About the festival
Kofu's Shingen-ko Festival recreates an armored army procession in honor of Takeda Shingen. The modern parade takes place downtown, not on a battlefield.
Who is it for?
Visitors interested in samurai armor and historical pageantry.
Photo: 江戸村のとくぞう · CC BY-SA 4.0
Original date: Taken on 29 October 2022, 17:25:26. Original image or Commons thumbnail; no additional edits.
Dates and times
3–5 April 2026; next edition awaits announcement
Past edition. Times use JST. See the official programme for session times and changes.
Venue and parade route
Kofu · 甲府
The army departs from Maizuru Castle Park and marches along downtown streets including Heiwa-dori. Takeda Shrine is not the main parade's departure point.
舞鶴城公園・甲府市街
The map pin marks a reference venue, rather than every entrance or the full parade route.
Getting there by train or bus
- Take a JR Chuo Line limited express from Shinjuku to Kofu. Maizuru Castle Park is south of the station.
What to see
- Armored army procession
- Departure ceremony
- Downtown reenactment
History and origins
The modern festival commemorates Takeda Shingen's achievements through a civic historical reenactment.
Planning your visit
Our editorial suggestions for planning your trip.
Watch the departure ceremony or choose a downtown street; visiting Takeda Shrine is a separate outing.
Places to visit nearby
Maizuru Castle Park
舞鶴城公園
Kofu Castle's surviving stone walls and elevated park viewpoints.
Explore outside the army departure period; paths within the castle park include climbs.
These stops and the suggested order are editorial recommendations. Check each venue's opening hours and festival-day road closures before travelling.
Shingen-ko Festival: common questions
When is Shingen-ko Festival?
3–5 April 2026; next edition awaits announcement These dates refer to the stated edition; they do not confirm dates for a later year. Times are Japan Standard Time (JST).
Where does Shingen-ko Festival take place?
The army departs from Maizuru Castle Park and marches along downtown streets including Heiwa-dori. Takeda Shrine is not the main parade's departure point.
How do I get to Shingen-ko Festival by public transport?
Take a JR Chuo Line limited express from Shinjuku to Kofu. Maizuru Castle Park is south of the station.
Does the army march start at Takeda Shrine?
No. The main departure is at Maizuru Castle Park near Kofu Station.
Official sources
- Festival and visitor guide 1 (www.yamanashi-kankou.jp) ↗
- Festival and visitor guide 2 (kofu-tourism.com) ↗
Sources reviewed: .