Ako Gishi Festival 2026 (the 47 Ronin) | Next town over from our Hinase stay

What is it?

The Ako Gishi Festival is held every year on December 14 in Ako City, Hyogo — the anniversary of the famous revenge of the 47 ronin, the story known in Japan as *Chushingura*. 2026 marks the 123rd festival. Processions in Edo-period (Genroku era) costume move through the old castle town, and for one day the whole town becomes the stage of this samurai tale.

This year, actor Ken Matsudaira is scheduled to appear in the procession as Oishi Kuranosuke, the leader of the 47 ronin.

Dates & venue

• Date: Monday, December 14, 2026, approx. 10:00–16:00 (planned)
• Parades: approx. 10:00–15:00 (planned)
• Food stalls & Chushingura specialty market: approx. 10:00–16:00 (planned)
• Venue: Ako Castle ruins, Oshiro-dori street, Ikitsugi Plaza and surrounding areas

It falls on a weekday. For viewing seats and traffic restrictions on the day, please check Ako City's official information.

Getting there from our stay

Our Hinase stay sits right by the Okayama–Hyogo border, so Ako is practically the next town over.

• By train: Banshu-Ako Station is three stops from JR Sogo Station on the JR Ako Line, and the castle town is within walking distance of the station. Trains on this line are not very frequent, so check the timetable in advance.
• By car: Expect crowds and road closures around the venue. Taking the train may be the easier choice.

Tips

• The processions pass through many parts of the town. Pick a spot along Oshiro-dori and take your time watching.
• The specialty market brings together products from towns linked to the Chushingura story. Look for items made with Ako's well-known sea salt.
• Winter is oyster season on the Seto Inland Sea. On your way back, warm up in Hinase with grilled oysters or *kaki-oko* (okonomiyaki savory pancake with oysters).

For details, see the official page: Ako City | 123rd Ako Gishi Festival (Japanese)

After a day in a town of legends, unwind with a quiet night at our Hinase stay.