Why You Should Visit
Held every year on December 14 — the anniversary of the Ako ronin's famous raid — this festival in Ako City reaches its 123rd edition in 2026. The castle town from the Ako Castle ruins along Oshiro-dori Street to Ikitsugi Hiroba Plaza becomes the stage. The centerpiece is the Gishi Procession of participants dressed as the 47 loyal retainers, with actor Ken Matsudaira appearing as their leader Oishi Kuranosuke this year. Food stalls line the streets and a market gathers specialties from towns linked to the Chushingura story. A good day out for anyone curious about Japan's best-known samurai revenge tale.
Essentials
- location
- Around Ako Castle ruins, Oshiro-dori Street and Ikitsugi Hiroba Plaza
- period
- December 14, 2026 (Mon)
- Time
- Approx. 10:00–16:00
・Parades approx. 10:00–15:00 (planned)
・Food stalls approx. 10:00–16:00
・Chushingura product market approx. 10:00–16:00 - cost
- No viewing fee information published
- Links
- Kobe · Gluten-free
- access
- No transport or parking information published yet
- NOTE
Main program
- Gishi Procession (the finale runs about 0.6 km from the Ako Castle ruins to Ikitsugi Hiroba Plaza)
- Special guest: Ken Matsudaira as Oishi Kuranosuke
- Food stalls
- Chushingura exchange market (specialties from towns linked to the Chushingura story)
- Events at various spots around the city
※Subject to change
Basque cheesecakeBaked with rice flour, no wheat. Whole 12cm, serves 2-3¥4,700 incl. shipping (Japan only)FAQ
When is it held each year?
Where can I see the Gishi Procession?
Who can I contact for details?
Calendar
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