While traveling through Japan in May, I stumbled upon the annual Himeji Castle Festival. One of the city’s significant events is a multi-day celebration of the samurai heritage and culture here. Even if you don’t have a considerable interest in history, you may be the type who enjoys a good festival. It’s all family-friendly and the community fun. This festival is worth checking out if you are in the area, or it makes for a perfect day trip, as Himeji is between the cities of Osaka and Kyoto.

This festival is over three days, as you may be on a tight itinerary or have a scheduling conflict. I was only able to attend the second day, and I wish I had known about this before so I could stay for the entire time. We want to give you a quick guide on what to expect at the festival so you can make the best-informed decision.

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How to Get to Himeji

If you plan on coming from Kyoto or Osaka, the best way to get here is by the Shinkansen or Bullet Train. This is the fastest way of transportation and will take you directly to Himeji Station. Comparing both starting destinations, Osaka will take 30 minutes to arrive, and from Kyoto, it will take 45 minutes to arrive.

If the cost of a Shinkansen ticket is not within your budget, you can choose to take the slower JR Special Rapid Service. This is the most common train service used by nearly everyone in Japan. We suggest purchasing a Japan Rail Pass. It offers the best value for touring multiple regions of Japan.

Once you arrive at Himeji Station, it’s only a short 20-minute walk to the castle and the staging area of the festival.

Festival Highlights

Himeji Castle

The top attraction of Himeji and one of the best-preserved castles in Japan, this feudal castle is the backdrop of the entire festival. A UNESCO World Heritage site, its white exterior has called it the “White Heron Castle.”

Inside the castle, it is practically empty. There are no museum-type exhibits or displays of information about the castle. It is just a very well-crafted wooden interior. To prevent damage, you will not be allowed to enter wearing shoes, and you will be carrying them in a provided shoe bag. That means you will need to be extra careful when moving so as not to slip.

Make sure you have the stamina to climb the narrow and steep staircases to the top. I don’t think it is really necessary to go inside, as there is no additional value apart from getting scenic views of Himeji from the top floor. Plus, you may not need that energy when there is a festival right outside instead.

If you decide to go inside, you can either purchase a ticket directly at the castle or take a custom-guided tour that includes the castle as part of the whole Himeji experience or just the castle itself.

Takigi Noh

The festival starts with a nighttime traditional theatre performance. These types of performances are held at different historic sites throughout Japan. Combining drama and comedy, actors in costume wearing ornate masks perform under the light of torches. This gives the whole entertainment a magical and visually stunning atmosphere. It will visibly connect you to Japanese culture in a profound way.

Heritage Parade

On the second day of the festival, the parade procession takes place. Focusing on Japan’s Edo period, it reenacts a feudal lord’s (Daimyo) departure from the castle into the city. It starts from the top of Otemae Street in front of the Himeji Castle and proceeds to the end. Make sure to arrive early to get a good view spot and not behind the crowds. You will see rows of taiko drumming, numerous dance performances, and community engagement groups.

Part of the entertainment is the crafted historical outfits of the Edo period worn by dozens of participants in and around the festival. Outside of the parade procession, you can take photos with them. You’ll find samurai, ninjas, attendants, and nobles.

Next to the parade procession is another public area for food vendors and merchants. Here, you can pick up delicious street food such as Takoyaki and Tamagoyaki, Japanese sweets and desserts, and handcrafted souvenirs from locals. A separate stage is also set up for smaller community dance performances and entertainment of local talent.

Yosakoi Dance

The festival finishes with one big dance party. It’s energetic and upbeat, mixing folk dances with modern music. Some teams perform choreographed routines in similar costumed attire. You don’t need to be a professional dancer to join in the fun, and participation is highly encouraged.

After the Festival

Koko-en Garden

Next to Himeji Castle is an extensive Japanese garden that was originally part of the feudal lord’s residence, consisting of the homes of his samurai retainers. It almost feels like a maze with walls dividing the area. You will see multiple gardens with different landscape themes, as well as a koi pond and a small waterfall.

On the garden property is also a small tea house that will provide you with matcha at an additional cost. There is even a restaurant here where you can stop for lunch. But go to the castle first, and you can purchase a combination ticket for entry to both locations at a cheaper price. It’s quiet and peaceful, with a few large crowds here so that you can enjoy a nice respite.

Miyuki-dori Shopping Arcade

This shopping arcade starts and finishes at Himeji Station or Himeji Castle, depending on which direction you are coming from. So it’s the perfect walk at the end of the day if you return home by train. With covered walkways through the arcade, you’re protected from inclement weather and can peruse all the diverse shops. It also has a great selection of eateries if you did not get the street food at the festival or are still hungry afterward—just another exciting way to end your day in Himeji.

Conclusion

For the people of Himeji, this is not just a simple celebration. It’s one of those unforgettable experiences you can have in Japan, especially with an iconic castle in the background. That adds more to this time-traveling tribute to the samurai and their cultural heritage and is another premier destination we suggest visiting, even if it’s not for this particular festival, but as a bonus to make another memory.