Chubu · YamanashiCultural
More than a thousand armoured warriors muster in Kofu each spring to honour the legendary warlord Takeda Shingen.
Overview
The Shingen-ko Festival is a spring celebration in Kofu, Yamanashi, honouring the Sengoku-era warlord Takeda Shingen. Its centrepiece, the Koshu Army Deployment (Koshu Gundan Shutsujin), recreates Shingen’s cavalry setting out for battle and has been recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest gathering of samurai. With ranks of costumed warriors, banners and taiko, it is a vivid, accessible slice of samurai history for overseas visitors.
When & Where
The 2026 festival runs Friday to Sunday, 3–5 April, with the main military parade held on Saturday, 4 April. Events centre on Maizuru Castle Park (the Kofu Castle ruins) beside Kofu Station, with processions through the surrounding city streets. The warrior companies typically muster in the afternoon before marching out. Nearest station: Kofu Station on the JR Chuo Line.
Getting There
Kofu is about 90 minutes from Shinjuku on the JR Chuo Line limited express (Azusa/Kaiji). Maizuru Castle Park is directly beside Kofu Station’s south exit, so no further transport is needed. Spring weather is mild but can be cool in the evening; comfortable walking shoes help for following the parade routes.
What to Expect
Roughly 1,600 participants in full armour form cavalry and infantry companies representing Shingen’s famous generals, complete with horses, war banners and conch-shell signals. Expect drumming, martial displays and a genuinely large-scale procession rather than a small reenactment. Cherry blossoms around the castle park often add to the setting.
Tickets & Access
Watching the parade and festival is free. Paid grandstand seats along the main route and paid participation as a costumed warrior are usually offered in advance through the organisers; check the official site if you want a guaranteed viewing spot or wish to take part.
Tips for Visitors
Stake out a place along the parade route or by Maizuru Castle Park before the main deployment on 4 April. Bring a camera with zoom for the massed ranks. Combine the visit with Kofu’s wineries and the Takeda Shrine, dedicated to Shingen himself.
Access and Map
| Dates | 3–5 April 2026 (main parade 4 April) |
|---|---|
| Venue | Maizuru Castle Park and central Kofu, Yamanashi |
| Access | Beside Kofu Station (JR Chuo Line limited express from Shinjuku ~90 min) |
| Admission | Free to watch (paid grandstand seats and participation available) |
| Official site | Yamanashi Tourism Organization (official) |
Source: Yamanashi Tourism Organization (official)
Image: Photo: User:Luvlimysh / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
