Japan Castle Festival 2025
The Nippon Castle Festival Executive Committee has announced that it will hold the "Nippon Castle Festival 2025," an event that introduces the multifaceted charm of various castles located both inside and outside of the Aichi prefecture. The Committee is composed of the Aichi Historical Tourism Promotion Council (with its Secretariat in the Aichi Prefecture Tourism Promotion Division), among others.
The event, scheduled for March 1st and 2nd, 2025, promises a rich array of content designed to appeal to a broad audience. The festival will feature a "Castle Information Area," showcasing information and limited-edition goods from castles across the nation. Attendees can also look forward to engaging talk shows by castle specialists, dynamic performances by warrior and ninja groups, and a tempting selection of meals, snacks, and local sake.
Notably, 2025 marks the 450th anniversary of the Battle of Nagashino-Shitaragahara. In commemoration, the festival will include a variety of exhibits and talks related to Nagashino Castle and the Shitaragahara battlefield.
Featured Events
- Castle Information Area: An exhibition booth area where one can discover information and purchase goods from various castles nationwide.
- Castle Enthusiasm Workshop/Seminar: In-depth discussions about castles, led by curators, and hands-on workshops.
- Nippon Sake Festival: A large gathering of Japanese sake with connections to castles and warlords.
- East-West Delicious Food Battle: A selection of meals and snacks.
- Aichi Historical Tourism Panel Exhibition: An introduction to Aichi’s castles and locations associated with historical warlords.
Castle Love Stage
The Castle Love Stage will feature talk shows brimming with passion for castles, presented by castle specialists and other notable figures.
March 1st (Saturday)
- Chris Glenn: Radio DJ known for his love of castles, Director of the Japan Castle Association.
- Yutaka Shiba: Part-time lecturer at Toyo University Faculty of Letters and Komazawa University Faculty of Letters.
- Hitoshi Nakai: Councilor of the Japan Castle Association.
- Masaru Hirayama: Historian, Specially Appointed Professor at Health Sciences University.
March 2nd (Sunday)
- Masayuki Miura: Professor Emeritus, Hiroshima University.
- Keiji Maeda: Nagoya Omotenashi Bushoutai(R).
- Asami Kuboi: Castle-loving weather forecaster and disaster prevention specialist.
- Tetsuo Owada: President of the Japan Castle Association.
Both Days
- MC: Rekishi-kun, a History Navigator.
*Please note that the contents are subject to change. For the latest information, please refer to the official website.
Event Details
- Dates: March 1st (Saturday) and March 2nd (Sunday), 2025
- Time: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Venue: Nagoya City Small and Medium Enterprise Promotion Hall, Fukiage Hall, located at 6-3, Fukiage 2-chome, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya City
- Admission Fee (tax included):
- Same-day tickets: 2,000 yen
- Advance tickets: 1,800 yen
*High school students and younger individuals are granted free admission. Those possessing a disability certificate or rehabilitation certificate can purchase tickets at the advance price, even on the day of the event.
Ticket Sales: Tickets will be available for purchase starting December 20th, 2024, through Ticket Pia, eplus, Lawson Ticket, and other outlets.
Contact Information:
- Nippon Castle Festival Executive Committee
- TEL: 090-8667-4702 (Weekdays 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
- Website: https://shiromatsuri.com/
Organizers and Sponsors:
- Organizer: Nippon Castle Festival Executive Committee, composed of the Aichi Historical Tourism Promotion Council (Secretariat: Aichi Prefecture Tourism Convention Bureau, Tourism Promotion Division), Dentsu Meitetsu Communications Inc., and others.
- Sponsored by: ZIP-FM Co., Ltd.
- In Cooperation with: Television Aichi Co., Ltd.
What is Nagoya Castle?
Nagoya Castle is a historically significant site located in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. Constructed in the early 17th century during the Edo period, it served as a military stronghold for the Tokugawa shogunate. The castle is notable for its architecture, including massive stone walls, a main keep, and the golden shachihoko (mythical tiger-fish) ornaments on its roof.
The castle has been reconstructed several times, particularly after damage in World War II. Today, it is a restored cultural landmark that offers insights into Japan’s feudal era. The grounds include gardens, historical exhibits, and a museum with artifacts from the castle’s history.
Nagoya Castle also functions as a cultural venue, hosting events and festivals throughout the year. Its historical significance and architectural features make it a worthwhile destination for visitors to Japan.
