A Princess Procession through Ota-juku: ONSAI MINOKAMO 2026 Ota-juku Nakasendo Festival

A pageant-like Princess Procession led by Imperial Princess Kazunomiya

The festival’s main event, the Princess Procession, features Imperial Princess Kazunomiya, who married Tokugawa Iemochi, the 14th shogun, as well as princesses who married successive shoguns, samurai, and yakko attendants. The procession takes place around Ota-juku Nakasendo Kaikan. The event guide describes its highlight as a splendid, picture-scroll-like spectacle that transports visitors to the world of history.

The procession led by Imperial Princess Kazunomiya includes not only princesses, but also samurai and yakko attendants. Rather than simply taking in the procession as a single, colorful pageant, look out for the different roles to get a more vivid sense of the historical world it portrays. Another way to enjoy it is to consider the story of Kazunomiya and the people who join the procession.

The festival is held at Ota-juku on the Nakasendo in Minokamo, with the area around Ota-juku Nakasendo Kaikan serving as the center of the Princess Procession. Keeping the overall festival venue distinct from the procession’s central area can be helpful when looking for information before your visit. The published information does not give the procession route or start time, so if you are visiting for the Princess Procession, check the day’s announcements before making plans.

Stage events and a market fair

Along with the Princess Procession, the festival features stage events and a market fair. The event guide describes it as a handmade festival to enjoy throughout the day, with activities that extend beyond the procession to include the stage and market fair. You might plan your visit around the pageant-like procession while also deciding which other events to explore.

The published information does not list the stage performers, what will be available at the market fair, or the start times of individual events. If you want to arrive in time for a specific program, check the official website in advance for details on times and activities. The festival takes place on Sunday, October 25, 2026. Once you have settled on the date, checking the official website for detailed announcements and transport information can help you plan your visit.