Every autumn, the castle town of Iwatsuki in Saitama City turns back the clock to the Edo period. On November 3, 2026 (Tuesday, a public holiday), the 14th Castle Town Iwatsuki Falconry Parade takes place around Iwatsuki Station's east exit, with operational support from IKUSA Inc., a company that creates play-based events to help solve social and community challenges.
The parade brings to life the historical record of Tokugawa Ieyasu, who visited Iwatsuki many times to enjoy falconry. It is now one of the region's largest historical pageants, and the organizing committee is currently accepting applications from general participants (cast members) to don the colorful costumes of shoguns, princesses, and feudal lords and help bring the event to life.
From fourth-graders to seniors, and regardless of nationality, anyone can take the leading role for a day. On the day itself, visitors can experience history through all five senses, with a powerful falconry (hoyo) demonstration and a display of the kuroyakko — black-liveried attendants performing the traditional yakko-buri procession walk. Why not step into a slice of history found only in Iwatsuki this autumn?
Event Overview: 14th Castle Town Iwatsuki Falconry Parade
Date and time: Tuesday, November 3, 2026 (public holiday), 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
(In case of rain, the parade will be cancelled; a commemorative photo session will instead be held at the Iwatsuki Community Center.)
Venue: Around Iwatsuki Station's east exit (including the Nikko Onari-dō road)
Highlights:
- A magnificent "shogun's falconry parade"
- A demonstration of the traditional art of falconry (hoyo)
- A synchronized display of the kuroyakko's yakko-buri procession walk
Organizer: Castle Town Iwatsuki Falconry Parade Executive Committee
Operations: IKUSA Inc.
Inquiries: Castle Town Iwatsuki Falconry Parade Executive Committee Secretariat (within the Saitama City Iwatsuki Ward Tourism and Economy Office)
Phone: 048-790-0118 (weekdays, 8:30 AM to 5:15 PM)
Fax: 048-790-0260
Recruitment Details
Number of participants: Approximately 55 (a lottery will be held if applications exceed capacity)
Eligibility: Fourth grade elementary school students and above (open to anyone, whether or not you live in Saitama City, and regardless of nationality)
Participation fee:
- General (high school age and above): ¥6,000
- Fourth grade elementary through junior high school: ¥4,000
(The fee includes full costume rental and a commemorative gift.)
Application deadline: Must arrive by Friday, August 21, 2026
Main conditions:
Able to attend the preliminary briefing session, role assignment, and rehearsal
If unable to attend the preliminary briefing session, willing to leave role assignment to the secretariat's discretion. Planned rehearsal schedule (subject to change):
- Sunday, September 13 — preliminary briefing session, role assignment, and rehearsal (a representative may attend in your place)
- Sunday, September 27 — rehearsal
- Sunday, October 18 — rehearsal
- Sunday, October 25 — rehearsal
(Session 1 is mandatory; sessions 2 through 4 are for those who can attend.)
Available on the morning of the parade day (Tuesday, November 3, a public holiday) for costume fitting and rehearsal
Able to walk in costume, in character, for approximately 1 kilometer
Willing to take on any role (roles with many applicants will be decided by lottery, among other methods, at the preliminary briefing session)
Comfortable with video and photos taken by the organizer being used for administrative purposes
Comfortable with the possibility of appearing as a subject in the organizer's photo contest
Comfortable with footage or photos of the parade appearing in media such as TV and newspapers
Able to pay the participation fee by the specified date once selected to appear (non-payment will be treated as a cancellation)
How to apply: Download the dedicated application form from the City of Saitama's official website, fill in the required information, and submit it by mail, fax, or email. Online applications are also accepted through the Electronic Application and Notification Service or the Lifelong Learning Information System.
For details and to apply, visit the City of Saitama's official website: https://www.city.saitama.lg.jp/iwatsuki/001/001/007/p129778.html
About the Castle Town Iwatsuki Falconry Parade
The parade shines a spotlight on the historical record of Tokugawa Ieyasu, who repeatedly visited Iwatsuki to enjoy falconry. Iwatsuki's castle lords and townspeople once welcomed him with great fanfare, and today's residents recreate that same energy and hospitality by hand. The event serves as a platform for community exchange across generations and nationalities, and for sharing Iwatsuki's historical charm with a wider audience.
