A castle-town celebration of parades, dance, and local flavors at Marugame Castle
Marugame Oshiro Festival
The 2026 edition of Marugame Oshiro Festival has ended.
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Dates
- 2026/05/03 〜 2026/05/04Ended
- Season / frequency
- Every year on May 3 and the 4th (during Golden Week) / Every year
- Location
- Around Marugame Castle
- Area
- Kagawa Prefecture・Marugame City(From Tokyo: approx. 1 h 15 min–1 h 35 min · flight time only)Prefecture-level estimate to a main station or airport, not the venue. Airport access, check-in and onward travel are extra; remote areas and islands can take much longer.
- Features
- Highlights and activities
- Participation / viewing
- Spectators welcome
- Participation fee
- Free
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
A festival in Marugame City, with Marugame Castle and its old castle town as the backdrop, featuring a lively mix of events ranging from parades, music, and dance to and local food.
About Marugame Oshiro Festival
The Marugame Oshiro Festival is a local event held at Kameyama Park, the ruins of Marugame Castle, and the surrounding area in Marugame City, Kagawa Prefecture.
The first festival was held in 1950, when the dismantling and restoration work on Marugame Castle’s keep was completed and the keep was designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
A variety of events, including parades, music, dance, and a local products fair, take place in the old castle town.
Source: 丸亀お城まつり - Wikipedia
Festival highlights
A highlight is the Mande Gangan Grand March, featuring nursery school children, music groups, brass bands, and floats.
The Marugame Basara Dance, with dance groups and teams, lion dance performances, and music and comedy stages are also held.
At the Citizens’ Plaza, visitors can enjoy a local products fair featuring specialties from sister cities and local food.
Source: 第７７回丸亀お城まつり あすから２日間 踊りに笑いに音楽に | ニュース | COOL KAGAWA | 四国新聞社が提供する香川の観光情報サイト
A castle-town celebration of parades, dance, and local flavors at Marugame Castle
What to expect
The festival begins with an opening ceremony, followed by a grand march and parade. Stages throughout the venue feature music, taiko drumming, dance, street performances, and more.
Oshiro Village opens within the castle grounds, with samurai processions, live performances, a flea market, a giant maze, and hands-on events at the stone wall restoration site.
Lion dance performances and a comedy stage, among other events, are scheduled for the final day.
How to take part
Visitors can watch the event.
参加費：無料
Location and access
- Venue and address
Around Marugame Castle (Ichibancho, Marugame, Kagawa Prefecture).
In 2026, traffic restrictions were in place around the venue, and free shuttle buses ran between Rexxam Ball Park Marugame and JR Marugame Station.
- Train and bus
About a 15-minute walk from JR Marugame Station.
- By car
From the Sakaide IC or Zentsuji IC on the Takamatsu Expressway, head toward Marugame via National Route 11.
- Parking
Free parking and city-operated paid parking are available. In 2026, school sports grounds and other locations were opened as free parking areas.
Source: 交通アクセス - 丸亀城 - 丸亀市公式ホームページ
Address Ichibancho, Marugame City, Kagawa Prefecture
Dates and season
2026 Event Information (the listed dates have passed)
The 2026 Marugame Oshiro Festival was held on May 3 and the 4th.
The venue is around Marugame Castle. On the 3rd, events included the opening ceremony for Oshiro Village and a parade; on the 4th, there were lion dance performances and a comedy stage, among other events.
It is usually held on May 3 and the 4th during Golden Week.
Source: 丸亀お城まつり - 丸亀城 - 丸亀市公式ホームページ
Accommodation and hotels PR
Showing nearby accommodation.
Prices and availability are current at the time of retrieval. For multi-night stays, only the first night’s price is shown. Confirm the final price and directions to the venue with the booking provider. Select your dates again when using the area search link. Search area: within 3 km of Central Kagawa Prefecture / Marugame City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Tips for your visit
In 2026, traffic restrictions were in place around the venue, and parking was limited.
If visiting by car, check the locations of temporary free parking areas and city-operated parking lots. Public transport and shuttle buses are recommended to avoid congestion.
Free shuttle buses and community buses may be full, so you might not be able to board. To be on the safe side, allow plenty of time for your visit.
Nearby attractions
中津万象園
香川県丸亀市にある日本庭園
丸亀城
香川県丸亀市にある城
丸亀市猪熊弦一郎現代美術館
香川県丸亀市にある美術館
丸亀市立資料館
香川県丸亀市の丸亀城内にある資料館
丸亀平井美術館
香川県丸亀市にある美術館
Origins and History of Marugame Oshiro Festival
The first Marugame Oshiro Festival was held in 1950, when the dismantling and restoration work on Marugame Castle’s keep was completed and the keep was designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
Since then, the festival has continued as an event involving local groups and residents, with the ruins of Marugame Castle and the surrounding old castle town as its setting.
Today, the festival brings together parades, dance, music, a local products fair, and more.
Official information
Official information is available on the Marugame Oshiro Festival official website.
You can also visit the official site from the Marugame Castle events page on the Marugame City official website.
Marugame Oshiro Festival at a Glance
The Marugame Oshiro Festival is a local festival set against the backdrop of Marugame Castle and its old castle town, where visitors can enjoy parades, taiko drumming, music, dance, lion dances, and a local products fair.
In 2026, it was held on May 3 and the 4th, featuring the Grand March, Basara Dance, Oshiro Village, and more.
The area around the venue gets crowded and traffic restrictions are in place, so it is convenient to travel by train or shuttle bus.
Japanese Festivals.jp Editorial Team
Celebrating local culture and helping you discover a side of Japan you never knew.
Article updated: 2026/10/19
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