What are the opening hours of Oshiro EXPO 2026 (castle fan festival, Pacifico Yokohama North)?

09:30–17:30; Dec 20 (Sun): 09:30–17:00 Check the official page for closed days and last admission.

Where is Oshiro EXPO 2026 (castle fan festival, Pacifico Yokohama North) and what is the nearest station?

It is held at Pacifico Yokohama North and other venues. The nearest station is Minatomirai Sta..

Festivals & local events

Oshiro EXPO 2026 (castle fan festival, Pacifico Yokohama North)

Japanese title: お城EXPO 2026（パシフィコ横浜ノース）

Pacifico Yokohama North and other venues (Minatomirai Sta.)

Japan's big festival for castle lovers: exhibits and goods from castle towns, expert talks, a talk show by Takanori Nishikawa on Dec 19 and a Saturday night concert. Entry ticket required.

Dates: Dec 19 (Sat) – Dec 20 (Sun)
Time: 09:30–17:30; Dec 20 (Sun): 09:30–17:00
Price: Entry ticket: advance adults ¥1,800 / children (elementary–junior high) ¥500; same day adults ¥2,500 / children ¥1,000
Venue: Pacifico Yokohama North and other venues
Nearest station: Minatomirai Sta.

Check closed days and last admission on the official page before you go.

Check the official page (Japanese)Open in Google Maps

About this event

Oshiro EXPO returns for its 11th edition, bringing castle enthusiasts, historians, tourism organizations and specialist exhibitors from across Japan together in Yokohama. First held in 2016, this annual gathering explores the architecture, military history and cultural legacy of Japanese castles through regional exhibits, merchandise stalls, expert lectures and stage presentations. One of this year's headline guests is singer Takanori Nishikawa, ambassador for Shiga Prefecture's Sengoku Discovery tourism campaign, who will appear in a special talk show. The Saturday Night Concert adds another dimension, combining orchestral selections from historical taiga dramas with music from the Dragon Quest video game series, which celebrates its 40th anniversary. Visitors can investigate destinations for future castle trips, meet organizations involved in preserving historic sites and discover castle-themed souvenirs. With presentations aimed at dedicated enthusiasts alongside displays accessible to newcomers, the exhibition offers an introduction to Japan's castle culture beyond the familiar landmarks of Himeji and Osaka.

Highlights

Explore castle tourism exhibits and regional booths from across Japan.
Hear Takanori Nishikawa discuss Shiga's Sengoku Discovery campaign on December 19.
Attend the Saturday Night Concert featuring taiga drama themes and Dragon Quest music.
Browse castle-related merchandise and specialist historical publications.
Discover expert lectures and presentations on Japanese castle history.

Good for: Castle enthusiasts, Japanese history fans, Dragon Quest followers and families interested in Japan's architectural heritage.

Good to know

General admission does not automatically include separately ticketed lectures or the evening concert.
Takanori Nishikawa's talk requires both an admission ticket and an additional lottery-allocated entry pass.
The Saturday Night Concert has reserved seating and requires a separate ticket.
The event is held indoors and can be visited in rainy weather.

Summarized from the official page and press materials.

Why does Japan have an entire exhibition devoted to castles?

Oshiro EXPO began in 2016 as a gathering dedicated to Japanese castle culture and the communities that preserve it. Its organizers include the Japan Castle Foundation, Shirobito, Murayama and Pacifico Yokohama. Unlike a museum exhibition devoted to one historical period, the event brings together municipalities, historical specialists and commercial exhibitors from across the country. Visitors encounter castles as architectural monuments, tourist destinations and subjects of continuing historical research. The annual December gathering has become one of Japan's largest events devoted specifically to castles.

The event also connects castle history with contemporary entertainment. Historical television dramas have helped make the Sengoku period familiar to generations of Japanese viewers, while games such as Dragon Quest have brought castles into fictional worlds. The 2026 program draws on both traditions through its evening concert. Shiga Prefecture's participation adds a regional perspective, connecting historical interest with travel around Lake Biwa and its surrounding communities. So look beyond the famous castle names and use the regional booths to discover lesser-known places worth visiting.

Oshiro EXPO Official Website (Japanese) · Yokohama Official Visitors' Guide (Japanese)

Distance from major stations

From Minatomirai: 0.4 km, about 7 min on foot
From Shin-takashima: 0.9 km, about 14 min on foot
From Bashamichi: 1.0 km, about 16 min on foot
From Sakuragicho: 1.1 km, about 17 min on foot

Distances are straight-line; times are rough estimates.

