Last but certainly not the least, the main highlights of the Uesugi Festival will be held on 3rd May, a holiday!
Rise and shine, because the Uesugi Parade will be hitting town early! The 1,000-strong parade consists of over 200 participants making up the Uesugi army, along with other participants ranging from Yonezawa city elementary schoolers to omikoshi (portable Shinto shrine) bearers from the Uesugi Shrine.
The omikoshi procession sets off first from Yonezawa Nanbu Elementary School at 9:50 am, while the Uesugi army departs from Yonezawa Kojo Elementary School at 10:30 am. These separate processions will meet in front of Yonezawa Shinkin Bank’s main branch, merge, and head to the Battle of Kawanakajima site at Matsukawa Kasenshiki (Matsu Riverbank) together. Watch as the flags bearing the Uesugi clan’s crest flutter with the spring breeze!
Duration: 9:50 am ~ 12:30 pm
Note: Please observe the procession quietly. Do not shout or get close to the procession members as they pass.
And that’s not all, because the reenactment of the Battle of Kawanakajima will blow your socks and shoes off! The Battle of Kawanakajima occurred in the year 1561 between the armies of Uesugi Kenshin and Takeda Shingen, two incredibly powerful daimyo (domain lords) of the Sengoku period. This thrilling battle is the main highlight of the festival and it’s a definite must-see for all!
Duration: 2:00 pm ~ 3:30 pm
Venue: Matsukawa Kasenshiki (Matsu Riverbank)
For more information on access routes and road closures, please check this post.
Highlights on 29th April
Highlights on 2nd May
