Gotouchi Chara Haku 2026 (Local Mascot Festival 2026)

About this event

Gotouchi Chara Haku 2026, a regular autumn event in Hikone, will be held for two days on Saturday, October 17, and Sunday, October 18, 2026, across the Yume Kyobashi Castle Road area (Kyobashiguchi Parking Lot, Yonbancho Square, etc.) adjacent to Hikone Castle. 159 mascot characters from all over the country will gather, and 139 organizations are scheduled to participate throughout both days. At the venue, visitors can enjoy stage performances such as local promotions by the characters, as well as sales of regional specialties and merchandise at each mascot's booth. Set against a streetscape reminiscent of an Edo-period castle town, the event aims to interact with local mascots from across Japan, promote regional charms, revitalize the community, and attract tourists. In addition, sub-events such as Once-in-a-Lifetime! Character Tea Ceremony and Character Cafe (tentative name) will be held, and it also serves as an on-site voting event for the ongoing World Gotouchi Character Grand Prix.

Venue

Kyobashiguchi Parking Lot

2-1-45 Honmachi, Hikone, Shiga 522-0064