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Experience the thunder of matchlock gunfire and taiko drum performances at this historical festival in Aichi Prefecture.
Shinshiro City, Aichi Prefecture
This unique festival in Shinshiro City is held annually on May 5th at the Nagashino Castle Remains, a national historic site. It commemorates both the Battle of Nagashino and the soldiers who died in combat. This battle in 1575 was one of the first major battles in Japan fought using Western rifles, and is where the armies of the powerful daimyo lords Oda, Toyotomi, Tokugawa, and Takeda all battled for control of Japan.
After an opening memorial service, visitors can watch a battle procession with participants in full samurai armor and period dress, along with matchlock rifle firing, archery demonstrations, and taiko drum performances.
The matchlock rifle shooting performance, which started in the Edo period (1603-1868), is particularly powerful. The thunder and crack of the gunpowder echoes off the surrounding mountains with waves of smoke, recreating the sounds and smells of the battle in 1575.
There is a range of food stalls at the festival, and it is a great chance to see the Nagashino Castle Museum and its exhibits. Entry to the festival is free. Parking is available at the nearby Fureai Park Horai, with shuttle buses to the venue.
How to get there
From Nagoya Station, take the Shinkansen bullet train to Toyohashi Station (about 30 minutes), then switch to the Iida Line and ride to Nagashinojo Station (1 hour). The Nagashino Castle Remains and festival grounds are a 10‐minute walk from the station.
2-2-1 Nagashinoichiba, Shinshiro-shi, Aichi-ken
