Festivals in Japan: Tokorozawa Matsuri

People are anticipating for the passing of the portable shrine

Tokorozawa Matsuri is an annual festival held in the city of Tokorozawa in Saitama, 40 minutes away from Tokyo by an express train. This festival is held in the last week of October. It is a pretty big event in the area. Streets are lined with different food carts that sell yakitori, red bean, mochi, and other local delicacies. There are hotdogs and squids too.

Drums are being played as it passes

There are also local performances like samba and jazz, as well as cheerdances and popular contemporary songs. The most awaited event though is the passing of these portable shrines in its route.

Where to Eat in Tokyo: Magokoro Soontofu

authentic korean spciy soup

Magokoro Soontofu is a chain of restaurants that you can find in several places in Tokyo, there are two in Takadanobaba, a block away from each other. One seat meal costs around Y800. If you find Korean food too spicy for your taste, you can adjust the spicyness of the food. The restaurant will ask you the level of spicyness that you can take.


The interior of the restaurant is pretty small. It just has one round counter inside, not ideal for a group of friends who want to chat and talk to each other for a long time. There are also hangers on the wall where you can put your coat.