoemakotoya)

Makotoya on Google Map

Street Food for a Quick Bite:

Mrs. Hamburger:

Mrs. Hamburger is a local favorite with Instagram-worthy dishes.

In 2023, they offered slider burgers that were a hit during the festival.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ミセスハンバーガー/川越食べ歩き/グルメ (@mrs__hamburger)

Mrs. hamburger on Google Map

Goldfish Bowl Soda:

Cool down with a refreshing Goldfish Bowl Soda, which was incredibly popular last year.

You can also grab a variety of take-out drinks at Kingyotei.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 川越 金魚亭 (川越食べ歩き/川越カフェ) (@kingyotei_kawagoe)

Kingyotei on Google Map

Street Food Area Guide at Kawagoe Festival 2024

Where to Find the Food Stalls:

Food stalls are set up along the streets connecting Kawagoe Station, Kawagoe City Station, Hon-Kawagoe Station, and Hikawa Shrine.

No need to worry about missing them—they’re everywhere!

Kawagoe Festival Food Village:

The Food Village brings together numerous food vendors in one area.

In 2023, there were four main Food Villages.

If you’re unsure where to eat, heading to one of these areas might be your best bet.

2023 Food Village Locations:

• East side of Maruhiro Department Store parking lot
• Times Kawagoe Saiwai-cho No. 2 Parking Lot
• MS Kanko Bus Parking Lot
• Renkeiji Temple grounds

Kawagoe Festival 2024 Traffic Regulations and Access Information

Traffic Regulations:

Traffic restrictions are usually in place from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM on both days of the festival.

Here’s the traffic map for 2023.

Extensive road closures are expected, so it’s best to use public transportation if possible.

Nearest Stations:

• JR Kawagoe Line: Kawagoe Station
• Tobu Tojo Line: Kawagoe Station, Kawagoe City Station
• Seibu Shinjuku Line: Hon-Kawagoe Station

Conclusion: Enjoying Street Food at Kawagoe Festival 2024

The Kawagoe Festival is a celebration of tradition and history, recognized by UNESCO and the Japanese government as a significant cultural event.

In addition to the stunning displays of floats and mikoshi, the local street food is an experience not to be missed.

Be sure to try the unique offerings from local vendors that you can only find at this festival!

Don’t miss out on this incredible cultural and culinary experience!

あわせて読みたい

Chichibu Night Festival 2024: Must-See Floats and Fireworks!

ぴょん

元英語教諭・現専業主婦

X

英語教諭を10年以上経験。

2024年3月、教職と子育ての両立に悩み、退職。

現在は専業主婦。

教員を退職した経験についてや、小1娘の日々の子育ての色々での気づきをつづります。

読者の方にとって有益な情報となるようにわかりやすくまとめていきたいと思います！