Live the Legend: Join the Aizu Samurai Festival & Parade!

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich samurai heritage of Aizu-Wakamatsu, Japan!  The annual Aizu Festival is a vibrant celebration that brings history to life, and this year, you have the extraordinary chance to be a part of it! 

Dates: September 19th – 21st, 2025

Aizu-Wakamatsu, once the stage for one of the last pivotal battles of the Shogun’s era, invites you to experience its deep samurai roots firsthand.

Choose Your Samurai Adventure:

1. The “PARADE ONLY” Plan (15,000 yen per person) 

• Join the Ranks: March alongside fellow samurai in the grand Aizu Festival Parade! ⁶⁶⁶⁶⁶ Don the traditional armor of a foot-soldier in the gunnery corps of the Aizu Domain and feel the spirit of the warriors. 
• Optional Hotel Stay: Enhance your experience with an optional overnight stay for an additional 7,000 yen. 
• Schedule Highlights (September 19th-20th):
  • September 19th (Fri): (If hotel option selected) Check-in to Aizu-Wakamatsu Ekimae Fuji Grand Hotel (dinner not included). 
  • September 20th (Sat): Meet up at the hotel (including breakfast) or Aizu-Wakamatsu City Hall. Arrive at Tsurugajo Castle, change into armor, and join the parade! Tour ends at Aizu-Wakamatsu Station by 2:00 PM.
• Please note: Plastic ponchos are only used in severe weather conditions.

2. The “TOTAL SAMURAI” Plan (120,000 yen per person) 

Unleash Your Inner Warrior: This comprehensive 3-day program offers an unparalleled samurai immersion!

What’s Included:

• Join the Samurai Procession: Participate in the iconic Aizu Festival Parade.
• Warrior Training: Hone your swordsmanship skills in a dedicated samurai class with a real instructor.
• Swordsmith Experience: Learn from a real swordsmith and witness this ancient craft firsthand.
• Cultural Exploration: Visit the serene and traditional Oyaku-en Garden.
• Historic Stay: Experience true Japanese hospitality with an overnight stay at the exquisite Ookawaso ryokan in Ashinomaki Onsen (dinner included on Sep 20th).

Schedule Highlights (September 19th-21st):

• September 19th (Fri): Meet at Aizu-Wakamatsu Station, check into Aizu-Wakamatsu Washington Hotel (dinner not included), enjoy a swordsmith experience.
• September 20th (Sat): Meet at the hotel (including breakfast), arrive at Tsurugajo Castle, change into armor, join the parade, have lunch, visit Oyaku-en Garden, and participate in a samurai class at Ookawaso dojo. Overnight stay at Ookawaso ryokan (dinner included).
• September 21st (Sun): Enjoy breakfast, check-out by 10:00 AM, and head to Aizu-Wakamatsu Station via free shuttle bus.

Minimum of six participants required for the “TOTAL SAMURAI” Plan to proceed. Room fees are for two people. A single room incurs an additional charge of 12,000 yen.

Both plans include:

An English-speaking local guide, participation and costume fees for the festival. The “Total Samurai” Plan also covers fees for the swordsmith and samurai class experiences, Oyaku-en Garden admission, and specified meals.

How to Book Your Adventure:

A travel contract is established upon acceptance of your application (via web or phone) and receipt of the full travel cost. Full payment is required in advance. Reservations are accepted via web, telephone, or email, with the contract finalized upon receipt of payment within seven days of reservation notification (or by a specified date).

Important Information:

• Travel fees cover transportation, accommodation, meals, sightseeing, handling charges, and sales tax as stated in the itinerary.  Personal expenses and non-itinerary transportation are not included. 
• Please note our cancellation policy: Fees increase closer to the tour start date (e.g., 40% for 30-21 days prior, up to 100% on the day of the tour or no-show). 

For detailed terms and conditions, please contact us. We encourage you to review them carefully before applying. 

Ready to live the legend?

Contact

Aizu Dream Development Inc. (ADD) to reserve your spot!
TEL: 080-7357-2196
Email: info@add-dream.co.jp
Web: https://att.add.travel/#/contact