Mihara’s Ukijo Festival Set for November 8th-9th!!

On the second weekend of November, visitors to Mihara can be transported back to the Sengoku Period when they attend the Ukijo Matsuri, or Floating Castle Festival! Mihara Castle–which no longer stands–was historically renowned as a floating fortress on account of its surrounding moat and was overseen by Lord Kobayakawa. This year marks the 22nd time the city of Mihara commemorates the long-gone keep by holding a parade in the vicinity of the castle ruins, replete with armor, horses, and cuisine evocative of the time and place. Try steamed crab fished from the Numata River, Lord Takakage Kobayakawa’s beloved Numata hotpot, and yes, even the quintessential Mihara-yaki! Guests even have the opportunity to try on real samurai armor and participate in the parade (fee required; see website for details). Walk alongside these historical cosplayers this November and you too can feel like you’ve crossed the bridge of time to a period when Mihara castle still floated!