On Sunday, November 16, 2025, Tsuruga Castle in Aizu-Wakamatsu will host the Samurai Festival, a one-day event celebrating the rich cultural heritage and samurai spirit of the region. Local groups and performers from Aizu will gather to showcase the area’s traditions in food, crafts, and performing arts, bringing the castle grounds to life.

SAMURAI STAGE: Exciting Performances

The stage will feature powerful drum performances, dynamic Yosakoi dance, sword dances, and choreographed combat displays, all brimming with samurai spirit. Visitors can enjoy a full program of passionate performances by local talent that capture the unique energy of Aizu.

Schedule:

• 11:00–11:10 Opening Calligraphy Performance by Takushin
• 11:10–11:30 Aizu Tsurugajo Taiko Wakakomakai
• 11:40–12:00 Samurai Artist KAMUI with Regional Revitalization Team ①
• 13:30–13:50 Omotenashi Nihonmatsu Shonentai
• 14:00–14:20 Aibu Do Gojin
• 14:30–14:50 Samurai Artist KAMUI with Regional Revitalization Team ②

Event Details:

• Date & Time: Sunday, November 16, 2025 10:00–15:00
• Location: Tsuruga Castle
• Organizer: Aizu-Wakamatsu Tourism Bureau
• Contact: Samurai Fest Office | TEL: +81-242-23-8000

Concurrent Events

Samurai Festival Workshops

Experience samurai culture hands-on with activities like cardboard kabuto (helmet) making, white tiger sword crafting, wearing real armour, martial arts practice, and tea ceremony. Fun for kids and adults alike!

Aizu Juraku

Step back 400 years in time! This local goods event recreates the “Ten Pleasures” system introduced by Lord Gamō Ujisato, who encouraged lacquerware and sake production. Staff in period costumes and unique booth designs evoke the atmosphere of the Sengoku era.

Tsuruga Castle Ninomarche – Autumn

Around 50 local and regional vendors will gather on the Ninomaru Lawn Plaza, offering gourmet foods, sweets, crafts, seasonal produce, and food trucks. Special attractions include a Mini SL, balloon maze, and a pop-up from MUJI Yorktown Kuwano Koriyama. Enjoy delicious treats and a festive atmosphere.

Related Events: Aizu SAMURAI WEEK 2025 (Nov 8–16)

In conjunction with the Samurai Festival, special events and tours will be held across Aizu-Wakamatsu at historical samurai sites. Discover how the spirit of the samurai continues to live on in modern Aizu and explore the city’s rich history and culture.

Highlights of Aizu Samurai Week

Aizu Bukeyashiki – Opening Festival

Kick off SAMURAI WEEK with a traditional signal fire ceremony. Enjoy samurai-inspired performances, family-friendly activities at the historic samurai residence, a popular local market, and special samurai-themed lunches at nearby restaurants.

Aizu Hanko Nisshinkan – Samurai Academy

Walk in the footsteps of the legendary Byakkotai warriors at this historic Aizu school. Try archery and Zen meditation and attend a special lecture by Director Ishida on “Aizu Hanko Nisshinkan and the Samurai.”

Oyaku-en – Aizu Samurai Cuisine Experience

Stroll through the villa gardens beloved by Aizu’s feudal lords and savour a special, limited-time samurai-style meal while enjoying the scenic surroundings.

Fukushima Prefectural Museum – Shichigenkoto & Tea Ceremony Experience

Experience the refined arts of samurai culture with a hands-on session in traditional zither (shichigenkoto) and tea ceremony practices.

Learn more: https://www.tif.ne.jp/jp/entry/article.html?event=7518