On Saturday, June 20, and Sunday, June 21, the “Himeji Yukata Festival,” a seasonal tradition that brings color to early summer in Himeji, will be held.

It is said to have originated in 1742, when Lord Sakakibara Masatake, the lord of Himeji Castle, held a relocation ceremony for Osakabe Shrine upon his move to Takada in Echigo. At that time, those involved in the festival were unable to prepare formal attire due to the sudden nature of the preparations and attended wearing yukata.Afterward, worshippers began to follow suit and visit in yukata, and the event came to be known as the “Yukata Festival.”

The festival takes place in the area surrounding Himeji Castle, stretching from Osakabe Shrine to Jonan Park. Highlights include a parade where children walk carrying lanterns, a spectacular event featuring the “Himeji Castle Ambassadors,” and the “Community Interaction Stage in Jonan,” where visitors can enjoy singing, dancing, and Japanese drum performances.

Furthermore, about 100 food stalls will line Otemae Street, the area around Osakabe Shrine, and various shopping districts. In addition to traditional festival games like yo-yo fishing and ball scooping, there will be a wide selection of delicious street food, allowing everyone from children to adults to fully enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Another highlight is that visitors wearing yukata during the festival period can enjoy various special perks. Why not don your favorite yukata, take a stroll through the town, and savor the unique early summer scenery of Himeji?

■Event Details
●Children’s Yukata Parade
[Date ＆ Time] Saturday, June 20, 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (4:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. in case of rain)
[Location] Himeji Castle → Osakabe Shrine → Jonan Park
*In case of rain: Jonan Community Center → Nagakabe Shrine → Jonan Park
[Event Details] Parade featuring Himeji Castle Ambassadors, local elementary school students, the Fire Department Marching Band, and others. Approximately 100 participants expected

● Local Community Event
[Date ＆ Time] June 20 (Sat) ＆ 21 (Sun), 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. each day
[Location] Jonan Park
[Program] Jona Soran dance, taiko drum performances, Yosakoi dance, group dancing, food stalls, and more

● Stalls by Local Shops and Shopping Districts
[Date ＆ Time] June 20 (Sat) ＆ 21 (Sun), 4:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. each day
[Location] Shops around Osakabe Shrine and Jonan Park, Nishi-Nikaicho Shopping District
[Activities] Sales of draft beer, snacks, etc.; goldfish scooping, etc.

● Street Food Stalls
[Date ＆ Time] June 21 (Sat) ＆ 22 (Sun), 4:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. each day
[Location] West and East sides of Otemae Street, Nishi-Nikaicho Shopping Street, and the area around Osakabe Shrine and Jonan Park

■ Discounts and Special Offers for Yukata Wearers During the Event Period
・Shinki Bus Fare: 50% off (for buses departing from or arriving at Himeji Station, JR Aboshi Station, or Sanyo Shikama Station) *Payment method: Cash only
・Earth Cinemas Himeji: Present your same-day movie ticket to receive a free small or medium-sized drink
・Facilities around the castle: Admission discounts (Himeji Castle, Koko-en Garden, Himeji Zoo, Himeji Museum of Literature* and History*) and more
*Permanent exhibitions only
・Shosha Mountain Ropeway: 20% off round-trip tickets
・Himeji Castle Inner Moat Cultural Tourism Learning Boat (traditional Japanese boat): 50% off for adults
・Various shopping districts: Sales promotion campaigns
・Tourist Information Spot “MONZEN”: Soft-serve ice cream at half price

*Some photos are for illustrative purposes only.