historical festivals in Japan

Historical festivals & samurai parades in Japan on 17 October 2026 (Sat)

Events in historical festivals, samurai processions, battle reenactments & castle festivals across Japan on 17 October 2026 (Sat), as a list and on a map. 5 of them open on this day and 3 finish on it.

17 October 2026 (Sat) — 10 events

Only on this day 2

A one-day event

Upcoming Oct 17 (Sat)

Castle festivals 愛知県 Hirachi Oodori Park (久屋大通公園)

72nd Nagoya Festival (第72回名古屋まつり)

Experience the traditions and culture of Nagoya at this grand autumn event.

Upcoming Oct 17 (Sat) 13:00～

Historical processions 福岡県 Kokura Castle (小倉城) area Secondary source

68th Kokura Castle Festival Samurai Parade

This event features a samurai parade around Kokura Castle.

Last day 1

Finishes on this day

Upcoming Oct 16 (Fri) – Oct 17 (Sat) 13:00〜14:30（16日）、11:00〜13:30（17日）

Historical processions 栃木県 Nikko Toshogu Shrine (日光東照宮) Secondary source

Nikko Toshogu Shrine Autumn Grand Festival

An autumn grand festival held at Nikko Toshogu Shrine. The yabusame archery and warrior procession are highlights.

Starts on this day 3

Opens on this day

Upcoming Oct 17 (Sat) – Oct 18 (Sun) 2026年10月17日(土)13:00~2026年10月18日(日)11:00〜15:00

Castle festivals 宮崎県 Around Obi Castle (飫肥城周辺)

49th Obijojak Festival

A traditional festival celebrating autumn in Obi. Enjoy a historical parade and special live performances.

Outdoor Kid-friendly

Upcoming Oct 17 (Sat) – Oct 18 (Sun) 18:00〜19:00頃

Shrine rituals & tradition 埼玉県 Kawagoe City Secondary source

Kawagoe Festival

The largest festival in Kawagoe featuring the Hikawa Shrine's annual festival and procession.

Evening

Upcoming Oct 17 (Sat) – Oct 18 (Sun) 10:00〜16:00

Battle re-enactments 岐阜県 Sekigahara Friendship Center (関ケ原ふれあいセンター) and surrounding area Secondary source

Battle of Sekigahara Festival 2026

Experience the history of Sekigahara at this battle festival.

Also running 4

Continues before and after this day

Now on Apr 30 (Thu) – Oct 18 (Sun) 春: 11:00〜11:30, 13:30〜14:00; 秋: 13:30〜15:00

Battle re-enactments 長野県 Matsumoto Castle Honmaru Garden (松本城本丸庭園) Secondary source

National Treasure Matsumoto Castle Traditional Artillery Demonstration

This is an event featuring traditional artillery demonstrations held at the National Treasure Matsumoto Castle.

Free

Now on Jul 1 (Wed) – Dec 31 (Thu) 12:00〜

Battle re-enactments 山口県 Ukai Plaza (鵜飼広場)

Iwakuni Han Gun Crew Training Demonstration

The Iwakuni Han Gun Crew will showcase their training. This is a rare opportunity to see traditional artillery techniques up close.

Upcoming Sep 27 (Sun) – Oct 18 (Sun)

Battle re-enactments 岐阜県 Sekigahara Secondary source

Sekigahara Battle Festival and Sekigahara Battlefield Walking Tour

Experience the history of Sekigahara in this autumn event.

Upcoming Oct 11 (Sun) – Nov 4 (Wed) 09:00〜21:00

Castle festivals 熊本県 Special Historic Site Kumamoto Castle Ruins Secondary source

Kumamoto Castle Autumn Festival

This autumn festival takes place at Kumamoto Castle, a symbol of Kumamoto.