Kitsuki Castle Festival
Step Back in Time to a Samurai-Era Castle Town!
Located about 30 minutes by car from Oita Airport, Kitsuki City is home to Kitsuki Castle, originally built over 600 years ago. While the current structure is a replica of the original castle keep, the town retains its historic charm with samurai residences, stone-paved slopes, and traditional streetscapes. Each year during Japan’s Golden Week in early May, the Kitsuki Castle Festival transforms this castle town into a vibrant stage for celebration.
The highlight of the festival is the samurai procession, where a lord in armor and his retainers parade through the streets, evoking the atmosphere of Japan’s feudal era. Visitors can also witness a thrilling demonstration of matchlock gun firing by a team skilled in the techniques of the Kitsuki Domain – complete with booming blanks that leave a powerful and thunderous impression. Mock battles and dramatic performances further enhance the experience. The festival also features lively taiko drum performances, stage events, and food trucks offering delicious fare.
The highlight of the festival is the samurai procession, where a lord in armor and his retainers parade through the streets, evoking the atmosphere of Japan’s feudal era. Visitors can also witness a thrilling demonstration of matchlock gun firing by a team skilled in the techniques of the Kitsuki Domain – complete with booming blanks that leave a powerful and thunderous impression. Mock battles and dramatic performances further enhance the experience. The festival also features lively taiko drum performances, stage events, and food trucks offering delicious fare.
* Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.
Category
Basic Information
- Event period
- May 5 (Sunday, public holiday), 2024
*Held annually during Golden Week in May - Event venue
- Entire Kitsuki Castle Town Area
- Event time
- From 9:30
- Address (Japanese)
- 873-0001 大分県杵築市大字杵築 きつき城下町一帯
- Address
- Oaza Kitsuki, Kitsuki Castle Town Area, Kitsuki City, Oita, 873-0001
- Telephone Number
- 0978-63-0100（Kitsuki Castle Festival Executive Committee (within Kitsuki City Tourism Association)）
- Prices
- Free
- Car Park
- Please use nearby parking lots (temporary parking lots are also available)
- Access
- [By car]
Approximately 20 minutes from Oita Airport
[By bus]
-Approximately 10 minutes from JR Kitsuki Station; get off at Kitsuki Bus Terminal
-Free shuttle bus available between Kitsuki Cultural Gymnasium and Furusato Industry Center (operates at 30-minute intervals)
*After 19:00, the shuttle bus will pass through Kitsuki Station. - Website
- Remarks
- Held even in light rain
＊Information on facilities is subject to change. Please check each official website for the latest information.
