Hachioji Ichyou Matsuri 八王子いちょう祭り/ Hachioji Ginkgo Festival is a two day festival celebrating the change of color of the approximately 770 gingko trees planted along both sides of the Koshu Kaido which stretches for almost 4 km from Oiwake-cho, Hachioji City to the entrance of Takao Station. There are many events that take place across the two days from parades to live performances. Local shops and craftsmen sell their goods along the street, and there are many vendors selling an array of traditional and non-traditional Japanese festival fare. To participate in the stamp rally for a special themed prize you must purchase a wooden block, and stop at every checkpoint to get each wood-burned stamp.
Where: Along the Koshu Kaido (go to Nishi-Hachioji Station for a map or check their website)
When: Early-Late November (Check website in September)
How much: Free
Website (Japanese): https://www.ichou-festa.org/
Check out our video of the Hachioji Ginkgo Festival on our YouTube channel!
The first thing you'll need to do is acquire this wooden block to collect your wood-burned stamps at the checkpoints. There will be volunteers selling them at Nishi-Hachioji Station in front of the gates, and a few other areas (check their website). Once you have this, follow the map towards the final checkpoint and collect your stamps on the way. There will be large flags indicating each checkpoint. Along the way you will find delicious food, and local vendors selling their handmade goods.
The wooden block with some of the completed stamps.
At the checkpoints there will be volunteers with wood-burners to give you your stamps!
At the final checkpoint they will decorate your wooden block with some ink stamps, and give you your prize for completing the stamp rally (which changes each year).
Along the way you will also see some live performances at some of the checkpoints.
One of the parades that takes place during the festival.
This is the main food stall area with lots of different options.
another very cool festival! love the costumes in the parade. Gingo trees are so gorgeous!