The Kintaikyo Shiro Matsuri (Castle Festival) is held each April alongside the famous five-arched Kintai Bridge, one of Japan's three great bridges, when cherry blossoms are at peak bloom. Hundreds of participants dressed as Iwakuni Domain samurai, ashigaru foot soldiers, and court ladies parade across the bridge and through the riverside park in a spectacular historical procession. Traditional falconry (takagari) demonstrations, once practiced by the Kikkawa clan lords, are a highlight exclusive to this festival. The backdrop of the bridge, Nishiki River, and Iwakuni Castle creates an extraordinary setting.
- Type
- Festival
- Category
- Matsuri
- Season
- Spring
- Month
- April
- Region
- Chugoku
- Prefecture
- Yamaguchi
- City
- Iwakuni
Highlights
- ◆Samurai and court costume procession across the iconic Kintai Bridge
- ◆Rare traditional falconry (takagari) demonstrations
- ◆Cherry blossom peak bloom as natural backdrop
- ◆Kikkawa clan heritage arts and performances
- ◆Set beside one of Japan's three most celebrated bridges