Festival & seasonal event in Kyoto

Yamashina Gishi Festival at Bishamondo Temple – Iwayaji Temple – Oishi Shrine

A procession of 47 participants dressed as the legendary Ako loyal retainers walks through historic sites connected with them in Yamashina. A performance reenacting their famous raid is also held at Kyoto City Eastern Cultural Hall.

Dates

Dec 14 (Mon)

Hours

10:00 – 15:00

Venue

Bishamondo Temple – Iwayaji Temple – Oishi Shrine

Nearest station

Yamashina

Admission

Check the official website for prices

About this event

Forty-seven people dressed as the famous Ako loyal retainers march through the streets of Yamashina, bringing a celebrated episode of Japanese history to life. The Yamashina Gishi Festival features local residents wearing historical costumes and following a route from Bishamondo through Iwayaji to Oishi Shrine. At Kyoto City Eastern Culture Hall, performances recreate scenes from the story of the loyal retainers, including the incident at the Pine Corridor. Rather than focusing only on the final act of revenge, the festival introduces the events that led to it. With residents playing the historical characters, Yamashina becomes a living stage for a story that has been retold in Japanese theater and popular culture.

Highlights

• A procession of 47 people dressed as the Ako loyal retainers
• A historical route connecting Bishamondo, Iwayaji and Oishi Shrine
• Reenactments of scenes including the Pine Corridor incident
• A community festival bringing the Chushingura story to life

Good for

Families interested in Japanese history, historical dramas and traditional costume processions.

Good to know before you go

• The procession begins at Bishamondo and finishes at Oishi Shrine.
• The historical procession and indoor performances take place at different locations.

Pochikichi's story corner

Why does Yamashina celebrate the forty-seven loyal retainers?

The Yamashina Gishi Festival commemorates the famous story of the Ako loyal retainers. Its central attraction is a procession of forty-seven participants dressed as the historical warriors.

The procession starts at Bishamondo, passes Iwayaji and continues to Oishi Shrine. Roads connecting the area's temples and shrines become a route for exploring the story.

At Kyoto City Eastern Culture Hall, performers recreate episodes such as the Pine Corridor incident, helping visitors understand the events leading to the famous revenge.

The participants are local residents in historical costume, making the community itself responsible for passing the story to new generations. So when watching the procession, pay attention to the roads and religious sites that connect the festival with Yamashina's local history.

Sources: Kyoto City Official Tourism Guide: Yamashina Gishi Festival (Japanese)

Long ago, around here

What historical story is connected with Yamashina?

Yamashina, in eastern Kyoto, is closely associated with the story of the Ako loyal retainers. Today, the Yamashina Gishi Festival follows a route connecting Bishamondo, Iwayaji and Oishi Shrine, places associated with this history.

Forty-seven participants in historical costume march through the streets, while performances at Kyoto City Eastern Culture Hall recreate episodes such as the Pine Corridor incident. The festival uses the modern neighborhood as a stage for historical storytelling.

By following the procession, visitors discover connections between Yamashina's religious landmarks and its place in the story of the loyal retainers. So when walking through Yamashina, look for the historical route linking Bishamondo, Iwayaji and Oishi Shrine.

Sources: Kyoto City Official Tourism Guide: Yamashina Gishi Festival (Japanese)

FAQ

What is Yamashina Gishi Festival at Bishamondo Temple – Iwayaji Temple – Oishi Shrine?

Forty-seven people dressed as the famous Ako loyal retainers march through the streets of Yamashina, bringing a celebrated episode of Japanese history to life. The Yamashina Gishi Festival features local residents wearing historical costumes and following a route from Bishamondo through Iwayaji to Oishi Shrine. At Kyoto City Eastern Culture Hall, performances recreate scenes from the story of the loyal retainers, including the incident at the Pine Corridor. Rather than focusing only on the final act of revenge, the festival introduces the events that led to it. With residents playing the historical characters, Yamashina becomes a living stage for a story that has been retold in Japanese theater and popular culture.

When is Yamashina Gishi Festival at Bishamondo Temple – Iwayaji Temple – Oishi Shrine?

On Dec 14 (Mon), 2026.

What are the opening hours?

10:00 – 15:00

How much does it cost?

Check the official website for prices

Where is it and what is the nearest station?

Bishamondo Temple – Iwayaji Temple – Oishi Shrine. The nearest station is Yamashina.

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