Saitama Fest 2026 Haul 🎌

   

Last month, my sister and I went to Saitama Fest, a small Matsuri that was held in my city. I went last year with my friends but, since we went kinda late, we couldn't fully enjoy everything. This time, despite how crowded it was, we managed to enjoy some live music, eat, drink and walk around to check everything before deciding what to buy.

We ate a delish bento with some beer. I didn't take too many pics because of how crowded it was. but it was defo a fun day.

            

I tried the most delicious Sake ice cream ever! Matcha was yummy too.

I love these events because first, I love Japan and its culture and second, I get the chance to do some shopping. This time I was determined to get some things for my house so, here's my small haul. 

Since my phone's camera isn't working well, I've been trying to use my old digital camera so, if quality isn't the best, that's why. I'm impressed the camera still works well after all this time tho. Plus, there's something so nostalgic about using it~ 

Let's start with my favs, drinks!

This was my first time trying the Kirin Ichiban lager. I love beer and I'll take any chance to try a new one, especially because I haven't seen this one in stores. (I know I can always look online but, still). I had this one during the festival along with my bento but I wanted to include it here as a part of the haul.

I knew I had to buy some Sake, one that I hadn't tried before. So, I got the Hakutsuru Superior Junmai Ginjo. Yes, the beautiful bottle caught my eye but, it was a great choice. It was soooo good.
I think I'll share a little bit more about it in a future post.

 Surprisingly, I didn't buy more yummies this time so, let's move on to some things I got for the house...

I bought a set of shuriken coasters, they are made of this foam kind of material and, I ended up sharing some of them. The ones I kept are now part of my wall decor in the dining room, hehe.

Got this sushi print for the kitchen. It makes a small, fun piece of decor. I wish I remembered the names of the stores I got all these things from, I rarely pick their cards and, I should start doing it.

And these beautiful sakura photos taken by Hideki Onodera.
He had lots and lots of amazing pictures in different sizes to choose from, I felt a little overwhelmed. I regret not buying more but, I'm still pretty happy and in love with these. I still haven't found the perfect place for them tho. 

I love magnets on my fridge so, I had to get some. These are from the same stall I got the sushi print.

This was a bit of a random purchase but, I always wanted to get a omamori. I know this one is not from a temple and, it's empty inside but, it's really pretty and, I'm happy with it for now. 
One day I'll get the real deal, haha.

This has to be the thing I'm the most excited about, I was not expecting to find a kayaributa. I remember watching a video about them months ago and thinking they were very cute. I told myself I'd get one if I ever found one. And I did! I didn't even think about it much. I might not use it for its exact purpose but, I can always burn other types of incense in it. 
It is beautifully made of ceramic and, I just love it so much.

I think this one was one of the last things I got. I know it's just a picture frame but, I just loved the Japanese fabric on it. It's so bright and colorful, it makes me happy.

I received this Sakura Choco, I haven't tried them yet, I feel like I'm gonna feel bad for having to eat them, hehe.

Sakura & Ninja choco~♡

My sister also got some taiyaki to share. This one was filled with anko so, it was delish! I could eat taiyaki everyday. Eating it reminded me how much I actually love anko.

And, that's everything I got at the Saitama Fest this year. Can't wait to find a place for everything and style them around the apartment. I might share that in another post in the future along with other apartment updates.

I hope they continue holding this event every year cuz, I'm sure I'll be back to enjoy a little bit of one of my fav cultures and, of course, do some shopping!!

See you next time~!💋