murmurHimeji Castle Festival
Himeji City · Around Himeji Castle (Otemae-dori, Otemae Park, Sannomaru Square)
Dates and details can change. Always check the official website before you go.
Himeji City · Last checked: Oct 10, 2026
Dates
Dates confirmed with official sources
- 2026
- May 22–24, 2026 （Ended）
- 2027
- Dates have not been announced yet. Please check the official website.
- Usual timing
- Usually late May
- How the date is set
- Changes from year to year A Friday-to-Sunday weekend in mid to late May
- Venue
- Around Himeji Castle (Otemae-dori, Otemae Park, Sannomaru Square)
- City
- Himeji City, Hyogo
About
Over a Friday-to-Sunday weekend in mid to late May, Himeji throws its own festival at the foot of Himeji Castle. On day two on Otemae-dori, period processions such as the Himeji daimyo procession and Princess Sen's bridal procession head south from in front of the castle, followed by a mass street dance. Day one offers Himeji Castle Takigi Noh, performed with the castle as its backdrop, and the final day brings the Himeji Yosakoi dance festival in Otemae Park along with events for children. The festival dates back to 1948, when the castle, left standing in a city center reduced to ruins by the war, became a symbol of rebuilding. A viewing area on Otemae-dori gives priority to wheelchair users and families with strollers.
Sources
- OfficialHimeji City www.city.himeji.lg.jp
Last checked: Oct 10, 2026. Event information is based on official announcements, but changes may not always be reflected here. Please check each official website for accurate details.
Other events this month
On the day, see what locals are murmuring on the murmur map
murmur is an app that shows short, anonymous posts on a map, right where they were written. On festival day, open the map around the venue and see what people nearby are saying.