Bizen Osafune Sword Festival 2026 | Visit Japan's sword-making heartland by car from Hinase
Osafune, long known as a center of Japanese sword-making, holds a day of memorial rites, martial demonstrations, and a samurai procession. In 2026 it takes place on Monday, November 23 (a national holiday).
What is it?
Osafune, in Setouchi City, Okayama, has been the home of Bizen swords since the Kamakura period (12th–14th centuries), producing many of Japan's most celebrated blades. The festival opens with a memorial ceremony for swordsmiths past and offers a day of history, traditional crafts, and sword culture. Planned highlights include a sword-drawing demonstration in full samurai armor, guided walks to sword-related historic sites, and a samurai procession, along with hands-on activities, stage events, and food and drink stalls.
Date & venue
- Date: Monday, November 23, 2026 (national holiday), 10:00–15:00
- Venue: the square in front of Jigen-in Temple, Osafune, Setouchi City, Okayama
- Program highlights: 10:00 memorial ceremony (open to the public) / 12:00 armored sword-drawing demonstration / 14:00 samurai procession, and more
- Held in light rain; in wet weather the program may be shortened. Please check the official information for details.
Getting there from the stay
From Hinase, drive west through Bizen City to Osafune in Setouchi City. For parking near the venue, please check the official information.
Tips for enjoying the day
- Nearby facilities display swords and sometimes let visitors watch smiths at work—a great way to deepen the experience.
- On the way, stop in Imbe to browse Bizen-yaki, an unglazed pottery with nearly a thousand years of history.
- The Former Shizutani School, also in Bizen City, is often at its autumn-color best in November.
- Head back to Hinase in the evening for a relaxed seafood dinner.
Bizen Osafune Sword Festival 2026 (Okayama Tourism, Japanese)
For a holiday trip into Japan's craft heritage, our stay in Hinase makes a calm base.