Join the Aizu Samurai Festival: Parade Only
The main parade of the famous three-day Aizu Festival will be held on Sunday 20th September, 2026. In this special program, you’ll participate in the procession as a Japanese samurai of the Aizu Domain, who ruled here before their defeat at the dawn of the Meiji Restoration. The highlight of the festival, in this parade you’ll join roughly 500 lords, nobles, soldiers, squires, court ladies, dancers and more as they walk through the streets surrounding Tsurugajo Castle. Aizu’s largest festival, memorialising the Aizu Domain warriors who lost their lives fighting Imperial forces in 1868, also includes swordsmanship demonstrations, a lantern parade and traditional folk dancing. This plan only includes participation in the parade, although it includes the same interpreter, armour and weapons as the other plan. Tour price: 15,000 yen ⭐ All genders welcome ⭐ English guide included ⭐ Clothing and weapons included (weapon availability TBC) For the 'Total Samurai' plan, a premium experience including a samurai swordsmanship class, please see the other listing: https://book.fukushima.travel/products/3d7c198f-5a54-543d-b277-15eec487636a?lng=en For the Hotel Stay Plan including stays before and after the parade, please see the other listing: https://book.fukushima.travel/products/ddd8100f-38f9-5dca-b6df-98c5591b6d04?lng=en-US --- SCHEDULE 🚶 Sunday 20th September – Parade Day - Meet at 7:30 AM at the Tsurugajo Castle Gymnasium Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6QpHSZe5y1rj9CPa9 - 8:00 AM: Change into armour - Join the Aizu Festival procession - Farewell and departure at roughly 13:30 at Tsurugajo Castle Gymnasium --- The 2024 edition of the festival was affected heavily by bad weather that caused some festivities on the previous night to be cancelled, and the parade was held with participants wearing plastic ponchos as to not damage the traditional armour. Please be aware that the event may be subject to change. Which clothing participants will wear, which troop they will walk in, and which weapons they will have will be announced closer to the time. In the past participants have joined as rifle infantry or a ninja-style troop. Read more about the experience joining the Aizu Festival: https://fukushima.travel/blogs/a-guide-to-the-aizu-festival-%E2%80%93-and-how-to-join-yourself/158 More information about the Aizu Festival: https://fukushima.travel/destination/aizu-festival/205 Official schedule for last year's festival weekend: (Japanese) https://www.aizukanko.com/kk/festival/info/12320 This experience is run by the tour operator, Aizu Dream Development. https://att.add.travel/ --- Please contact fukushima_tour@tif.ne.jp for more details about this year's festival.
Days of Week
Sun
Duration
7h
Join the Parade Only
JPY 15,000
Highlights
Highlight #1
Join the famous Aizu Clan Lord Procession
Highlight #2
Experience the Aizu region's biggest festival
Highlight #3
Visit Aizu-Wakamatsu City and explore
Outline
Schedule
7:30
SUNDAY 20: Meeting with tour operator and guide
Your guide will meet you in front of the Tsurugajo Castle Gymnasium at 7:30 AM (for those arranging their own accommodation or transport).
7:30
Changing into the samurai armour & Join the procession at Tsurugajo Castle
After changing into the samurai armour and learning from your local guide about the history of the festival, you'll join your fellow samurai marching through the grounds of Tsurugajo Castle and the storied streets of Aizu-Wakamatsu.
14:00
Farewell and Departure
Plan Information
What's Included
- English-speaking festival guide
- Parade armour and weapons
What's Not Included
- Please arrange your own transportation to and from the Aizu area.
- Breakfast and lunch on the day of the festival
Requirements
- All genders are welcome.
Cancellation Policies
- Until 00:00, 20 days prior: 0%
- Until 00:00, 7 days prior: 20%
- Until 00:00 the day before: 30%
- Until 07:00 on the day: 40%
- After 07:00 on the day: 100%