Ujisato Festival 2026: A Warrior Parade, Traditional Dancing, and More

The 65th Ujisato Festival celebrates the legendary general who laid the foundation for Matsusaka. With a spectacular warrior procession of over 200 people parading through the historic townscape, along with a variety of stage events and bustling food stalls, there's plenty to see and do! Experience a day filled with historical charm in Matsusaka.

Written by

Matsusaka City Tourism Exchange Division

Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture is located almost in the center of Japan, where you can enjoy world-class gourmet Matsusaka beef, rich history and culture, and beautiful nature. During the Edo period, Matsusaka was the final post town for pilgrimages to Ise-mairi (a pilgrimage to Japan's highest-ranking shrine). These merchants succeeded in trading Matsusaka cotton in Edo and brought prosperity to Matsusaka.

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• Table of Contents
• What is the Ujisato Festival?
• The History Behind the Ujisato Festival
• Key Points to Watch in 2026
• Summary

What is the Ujisato Festival?

A ceremonial arrow sails over the heads of more than 200 samurai at the center of the Matsusaka Castle Ruins on a crisp November morning, signaling the start of the yearly Ujisato Festival in Matsusaka, Mie. The warriors, all volunteers in full costume armor, carry weapon replicas, flags, and drums as they parade past historic residences led by a figure dressed as Gamo Ujisato (1556-1595), the regional lord who built Matsusaka Castle and founded the city of Matsusaka in 1588.

The Ujisato Festival, held on Culture Day, honors Ujisato’s legacy and the history of the city’s founding with a day packed with festivities, including:

• Opening ceremony: Watch a traditional archery ceremony signaling departure for battle.

・Warrior procession: Follow a grand procession of over 200 people in full costume parading through the historic townscape.

• Local food and specialties: Try Matsusaka’s signature chicken yakiniku served with a special miso sauce, and other local delicacies.

• Matsusaka’s traditional dances: Watch performances of the Shongai Solan and Shongai Song and Dance.

• Stage events: Enjoy a variety of performances including the Matsusaka Suzu Odori dance, hip hop and hula dance, and live music.

・Ujisato Citizens' Tea Experience: Enjoy a cup of tea at the Former Hasegawa and Former Ozu Residences, the historical estates of Matsusaka's merchant families.

・Festival booths and limited-edition goods: Play festival games and collect limited-edition castle stamps for the Matsusaka Castle Ruins.

The History Behind the Ujisato Festival

Traces of Gamo Ujisato’s lasting legacy reflect throughout Matsusaka today, from the majestic Matsusaka Castle walls to the historic merchant homes from the Edo period (1603-1867). After building Matsusaka Castle in just three years, Ujisato invited powerful merchants throughout the country to bolster the economy in the newly established city of Matsusaka, giving rise to the city’s renowned merchant families. These families went down in history as some of the wealthiest in the nation at the time, earning Matsusaka its nickname The City of Rich Merchants. Their former residences are preserved as important pieces of national history and are open for the public to explore today.

Former Hasegawa Residence

1653 Uomachi, Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture, 515-0082

This is the main family home of Hasegawa Jirobei, a wealthy merchant who was based in Matsusaka during the Edo period. The vast grounds contain over 30 rooms, including the main house, a detached building, a storehouse, a stroll-style garden, and a teahouse.

Former Ozu Residence

2195 Honmachi Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture, 515-0081

The Former Ozu Residence is a magnificent historical site that offers a rare glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of one of Matsusaka's most prosperous merchant families during the Edo period (1603–1867). This residence belonged to Ozu Seizaemon, an influential businessman who achieved remarkable success in the trade of paper and cotton, with his business thriving in Edo (modern-day Tokyo). One of the estate's standout features is the "Manryo-bako," a giant money chest that symbolizes the immense wealth accumulated by the Ozu family. This rare artifact is an impressive reminder of the family’s success and their role in driving Matsusaka’s reputation as a center of commerce in Japan’s history.

The residences of the original castle guard live on as one of the few national cultural properties where people still reside. The parade for the Ujisato Festival, which began in 1962 to commemorate Ujisato and the founding of Matsusaka, passes by this historic place on the way to the city center.

The Ujisato Festival Parade passing through the Castle Guard Residences.

Look for a figure dressed as Gamo Ujisato at the parade on horseback wearing his signature helmet, and his wife Fuyuhime close by riding on a carriage in a vibrant kimono.

Key Points to Watch in 2026

Debuting in the parade in 2026 alongside Gamo Ujisato are three more historic lords of Matsusaka in full armor as a part of the 65th anniversary of the Ujisato Festival. Don’t miss this special addition to the grand spectacle.

Summary

Get a feel for the vibrant local culture of Matsusaka and Mie all in one festival, from the main parade of costumed warriors and lords through historic castle walls and residences to the traditional dances and cuisine you can’t find anywhere else.

Event Overview

The 65th Ujisato Festival
When: Tuesday, November 3, 2026 (Culture Day) from 9 am
Where: Matsusaka Castle Ruins and Matsusaka Central Shopping District (all within a 15 minute walk of Matsusaka Station)