Gujo Hachiman Castle, the symbol of Gujo City in Gifu Prefecture, is known by its alternative name "Sekisui Castle" (積翠城) — a name that reflects the deep green enveloping the entire castle mountain. To celebrate the season when the castle looks its most magnificent, the "Sekisui Castle Fresh Green Festival 2026" (積翠城 新緑まつり2026) will be held from April 29 to May 24, 2026. The festival brings together a range of hands-on activities where history and nature come together.
Event Overview
- Dates: April 29 (Wed, Holiday) to May 24 (Sun), 2026
- Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry 4:45 PM) each day
- Venue: Gujo Hachiman Castle (Sekisui Castle)
Meet the Actual Castle Lord
One of the most distinctive features of Gujo Hachiman Castle is the presence of a real castle lord — the current head of the Aoyama family, 15th-generation heir to the last lord of Gujo Hachiman Castle. He continues to be involved with the castle today, personally welcoming visitors. Unlike most historic figures who exist only in books, this castle lord can be encountered in person, conversed with, and explored alongside. It is a rare opportunity to experience history not as a distant story, but as something still very much alive.
Main Events
Quiz Battle with the Lord: "Tono to Gozenmondou – Knowledge Quiz"
Dates: May 9 (Sat), 16 (Sat), 23 (Sat)
Times: 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM each day
Venue: Plaza in front of the main keep (paid area)
Free to participate; cancelled in case of rain
Take on the castle lord himself in a knowledge quiz! The lord will pose questions about the history of Gujo Hachiman Castle, making it an engaging way to learn about the castle's past. Top performers may receive special prizes.
Make Your Own Can Badge
Dates: May 5 (Mon/Holiday), 16 (Sat), 17 (Sun)
Hours: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM each day
Venue: Plaza in front of the main keep (paid area)
Fee: ¥300 per person
A craft activity where participants create their own original can badge — great for families with children.
Meet the Samurai Warrior (Samurai Armor Experience)
Dates: April 29 (Sat), May 2 (Sat), 3 (Sun), 5 (Tue/Holiday), 6 (Wed/Holiday), 10 (Sun), 17 (Sun), 24 (Sun)
Hours: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM each day
Venue: Plaza in front of the main keep (paid area)
Visitors can try on samurai armor and take photos with warriors dressed in full battle dress.
Armored Warrior Castle Tour
Dates: May 13 (Wed), 20 (Wed)
Hours: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM (break from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM)
Venue: Inside the castle
Guides dressed in full samurai armor lead visitors through the castle interior.
Special Release of the Golden Castle Seal
Date: May 6 (Wed/Holiday), all day
The rare golden castle seal (金の御城印), normally only sold on the last Friday of each month, will be made available for special purchase on the final day of Golden Week.
Green Tea Ceremony in the Fresh Greenery
Schedule: Every Friday during the event period, 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Venue: Miharashidai Plaza (free area)
Cancelled in case of rain
A relaxing tea experience set against the backdrop of the castle's spectacular spring scenery.
Lord's Castle Tour (with Handwritten Special Castle Seal and Gold Name Card)
Schedule: Every Saturday during the event period, at 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 2:00 PM
Fee: ¥500
The castle lord personally guides visitors through the castle in this exclusive tour. Participants receive a special castle seal signed directly by the lord, along with a gold name card. (Note: On May 4, only the name card hand-off and special castle seal with handwritten signature and personal seal will be available for purchase.)
Fresh Green Sketching Competition
A sketching event where participants draw the castle surrounded by fresh greenery. Details are available at the castle, the Old Town Hall Memorial Hall, Johkamachi Plaza, Hakurankan, or Gujo Hachiman Station.
Other Highlights
Koi Nobori (Carp Streamers) Display: Traditional carp streamers dyed using "Gujo Hon-zome," the traditional dyeing technique of Gujo, crafted by the city's only remaining dye house, Watanabe Dyeing Shop. The streamers will swim through the sky above the castle throughout the event period — a sight exclusive to this time of year.
Limited-Edition Festival Castle Seal: A special festival castle seal (御城印) available only during the Shinryoku Festival period, sold alongside the regular castle seal.
Johkamachi Stamp Collection: Commemorative stamps are available at the castle, the Old Town Hall Memorial Hall, Johkamachi Plaza, Hakurankan, and Gujo Hachiman Station. Collecting all five makes for a fun way to explore the castle town.
Citizen Appreciation Day: May 24 (Sun) — Gujo City residents can enter the castle free of charge for the entire day.
Event Calendar
Limited-Edition Merchandise
"Tsukou-te-Kudasai" Geta (Traditional Wooden Clogs) — Re-release
Image is for illustrative purposes. Actual product may differ.
The clog-shaped combined admission pass "Tsukou-te-Kudasai" (通行手下駄), originally released during the Momiji Festival, is back on sale due to popular demand. This premium ticket grants access to both the castle and Hakurankan. Available in limited quantities.
Mini "Gujo Odori" Lantern — New Release
Image is for illustrative purposes. Actual product may differ.
A miniature version of the iconic "Odaichin" lantern, the symbol of the Gujo Odori traditional dance festival, is now available for the first time. A portion of sales will be donated to the Gujo Odori Preservation Society.
For more details, visit the official website or the special festival site.