Other events nearby

Bungu Joshi Haku 2026 (Pacifico Yokohama)Pacifico Yokohama Exhibition Halls C & D (Minatomirai Sta.) · 0.1 km, about 2 min on foot from here · Dec 16 (Wed) – Dec 20 (Sun)
Christmas Afternoon Tea at Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyu (Lounge Sommerhaus)Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyu 2F, Lounge Sommerhaus (Minatomirai Sta.) · 0.3 km, about 5 min on foot from here · Dec 1 (Tue) – Dec 25 (Fri)
PACIFICO YOKOHAMA LIGHTSCAPEAround Pacifico Yokohama (Queen Mall Bridge, grand staircase by the National Convention Hall, Pukari Pier) (Minatomirai Sta.) · 0.4 km, about 6 min on foot from here · Nov 1 (Sun) – Sep 26 (Sun)
Collection: Women Who Crossed the Sea / Highlights (Yokohama Museum of Art)Yokohama Museum of Art (Minatomirai Sta.) · 0.6 km, about 9 min on foot from here · Aug 1 (Sat) – Feb 11 (Thu)
Winter Afternoon Tea: Red Fruits and White Chocolate (Hilton Yokohama, Bar & Lounge Melody)Hilton Yokohama Entrance Building 3F, Bar & Lounge Melody (Shin-takashima Sta.) · 0.6 km, about 10 min on foot from here · Nov 1 (Sun) – Jan 3 (Sun)
Christmas Afternoon Tea with Lindt Chocolate (The Westin Yokohama)The Westin Yokohama 23F Lobby Lounge (Shin-takashima Sta.) · 0.6 km, about 10 min on foot from here · Nov 20 (Fri) – Dec 25 (Fri)

Food and cafes nearby

Restaurants Cafes Halal food Dog-friendly cafes

Search places around the venue on Google Maps.

Tours and tickets nearby

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FAQ

What is Oshiro EXPO 2026 (castle fan festival, Pacifico Yokohama North)?: Oshiro EXPO returns for its 11th edition, bringing castle enthusiasts, historians, tourism organizations and specialist exhibitors from across Japan together in Yokohama. First held in 2016, this annual gathering explores the architecture, military history and cultural legacy of Japanese castles through regional exhibits, merchandise stalls, expert lectures and stage presentations. One of this year's headline guests is singer Takanori Nishikawa, ambassador for Shiga Prefecture's Sengoku Discovery tourism campaign, who will appear in a special talk show. The Saturday Night Concert adds another dimension, combining orchestral selections from historical taiga dramas with music from the Dragon Quest video game series, which celebrates its 40th anniversary. Visitors can investigate destinations for future castle trips, meet organizations involved in preserving historic sites and discover castle-themed souvenirs. With presentations aimed at dedicated enthusiasts alongside displays accessible to newcomers, the exhibition offers an introduction to Japan's castle culture beyond the familiar landmarks of Himeji and Osaka.
When is Oshiro EXPO 2026 (castle fan festival, Pacifico Yokohama North)?: Dec 19 (Sat) – Dec 20 (Sun)
What are the opening hours of Oshiro EXPO 2026 (castle fan festival, Pacifico Yokohama North)?: 09:30–17:30; Dec 20 (Sun): 09:30–17:00 Check the official page for closed days and last admission.
How much does Oshiro EXPO 2026 (castle fan festival, Pacifico Yokohama North) cost?: Entry ticket: advance adults ¥1,800 / children (elementary–junior high) ¥500; same day adults ¥2,500 / children ¥1,000
Where is Oshiro EXPO 2026 (castle fan festival, Pacifico Yokohama North) and what is the nearest station?: It is held at Pacifico Yokohama North and other venues. The nearest station is Minatomirai Sta..

Checked against the official page on October 28, 2026. Titles and descriptions are our own translations.

We list events we could confirm on the official page or official Instagram of the venue or organiser. Details can change, tickets sell out and venues close, so check the official page before you go. Distances are straight-line and travel times are rough estimates. Photos show the venue or its surroundings, not the event itself. Titles and descriptions are our own translations from Japanese. This site contains affiliate links (ads).