Kawagoe Matsuri Kaikan (Festival Museum)

Photo: Wikimedia Commons（PD-self）

A museum where you can experience the "Kawagoe Hikawa Festival Float Event" (Kawagoe Matsuri) — designated a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property — year-round. Two of the festival's magnificent floats are on permanent display inside, letting visitors get an up-close look at their intricate carvings and dolls, as well as the two-tiered structure unique to Kawagoe-style Edo floats. The museum also features video screenings of the festival music and displays introducing generations of float dolls and the festival culture of Little Edo Kawagoe, so even if you can't make it to the main festival in October, you can still experience the excitement and history of the Kawagoe Matsuri. Conveniently located for a stop along an Ichibangai stroll, it's recommended for anyone who wants to learn more about Kawagoe's festival culture. The museum also has a display corner for the costumes and tools used in the festival, letting visitors relive the excitement of the actual festival day through photos and video. Even travelers who can't time their visit to the October festival can spend a whole year learning about the power and history of the Kawagoe Matsuri at this valuable venue.