76th Himeji Castle Festival
〚Dates and Times〛
May 22 (Fri) – 24 (Sun), 2026
〚Venue〛
Areas surrounding Himeji Castle (Ote-mae Street, Ote-mae Park, Himeji Castle Sannomaru Plaza, etc.)
〚Highlights〛
・To keep Himeji vibrant even after the World Expo, we are taking on new challenges with content unlike any previous years. Following the grand finale group dance of the Castle Festival, there will be a “Himeji de Bon Dance” event centered on the younger generation, food trucks at Shiro-mida Park, an industry-government-academia collaboration booth at Otemae Park featuring university students, and an exhibition and hands-on corner for working vehicles—offering a wide variety of programs for people of all ages to enjoy.
・Another highlight is the “Himeji Daimyo Procession,” a reenactment featuring costumes and props based on historical research using sources such as the “Illustration of the Procession of Lord Kentoku-in, the Shogun’s Representative, to the Capital” (held by Himeji City). Please enjoy this historic procession, which serves as the grand finale of the spectacular parade.
・This year’s kids’ events will be held over two days. Children can learn about the work of temple carpenters—who were also involved in the construction of Himeji Castle—while experiencing it firsthand alongside the food stalls of the Banshu Autumn Festival.
〚Event Details〛
◆May 22 (Fri): Traditional Culture Day
On the first day, the 55th Himeji Castle Takigi Noh will be held. The performance will unfold with grace and power, using Himeji Castle as a backdrop.
◆ May 23 (Sat): Friendship Day
On the second day, parades and stage events will take place. This year’s parade will start at “Himeji Castle-mae” at the northern end of the Jōnan Line. It will proceed south along a route leading to National Route 2 (Otemae Intersection).
Himeji Castle Ambassadors will play the roles of the “Lord” in the Himeji Daimyo Procession and the “Princess” in the Princess Sen’s Wedding Procession, helping to showcase Himeji’s charm to visitors from outside the city. For international visitors, explanations of the processions and costumes will be provided in English, ensuring that tourists from around the world can fully enjoy the event.
◆May 24 (Sun): All Generation Day
On the third day, we will hold kids’ events and the Himeji Yosakoi Festival. As a first-time initiative, the kids’ events are scheduled to run for two days, starting at 1:00 PM on the preceding day, Saturday, May 23.
◆Through Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24
・PR Booths for Various Organizations (Otemae Park)
・Street Performers & Food Trucks (Shiomidai Park)
・Traffic Restrictions: Traffic restrictions are planned around Himeji Castle. Traffic congestion is expected in Himeji City on the event days, so please refrain from using private vehicles and use eco-friendly public transportation instead.
〚Inquiries〛
Himeji Castle Festival Support Association Secretariat: 079-221-1520
