Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026 · 日本語版: 赤穂義士祭2026
AKO · 47 RONIN FESTIVAL
Monday, December 14, 2026
The 123rd Ako Gishisai: a costume parade of the 47 retainers through the castle town, led this year by actor Ken Matsudaira as Oishi Kuranosuke.
| Date | Monday, December 14, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Parade | About 10:00–15:00Festival about 10:00–16:00 |
| Venues | Ako Castle ruins, Oshiro-dori street, around Ikitsugi Hiroba plaza |
| Stalls and market | About 10:00–16:00 |
Why December 14?
In 1701 Asano Naganori, lord of Ako, drew his sword on Kira Yoshinaka inside Edo Castle. He was ordered to commit seppuku and his domain was abolished. His former retainers, led by Oishi Kuranosuke, avenged him by attacking Kira’s residence on the 14th day of the 12th month of 1702 (old calendar). Ako has marked the date ever since — this is the 123rd festival.
Where to watch
MOST VISITORS
Along the route
Free
Stand along Oshiro-dori and near the castle. Arrive early for a front spot and bring a raincoat rather than an umbrella.
LOTTERY · 130 CHAIRS
Paid seats at Ikitsugi Hiroba
¥2,000Per seat · up to 2 per person · apply by October 30, 23:59 JST
Near the end of the parade route. Winners pay and collect tickets by November 27. Seats are allocated by lottery and two seats may not be together.
The seat application form and payment are in Japanese and ask for a Japanese contact address, so most overseas visitors will find free roadside viewing easier. No same-day seat sales are planned; refunds only if the whole parade is cancelled. Umbrellas and alcohol are discouraged in the seats. Wheelchair users can watch from the seats, but a caregiver also needs a ticket.
Before 10:30 the seats are open free, first come, first served, for the opening ceremony — that does not give you a seat for the paid parade time (from 10:40).
Getting there
Ako Castle is about 20 minutes on foot from JR Banshu-Ako Station. Expect traffic restrictions and crowds on festival day; check the city’s festival page for the 2026 traffic plan rather than last year’s map. The castle’s usual free car park (about 70 spaces) is not a safe bet on the day. Enquiries: Ako Gishisai Hosankai (Ako City Tourism Section), +81-791-43-6839.
Plan the rest of your trip