About this event
Held every year on December 14 in Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture, the "Ako Gishi Festival" is the city's largest event, honoring the great feat of the Ako Gishi (loyal samurai of Ako) who carried out their raid. In 2026, it marks its 123rd edition. On the day, various parades reminiscent of picture scrolls from the Genroku era unfold to enliven the venue. In addition, a local products market featuring specialties from municipalities connected to the Chushingura legend and neighboring cities and towns is held, offering gourmet food and shopping. The venues include the Ako Castle ruins, Oshiro-dori Street, and the area around Ikitsugi Plaza. Actor Ken Matsudaira is scheduled to make a special appearance as Oishi Kuranosuke in the samurai procession, serving as one of the major highlights. Sponsorship donations are also being collected for the festival's staging, representing a community-wide effort to bring energy and excitement to the festival.
Source website (Japanese) ↗Venue
Ikitsugi Well (Ikitsugi-no-Ido)
2210 Kariya, Ako, Hyogo 678-0239
Open in Google Maps ↗