if Inariyama Festa: a charity festival that ends in candlelight
Free entry10:00–18:30 at Sayama Inariyama Park. The candles are lit from 16:30, and the park is right outside Inariyama-koen Station.
Looking for a relaxed, no-cost day out in the Tokyo commuter belt this long weekend? The 16th if Inariyama Festa (ifイナリヤマフェスタ) is held on the lawns of Sayama Inariyama Park (狭山稲荷山公園) in Saitama on Sunday, October 11, 2026. It is a charity event built by local residents and volunteers, and entry is free. Here is what to expect, when to arrive, and how to get there.
The essentials at a glance
| Event | 16th if Inariyama Festa |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, October 11, 2026 |
| Hours | 10:00–18:30 Candles lit from 16:30 |
| Weather | Cancelled in severe weather |
| Venue | Saitama Prefectural Sayama Inariyama Park near the Emi Park Sayama Inariyama office |
| Address | 1-23-1 Inariyama, Sayama, Saitama |
| Nearest station | Inariyama-koen Station (Seibu Ikebukuro Line), right outside |
| Admission | Free |
| Parking | No temporary parking |
| Organizer | if Inariyama Festa Executive Committee |
What the festival is about
The festival started as a way to support recovery after the Great East Japan Earthquake, and the name comes from the English word if, as in “what if.” This year is the 16th edition. It is not a commercial event run by a big promoter. The whole thing is put together by people from the neighborhood and volunteers, which gives it a friendly, local feel.
The setting is the wide lawn at Sayama Inariyama Park, a prefectural park that goes by the nickname Emi Park Sayama Inariyama (エミパーク狭山稲荷山). Families, music fans and locals all come out, so expect a mixed crowd rather than a niche audience.
What’s on during the day
The program has four parts. The organizers have not published a full lineup or stall list in the press release, so check the official site for names and times on each stage.
| Stage live | Music and performances on an open-air stage |
|---|---|
| Marché & café | Food, drinks and handmade goods from Sayama and the surrounding area |
| Workshops | Hands-on crafts and activities for adults and kids |
| Candle night | Candles light up the venue from dusk until 18:30 |
Entry is free, but food, drinks and goods at the marché are sold by each stall. If you are new to paying in Japan, our guide on which credit card to get first in Japan is a useful read. Payment options at small outdoor stalls vary, so it is wise to carry some cash too.
Candle night: the best time to go
The highlight comes at the end of the day. As the sun sets, the park fills with candlelight. Here is how the late afternoon plays out:
If you only have half a day, arriving in the afternoon and staying through the lighting is a good plan. You catch the stage and marché in daylight and still see the candles.
Getting there (no parking)
Take the Seibu Ikebukuro Line (西武池袋線) to Inariyama-koen Station (稲荷山公園駅). The park is right outside the station, so it is an easy trip by train.
Tips before you go
- Check the weather that morning. The event is cancelled in severe weather. Look at the official festival website or the official Instagram before heading out.
- Plan the evening. The festival closes at 18:30, soon after the candles are lit, so the lighting window is short.
- Make a weekend of it. October 11 falls in the same weekend as the Taiyo no Tomato Men free ramen coupon festival, and there are more discounts on days out in the Asoview campaign.
- Keep your phone charged. Candlelight photos drain batteries. A free ChargeSPOT power bank rental via d VALUE PASS can help on a long day out.
- More free events this season: see our guides to the Musashino Art University festival and the Shibaura Canal Festival.
For questions about the venue, contact the park office: Saitama Prefectural Sayama Inariyama Park (Emi Park Sayama Inariyama), 1-23-1 Inariyama, Sayama, Saitama 350-1324. TEL 04-2955-3228 / FAX 04-2953-8053. The park is managed by Sayama Inariyama Park Partners. See the park website and its festival announcement.
FAQ
- Q. When is if Inariyama Festa?
- Sunday, October 11, 2026, from 10:00 to 18:30. The candles are lit from 16:30.
- Q. Is there an entry fee?
- No. Admission is free. Food, drinks and goods at the marché are sold by each stall.
- Q. Can I join the candle lighting?
- Yes. Candle lighting starts at 16:30 and you can take part on the day.
- Q. Is there parking?
- No temporary parking will be opened. Take the Seibu Ikebukuro Line to Inariyama-koen Station, which is right next to the park.
- Q. What happens if it rains?
- The festival is cancelled in severe weather. Check the official website or Instagram on the day.
Source: press release by Sayama City Office (October 8, 2026). Details may change, so please check the official site before you go. Published by the Sayama City Office.