The biggest event in November is the Matsumoto Castle/ Citizen’s Festival on the third that features all kinds of cultural treats! Check out individual events below. You can also bookmark your favorites on our Facebook events page.

Castle Festival and Citizen’s Festival:

Boys and Girls Kendo and Naginata Competition

Students of kendo and naginata (a type of Japanese polearm/bladed spear) show off their martial skills in the castle garden. Part of the Matsumoto Castle Festival.

Date: November 3
Time: 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Location: Castle Honmaru Garden
Free admission into the garden

Castle Autumn Tea Ceremony

Enjoy traditional matcha green tea among the fall colors right in the castle garden. Part of the Castle Festival.

Date: November 3
Time: 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Location: Castle Honmaru Garden
Cost: 500 yen per seat (includes matcha and a Japanese sweet). Free admission into the garden.

Samurai Procession

A parade of samurai, ninja, and Japanese princesses and lords in downtown Matsumoto. Part of the Matsumoto Citizen’s Festival and the Castle Festival.

Date: November 3
Time: 12:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
Location: Castle and Downtown

Taiko Performance at Castle

Powerful taiko drum show at the castle, performed as the Samurai Procession departs toward downtown Matsumoto.

Date: November 3
Time: Two performances, one at 12:00 p.m. and another at 3:00 p.m.
Location: Castle Honmaru Garden

Japanese Archery (Kyudo) Competition

Catch a glimpse of Japan’s longbow archery tradition. Part of the Castle Festival.

Time: 8:50 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Location: Kyudo Dojo (map)
Cost: Free

More Events in November

“Twin Illumination: Secrets of the Seven Jewels” Light Display

Elaborate displays of lights set up in the Alps Azumino National Government Park. See a video from the park’s Facebook page here.

Date: November 11, 2017 (Sat) through January 8, 2018 (Mon)
Location: Alps Azumino National Government Park (15 min by taxi from JR Toyoshina Station)
Cost: Adults – 410 yen, JHS and younger – 80 yen, Seniors: 210 yen

Kamikochi Closing Ceremony

A ceremony that marks the last day of Kamikochi’s open season. Dress warm if you plan to go! (Also listed on the Kamikochi website here with a photo)

Date: November 15
Time: St at 11:30 am
Location: Kamikochi, Kappa Bridge

Falconry Performance at Castle

Falconry has been a samurai tradition since the Edo Period (1603-1868). See it action at this live stage performance in the castle garden. Check out a photo on the bottom of the Autumn Events page on the Castle website.

Date: November 19
Time: 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Location: Castle Honmaru Garden (Free admission into the garden)
*There will also be a free lecture (in Japanese) about falconry from 1:30–3:30 p.m. in the Ote Community near the castle.

Traditional Japanese Shamisen Music, Dances, and Songs and Culture Festival

See performances by students of traditional Japanese including traditional songs sang along to shamisen music and dances performed in kimono. Songs are of two types: hauta (唄, short songs that are a part of geisha culture) and nagauta (長唄, long songs). There will be several different songs and two different traditional dances. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see the classical culture of Japan!

Date: November 19
Time: St at 1:00 p.m.
Location: Matsumoto Performing Arts Center, Small Performance Hall (map)
Cost: Free!