The 76th Himeji Castle Festival will be held over three days from May 22 (Friday) to May 24 (Sunday), 2026, at venues around Himeji Castle including Otemae-dori, Otemae Park, and the Sannomaru Plaza.
Event Dates
May 22 (Friday) to May 24 (Sunday), 2026
Venue
Around Himeji Castle (Otemae-dori, Otemae Park, Himeji Castle Sannomaru Plaza, and more)
Highlights
This year's festival introduces new content to keep excitement going after the World Expo.
After the traditional Sodori group dance that closes the festival, a new event called "Himeji de Bon Dance" will make its debut for younger generations. Other new additions include kitchen cars at Shironodai Park, a university student collaboration booth (industry-academia-government partnership) at Otemae Park, and a working vehicles display and career experience corner — with programs to enjoy for visitors of all ages.
The "Himeji Daimyo Procession" is a must-see — a historically researched re-creation of a feudal lord's procession using costumes and props based on materials such as "Kentokuin-sama Shogun Omiyodai Jokyo Gyoretsu-zu" (Himeji City Collection). The grand procession serves as the stunning finale of the parade.
This year's Kids Event will run for two days. Children can learn about the work of traditional shrine carpenters (miyadaiku) — whose craft connects to Himeji Castle's construction — while experiencing Banshu Autumn Festival float culture firsthand.
May 22 (Friday) — Traditional Culture Day
The first day features the 55th Himeji Castle Takigi Noh, a classical Noh performance held by torchlight against the backdrop of Himeji Castle.
| Time | 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM · 5:00 PM: Takigi Noh Parent-Child Class Showcase · 6:00 PM: 55th Himeji Castle Takigi Noh |
|---|---|
| Venue | Himeji Castle Sannomaru Plaza ※ Rain venue: Himeji City Civic Hall Main Hall |
| Organizer | Himeji Takigi Noh Hozan-kai |
| Program | · Noh "Kocho (Butterfly)" — Performers: Yasuhiro Urata, Tomoto Fukuo · Kyogen "Kitsunezuka (Fox Mound)" — Performer: Sengoro Shigeyama ＜Fire Lighting Ceremony＞ · Noh "Tenko (Heaven Drum)" — Performers: Takahiro Ueda, Kinjiro Ezaki |
| Notes | · Live streaming of the performance · Archived footage shared via SNS · "Noh-Sapo" subtitle service for international visitors (simultaneous support in 4 languages: Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean) |
May 23 (Saturday) — Friendship Day
The second day features parades and stage events. The parade will start from the north end of Jonansen (Himeji Castle Front) and head south to National Route 2 (Otemae intersection).
The "lord" role in the Himeji Daimyo Procession and the "princess" role in the Princess Sen Procession will be played by Himeji Castle's official ambassadors, promoting Himeji's appeal to visitors from outside the city. English commentary on the processions and costumes will also be provided for international tourists.
| 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM | Himeji Castle Ambassador Announcement |
|---|---|
| 10:45 AM – 11:20 AM | Opening Ceremony |
| 11:20 AM – 6:00 PM | Otemae Park Stage Events |
| 11:15 AM – 1:45 PM | Castle Parade |
| 1:45 PM – 2:25 PM | Historical Parade |
| 2:25 PM – 2:35 PM | Princess Sen Procession |
| 2:35 PM – 3:15 PM | Himeji Daimyo Procession |
Sodori Group Dance (4:00 PM – 5:00 PM) ＜Otemae-dori＞
The traditional Sodori group dance, carried on since the early days of the festival, will be performed together with participating groups. Walk-in participation is welcome on the day. On-the-day registration is available at the Karo Yashiki Ato Koen tent by 4:00 PM.
Himeji de Bon Dance (5:10 PM – 5:40 PM (scheduled)) ＜North end of Otemae-dori＞
A brand-new event on Otemae-dori featuring music spanning the latest hits to nostalgic classics — fun for all generations. The mobile stage "Ai-An 8-10" from Ichikawa-cho will make a special appearance. Special guests DJ YAHAGI and MC GONZA will ensure even first-time dancers can join in the fun. Participants and spectators should gather at the special stage at the north end of Otemae-dori by 5:00 PM. Walk-in participation is very welcome.
May 24 (Sunday) — All Generation Day
The third day features the Kids Event and the Himeji Yosakoi Festival. The Kids Event will run as a new two-day initiative, starting from Saturday the 23rd at 1:00 PM.
Kids Event ＜Himeji Castle Sannomaru Plaza＞
This year's theme is "Banshu Takara Mono PROJECT: Carrying and Connecting — Smiles of Himeji."
Organized by the Himeji Junior Chamber of Commerce, the event offers hands-on experiences of Banshu festival culture: keychain making using traditional float craftsmanship by professional artisans, and the rare opportunity to decorate and carry a mini-sized festival float.
- May 23 (Saturday): 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM
- May 24 (Sunday): 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
25th Himeji Yosakoi Festival ＜Otemae Park＞
Powerful performances from teams that have been rehearsing all year will be on display.
- 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Organizer: Himeji Yosakoi Festival Executive Committee
- Rain or shine
Sound Festival 2026 ＜Shirotopia Memorial Park Outdoor Stage＞
Reggae music and dance performances by locally active dancers will be featured.
- 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Organizer: Himeji Harmony
May 23 (Saturday) to May 24 (Sunday)
Various PR Booths ＜Otemae Park＞
Tourism PR booths, Harima regional collaboration booths, industry-academia-government SDGs booths, Hyogo Field Pavilion booths, working vehicles display and career experience corner, universal accessibility booth, sports PR booth, Castle Garden, and more.
Street Performers & Kitchen Cars ＜Shironodai Park＞
Kitchen cars will gather at Shironodai Park, with a dining area available. On Saturday the 23rd, street performers will entertain visitors. On Sunday the 24th, Himeji Yosakoi Festival participating teams will perform dynamic dances against the backdrop of Himeji Castle.
- Both days: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Organizer: Kitchen Car Association
