Complete guide to the Shingen Festival 2026! Schedule, Shingen’s role, and highlights

The epic Warring States period will be brought to life in Kofu once again in 2026! For those looking forward to the Shingen Festival, we’ve compiled information on the festival’s dates, how to get to the venue, and the role of Shingen, which attracts attention every year. From highlights of the festival’s climax, the Koshu Army’s march, to traffic restrictions and parking, and recommended food stalls, we’ve compiled information to help you spend the day of the festival with a smile. Please use this as reference for your trip.

Basic information about the Shingen Festival 2026

Here we will explain basic information about the 52nd Shingen Festival, such as the dates, venue, and how to get there. Please use this as a reference when planning your trip to the festival.

2026 Event Dates and Schedule

The 52nd Shingen Festival in 2026 has been scheduled to take place over three days, from Friday, April 3rd to Sunday, April 5th. The main event, the Koshu Corps march, will take place on Saturday, April 4th, the middle day of the festival. Detailed event schedules will be updated on the Shingen Festival official website as soon as they are announced.

For reference, here is the main schedule for each year.

schedule	Major Events
Day 1 (Friday)	A bustling castle town, the Kogoromohime Collection, Shinmei collaboration fireworks, and more
Day 2 (Sat)	Bustling castle town, Fuurinkazan performance, portable shrine procession, cavalry march, Shingen Taiko performance, Fuurinkazan dance, Koshu Corps march (main event)
Day 3 (Sunday)	A bustling castle town, a children’s warrior procession, Kofu Hayashi music performances, various castle town related events, etc.

Location and access to the main venue

The Shingen Festival takes place in the area around JR Kofu Station. The main venues are Maizuru Castle Park, where the Koshu Army assembles before heading out to battle, and Heiwa-dori Street, where the warrior procession takes place. We will guide you on how to access each venue.

Access by train

The nearest station to the main venue is JR Kofu Station. It is a short walk from the south exit of the station to Maizuru Castle Park. The approximate travel time from major stations to Kofu Station is as follows:

Departure Station	Route/Type	Estimated time required
JR Shinjuku Station	JR Chuo Line Limited Express “Azusa” and “Kaiji”	Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes
JR Matsumoto Station	JR Chuo Line Limited Express “Azusa”	Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes
JR Shizuoka Station	JR Minobu Line Limited Express “Fujikawa”	Approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes

Access by car

If you are coming by car, the nearest interchange is Kofu Showa IC on the Chuo Expressway. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes to get from Kofu Showa IC to the area around Kofu Station. However, large-scale traffic restrictions will be in place around Kofu Station on the day of the festival, so we recommend using public transportation. Information on traffic restrictions and parking is usually announced on the official Shingen Festival website around March each year.

Who will play Lord Shingen in 2026?

The main characters of the Shingen Festival, which attracts attention every year, are Takeda Shingen and military strategist Yamamoto Kansuke. Here we introduce the cast for 2026.

This year’s cast members for Lord Shingen and Yamamoto Kansuke have been announced!

The 52nd Shingen Festival, to be held from April 3rd (Fri) to 5th (Sun), 2026, will see the role of Shingen played by kabuki actor Ichikawa Udanji, and the role of Yamamoto Kansuke played by Udanji’s eldest son, Ichikawa Ukon, also a kabuki actor. This will be the first time that father and son have performed together at the Shingen Festival. The latest information can be found on the official Shingen Festival website .

List of successive roles played by Lord Shingen

Many famous actors have played the roles of Shingen and Yamamoto Kansuke at the Shingen Festival, livening up the festival. Let’s take a look back at the casting in recent years.

Year	times	Role of Lord Shingen	Assistant Mayor Kan Yamamoto
2025	Chapter 51	Jun Shibuki / Actress and former top star of the Takarazuka Revue’s Moon Troupe	Yu Hikaru / Actress, former Takarazuka Revue Moon Troupe male role
2023 (Autumn)	Chapter 50	Ai Tominaga / Model and actor	Keiko Shirasu / Actor
2022 (Autumn)	Chapter 49	Junpei Goto / comedy duo “JaruJaru”	Masato Mitani / Screenwriter
2019	Chapter 48	Shinji Yamashita / Actor	Akihisa Shiono / Actor
2018	Chapter 47	Dai Watanabe / Actor	Takeshi Masu / Actor

*Due to the impact of COVID-19, the event was scaled down and the dates changed from 2020 to 2022. The autumn event was postponed in 2024, but was revived in 2025 as the 51st event, taking place in the spring.

Explaining the highlights of the Shingen Festival

Here we will introduce some must-see attractions for your visit to the Shingen Festival. Experience the various attractions, from the magnificent warrior procession that is the center of the festival, to events that the whole family can enjoy.

