Himeji Castle Festival

The annual Himeji Castle Festival is held right by the iconic White Heron Castle from May 22 to 24 to celebrate the city’s illustrious history. Free to enjoy, the weekend festivities features performing arts like Noh theatre, classical Japanese music and taiko drumming, plus children’s performances.

The best day to visit is Saturday May 23, when a colourful parade with four different thematic segments marches through the city in succession from 11.15am to 3.35pm. Among them are historical re-enactments of a feudal lord’s parade and the wedding procession of Princess Sen, who married the lord of Himeji in 1616. Both showcase costumes and customs from the Edo period (1603–1868). The parades finish with two high-energy street parties – Sou-odori from 4pm–5pm, followed by Himeji de Bon Dance from 5.10pm–5.40pm – where everyone can join in with the performers in a collective dance.

Food stalls will be set up throughout the weekend, serving festival staples like yakisoba, skewered meat and shaved ice desserts. A children’s festival lets the young ’uns enjoy craft workshops, games and a mini parade of their own.

For the full event line-up complete with times, check the programme PDF published by the organisers.