Saitama City is now recruiting participants for the 14th Iwatsuki Castle Town Falconry Procession, taking place on November 3, 2026. Around 100 people will dress as a shogun, a princess, a domain lord, and other Edo-period figures to march along the old Nikko Onari Road in Iwatsuki, one of the signature autumn events of this former castle town.
About the Procession
The Iwatsuki Castle Town Falconry Procession is based on the historical record that Tokugawa Ieyasu visited Iwatsuki repeatedly to go falconry hunting. Roughly 100 participants dress as the shogun, a princess, a domain lord, and other figures from the period and walk in procession through the streets near Iwatsuki Station.
Event Date
November 3, 2026 (Tuesday, national holiday), 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM (canceled in case of rain)
Venue
Around the east exit of Iwatsuki Station
Participant Recruitment
Approximately 55 people (if applications exceed capacity, participants will be chosen by lottery).
Roles include the shogun, the Iwatsuki domain lord, a princess, ladies-in-waiting, foot soldiers, attendants, guards, spear bearers, an inspector, and more. Both individuals and groups may apply.
Eligibility
Open to anyone from the 4th grade of elementary school and up (there are no residency requirements).
Participation Fee
- 4th grade elementary school through junior high school: ¥4,000
- General (adult): ¥6,000
Fees include costume rental and a commemorative gift.
Roles
Iwatsuki Domain
- Flag bearer
- Inspector (metsuke)
- Lord of Iwatsuki Domain
- Princess of Iwatsuki Domain
- Lady-in-waiting (koshimoto)
Falconry Procession
- Flag bearer
- Conch shell horn corps
- Falconer
- Deputy chief retainer (wakadoshiyori)
- Foot soldier captain
- Foot soldiers
- Nagamaki (long-hafted blade) bearer
- Spear bearers
- Traveling case bearer
- Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu
- Shogun's attendants (sobashu)
- Princess
- Standing umbrella bearer
- Ceremonial feather standard bearer
- Platform umbrella bearer
- Head lady-in-waiting
- Ladies-in-waiting
- Guard captain
- Guards
Application Requirements
Must be able to attend the pre-event orientation, role assignment session, and rehearsal.
If unable to attend the orientation, participants must agree to let the organizing office assign their role. Rehearsals are scheduled as follows (subject to change):
- September 13 (Sunday): Orientation, role assignment, and rehearsal (proxy attendance allowed)
- September 27 (Sunday): Rehearsal
- October 18 (Sunday): Rehearsal
- October 25 (Sunday): Rehearsal
Session 1 is mandatory; attendance at sessions 2 through 4 is only required if available.
On the day of the procession (November 3, Tuesday/national holiday), costume fitting and rehearsal will take place in the morning.
Must be able to walk approximately 1 kilometer in costume while performing the role.
Must be willing to take on any assigned role (roles with many applicants will be decided by lottery at the orientation).
Must agree that footage and photos taken by the organizer may be used for public relations purposes, may be entered into the organizer's photo contest, and may be featured in TV, newspapers, and other media.
Must be able to pay the participation fee by the specified date once selected (failure to pay will be treated as a cancellation).
How to Apply
- Fax, mail, or email: Fill out the participation application form and submit it.
- Apply through the online application service.
- Apply through the Lifelong Learning Information System.
Phone and postcard applications are also accepted. Postcard applicants should fill in all items requested on the application form.
Application Period
July 1 (Wednesday) to August 21 (Friday), 2026. Applications must arrive by the deadline.
Organizer
Jokamachi Iwatsuki Takagari Gyoretsu Executive Committee