The highlight: the departure of the Koshu Corps

The highlight of the Shingen Festival is undoubtedly the “Koshu Corps Departure.” This reenacts Takeda Shingen’s march to the Battle of Kawanakajima, with over 1,000 people dressed as warriors parading through the center of Kofu city. It’s said to be the “world’s largest samurai parade,” transporting spectators back to the Warring States period.

A brave departure ceremony illuminated by bonfires

As the sun sets and bonfires burn, the departure ceremony, held at Maizuru Castle Park, is a must-see. Lord Shingen and the 24 Takeda generals gather to hold a military council before heading out to battle, and the “Sankon no Gi” ceremony, a prayer for victory, is solemnly performed. As the warriors’ battle cries reverberate throughout the area, the excitement of the festival reaches its peak.

The spectacular warrior procession route

After the departure ceremony, the Koshu Corps marches down Heiwa-dori Street in front of Kofu Station. The sight of warriors clad in armor and helmets marching forward with the “Furinkazan” flag waving is truly breathtaking. The main route every year is as follows, but please check the latest information before visiting.

order	Main transit points
1	Maizuru Castle Park (departure ceremony)
2	In front of Kofu Station
3	Heiwa Street
4	Jyoto Street
5	Maizuru Castle Park (Homecoming Ceremony)

A spectacular warrior procession and parade

In addition to the Koshu Corps marching in battle, various processions will light up the town during the festival. Many people, from children to adults, participate and liven up the festival.

Princess Kogoromo Procession and Takeda Period Procession

The “Kokoromohime Procession,” centered around Princess Koromohime, a concubine of Lord Shingen, is a gorgeous procession with her dazzling costume catching the eye. Princess Koromohime, who was selected through a public contest, walks slowly accompanied by her maids, creating a different atmosphere from the heroic warrior processions. In addition, there are parades with the participation of groups from around the city, further enhancing the festive atmosphere.

Adorable child warrior procession

The “Children’s Warrior Procession,” in which small children dressed as warriors march with all their might, is also a popular parade that brings smiles to many people’s faces. The sight of them walking with the warm cheers of their families is very heartwarming and gives a sense of the peaceful side of the festival.

Event information that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike

In addition to the warrior procession, a variety of other events are held around the festival site. There are plenty of events that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, so be sure to stop by.

A lively stage event

Special stages such as those at Maizuru Castle Park will host traditional performing arts, war drumming performances, and talk shows, allowing you to take a break from the festival and enjoy a variety of performances.

An event where you can experience the Sengoku period

There are also booths set up within the venue where you can try on armor and take commemorative photos. There are also events in collaboration with Sengoku games and ninja shows.

Recommended Yamanashi specialties and a bustling castle town

From Maizuru Castle Park, the main venue, to Yuukibashi Street, there are many food stalls lined up, making it fun just to walk around. In addition to the classic yakisoba and takoyaki, one of the great pleasures is discovering flavors unique to Yamanashi. Also, in the “Nigawai Jokamachi” area, where Yamanashi’s specialty products and delicacies are lined up, you can enjoy “hoto,” made with chewy noodles and vegetables simmered in miso, and “Kofu Tori Motsuni,” characterized by its sweet and spicy sauce. In addition, various creative gourmet dishes using Yamanashi ingredients will be available, so it’s recommended to find your favorites while eating your way around. Why not experience the atmosphere of the Sengoku period with family and friends?

Mikoshi procession

The portable shrine procession marks the start of the Koshu Corps’ march with a spectacular display. The first in the parade is the special “Suisho Mikoshi,” the only one of its kind in the country, with a crystal as its sacred object. Its appearance as it marches along with spirited shouts greatly enlivens the roadside, instantly heightening the sense of excitement for the march.

Nearby tourist spots to enjoy along with the festival

Why not take a stroll around the city of Kofu and enjoy the excitement of the Shingen Festival? Here we will introduce some tourist spots near the festival venue that are easy to stop by.

Touring places associated with Takeda Shingen

Visit places related to Takeda Shingen, the main character of the festival, and experience the historical story.

Takeda Shrine

This shrine enshrines Takeda Shingen as its deity. Built on the site of the Tsutsujigasaki Castle, where Shingen and three generations of the Takeda clan once lived, you can see the moat and stone walls that still retain the appearance of those days within the grounds. Why not visit in a tranquil atmosphere before a festival? It’s also cherry blossom season, so if you time it right, you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing within the grounds.

project	content
location	2611 Furufuchucho, Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture
access	Approximately 8 minutes by bus from the north exit of JR Kofu Station

Website: Takeda Shrine

Kofu Castle Ruins (Maizuru Castle Park)

The Kofu Castle ruins, one of the venues for the Shingen Festival, is a popular park for local residents to relax in. The restored Kuroganemon Iron Gate and Inari Yagura Tower are highlights, and the castle tower offers views of the Kofu Basin and Mount Fuji. In between festivals, it’s also recommended to take a stroll around the castle, immersing yourself in its history. Cherry blossoms bloom in the park, adding a touch of elegance to the festival.

project	content
location	1-5-4 Marunouchi, Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture
access	Approximately 3 minutes walk from the south exit of JR Kofu Station

Website: Kofu City/Kofu Castle

Find Kofu’s gourmet food and souvenirs

We will introduce you to spots where you can find delicious foods unique to Yamanashi and wonderful items that will make great mementos of your trip.

