Yayoicho-ku Yatai Festival Float
The oldest complete yatai float was built by the residents of the Yayoicho-ku neighborhood in 1924. It is one of five yatai floats (smaller than dashi floats) used in the Kumagaya Uchiwa Festival, and the oldest surviving complete example. The detailed carvings around the sides of the float depict auspicious animals such as turtles, cranes, and peacocks, as well as scenes from Japan’s creation legends. At the front of the float, there is a dragon under the gable in an elaborately curved pose, while two dragons climb the front support pillars. Above the gable, a carving depicts Susanoo no Mikoto, deity of the sea and storms, saving a princess from a snake-headed monster. The float is a Tangible Folk Cultural Property of Kumagaya.