A spring festival in Gifu where Nohime takes center stage and history comes alive through activities
Nohime Festival
The 2026 edition of Nohime Festival has ended.
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Dates
- 2026/03/15 〜 2026/05/03Ended
- Season / frequency
- Every year
- Location
- Masa 21 (Masa Square), Yanagase Shopping Street (Hinodecho and Hondori), and Gifu Park (including Gifu Castle Rakuichi)
- Area
- Gifu Prefecture・Gifu City(From Tokyo: approx. 2 h–2 h 30 min · bullet train + connecting train)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.
- Highlights and activities
- Participation / viewing
- Open to public participation / spectators welcome
- Participation fee
- Free admission
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
A Gifu City festival centered on Nohime (Kicho), with a period procession, puzzle-solving, stage performances, and local booths.
About Nohime Festival
The Nohime Festival is a festival in Gifu City that began with Oda Nobunaga’s wife, Nohime (Kicho), as its central figure, with the aim of creating a place where women can shine.
It started in November 2019 and now incorporates gender-free ideas, continuing to evolve into an event where diverse people and cultures can express their individuality.
It is run by an organizing committee made up mainly of students, and introduces Gifu’s history and local attractions through contemporary activities.
Source: 濃姫まつりとは｜濃姫まつり公式サイト
Festival highlights
Highlights include a period procession recreating Nohime’s wedding journey and activities that let visitors enjoy history while taking part.
At Gifu Park, the program is scheduled to include the Nohime Wedding Procession, puzzle-solving, candy tossing, stage performances, and meet-and-greet events.
Each venue also has booths such as food trucks, handmade goods, goshuin stamps, and original products, offering a chance to enjoy both history and local activities.
Source: 5/3(日)「濃姫まつり 参ノ巻～舞～」が岐阜公園で開催！｜お知らせ｜岐阜県観光公式サイト 「岐阜の旅ガイド」
A spring festival in Gifu where Nohime takes center stage and history comes alive through activities
What to expect
In 2026, the festival is set up as a series of visits to 3 venues: Masa 21, Yanagase Shopping Street, and Gifu Park.
At the venues, you can watch stage performances and activities related to Nohime, take part in puzzle-solving and candy tossing, and enjoy shopping and crafts at booths.
Gifu Park offers different hands-on activities, including a sword experience wearing a jinbaori, accessory making, and bath-bomb making.
Source: よくあるご質問（FAQ）｜濃姫まつり公式サイト / 帰蝶楽座(ブース)｜濃姫まつり公式サイト
How to take part
Admission is free, and no reservation is required to visit.
You can take part by checking out the activities at the venue and visiting the booths.
There are activities visitors can enjoy, such as puzzle-solving and hands-on booths, but participation requirements vary by activity and venue, so please follow the information provided on the day.
General visitors can enter without a reservation.
The 2026 venue was advertised as offering activities such as puzzle-solving, sword experiences, hands-on craft workshops, and shopping.
Those participating as staff must attend a staff briefing held in advance.
Please check at the venue how to sign up and what the participation requirements are for each activity.
Location and access
- Venue and address
Masa 21 (Masa Square), Yanagase Shopping Street (Hinodecho and Hondori), and Gifu Park (including Gifu Castle Rakuichi).
All venues are in Gifu City.
- Train and bus
Each venue has a nearby Gifu Bus stop.
- Parking
As parking is limited, visitors are encouraged to use public transportation.
Event venue 岐阜県岐阜市 マーサ21
This map uses the venue name. Check the official guide for the event area and entrances.
Dates and season
2026 Festival Information (the listed dates have passed)
The 2026 festival was announced as scheduled to take place at 3 venues.
Part 1: Light takes place at Masa 21 on March 15; Part 2: Colors takes place at Yanagase Shopping Street on April 4 and 5; and Part 3: Dance takes place at Gifu Park on May 3.
The hours are 9:50 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Masa 21 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the other 2 venues.
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 Gifu Prefecture / Gifu City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Tips for your visit
The Masa 21 and Yanagase venues have rainy-weather arrangements, but visitors need to inquire about severe weather at the Gifu Park venue.
As parking is limited, visitors are encouraged to use public transportation.
Some activities prohibit photography, and restrictions may apply to food and drink or bringing pets, depending on the venue. Please follow the instructions of staff on site.
Nearby attractions
三甲美術館
岐阜県岐阜市にある美術館
加藤栄三・東一記念美術館
岐阜県岐阜市にある美術館
写真：Douggers at English Wikipedia / CC BY 2.5
Photo source ·
名和昆虫博物館
岐阜県岐阜市にある博物館
奥の細道むすびの地記念館
日本の岐阜県大垣市にある記念館
岐阜公園
岐阜市の公園
写真：Douggers at English Wikipedia / CC BY 2.5
Photo source ·
岐阜市歴史博物館
岐阜県の博物館・美術館のスポットです。
写真：Douggers at English Wikipedia / CC BY 2.5
Photo source ·
岐阜市科学館
岐阜県の博物館・美術館のスポットです。
岐阜県美術館
岐阜県の博物館・美術館のスポットです。
水の資料館
岐阜県岐阜市にある上水道に関する資料館
金神社
岐阜市にある神社
鵜飼資料園
岐阜県岐阜市にある長良川鵜飼に関する資料館
Origins and History of Nohime Festival
The Nohime Festival was planned as an event that puts a woman at the center, in contrast to Gifu City festivals that have traditionally focused on male warlords.
The first festival was held on November 23, 2019, and from the second festival onward, it shifted to being held in March from 2021 onward.
Today, it continues to evolve with a view toward 2035, the 500th anniversary of Nohime’s birth, aiming to revitalize the community and encourage participation by people from diverse backgrounds.
Source: 濃姫まつり - Wikipedia
Official information
The official Nohime Festival website provides information on dates, venues, activities, and frequently asked questions about participation.
In 2026, the festival has 3 venues: Masa 21, Yanagase Shopping Street, and Gifu Park.
It also lists points to check before visiting, including rainy-weather arrangements, photography, food and drink, and parking.
Nohime Festival at a Glance
The Nohime Festival combines Gifu’s history, centered on Nohime, with contemporary activities.
In 2026, it was held at 3 venues in spring, offering a wedding procession, stage performances, a puzzle-solving activity, booths, and hands-on crafts.
Admission is free and no reservation is required, but rules for things like rainy weather, photography, and food and drink vary by venue, so check the information for the venue you plan to visit before setting out.
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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