Koshu Yumekoji

Koshu Yumekoji is a tourist spot with a retro townscape located right next to the north exit of JR Kofu Station. The area is lined with buildings that recreate the Kofu castle town from the Meiji to early Showa periods, and is home to a collection of shops selling Yamanashi wine, accessories, traditional crafts, and more. There are also restaurants where you can sample local ingredients, making it a great place to stop by for a meal or to look for souvenirs.

project	content
location	1-1-25 Marunouchi, Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture
access	Approximately 3 minutes walk from the north exit of JR Kofu Station

Little Edo Kofu Hanakoji

“Koedo Kofu Hanakoji” is an area located close to the main venue of the Shingen Festival, which recreates the castle town of the time when it was called Little Edo. The stone-paved alleys are lined with buildings that evoke the atmosphere of the past, making you feel as if you’ve traveled back in time. A wide variety of restaurants line the streets, blending seamlessly into the townscape, offering a wide variety of genres, including restaurants specializing in Yamanashi’s local cuisine, yakitori, rice ball specialty shops, cafes, and fruit shops. Another attraction is the opportunity to casually enjoy delicious gourmet food unique to Yamanashi in between the Shingen Festival activities.

From the alley, you can see the stone walls of Kofu Castle and the cherry blossoms, and you can take a stroll while feeling the history.

project	content
location	1-11-6 Marunouchi, Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture
access	Approximately 10 minutes walk from the south exit of JR Kofu Station

Website: Koedo Kofu Hanakoji

A spectacular spot worth visiting if you go a little further

If you have time, such as the day after a festival, this is a beautiful natural spot that Kofu is proud of and is definitely worth a visit.

Shosenkyo

This scenic spot has been designated a Special Place of Scenic Beauty by the national government and is said to be “the most beautiful valley in Japan.” With cliffs and strangely shaped rocks carved by the river over the ages, you can enjoy beautiful scenery in every season. In particular, the “Sengataki Falls,” which cascades down from a height of about 30 meters, is impressive and will leave you feeling like you’ve been cleansed. Take a stroll along the promenade and be soothed by the pure water and greenery.

project	content
location	Igaricho, Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture
access	Take the bus from JR Kofu Station for about 50 minutes and get off at “Shosenkyo Takigami”

Website: Shosenkyo

Kinzakura Shrine

Kinzakura Shrine, nestled deep within Shosenkyo Gorge, is known as a power spot for increasing financial luck. The sacred tree, the “Ukon no Sakura,” is a rare cherry tree with pale yellow-green flowers that typically reach their peak between late April and early May. The trees bloom just
as the Somei-Yoshino cherry trees begin to fall, making it an appealing opportunity to enjoy a slightly later cherry blossom viewing experience. Known as the birthplace of crystal, the foundation of Kofu, the “City of Gemstones,” it is said that those who worship the Ukon no Sakura and receive a crystal amulet will be blessed with financial luck for the rest of their lives and receive divine blessings that will ward off misfortune.

project	content
location	2347 Mitakecho, Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture
access	Approximately 50 minutes by bus from JR Chuo Main Line “Kofu Station” and then approximately 25 minutes on foot after getting off at “Shosenkyo Takigami”

Website: Kinzakura Shrine

summary

We’ve introduced the dates and highlights of the 2026 Shingen Festival, as well as this year’s Shingen role.
On the day, the city of Kofu in Yamanashi will be filled with excitement, as if transported to a Sengoku period picture scroll, with the “Koshu Corps Departure” being the festival’s biggest attraction. Please use this information as a reference for planning your visit to the Shingen Festival and for what to do on the day. We’ve also included information on transportation and food stalls, so you can fully enjoy the unique charms of spring in Yamanashi, along with the excitement of the festival. We hope you’ll spend a special day in Yamanashi, weaving together history and the colors of spring.す。信玄公祭りを訪れる際の計画づくりや、当日の過ごし方の参考として、お役立てください。また、交通情報や屋台グルメもチェックしながら、祭りのにぎわいとともに、春の山梨ならではの魅力を存分にお楽しみいただく参考にしてみてください。歴史と春の彩りが織りなす特別な一日を、ぜひ、山梨でお過ごしください。