Yakko Procession

A traditional procession introducing yakko parades passed down by preservation associations, set against the castle town of Tsuwano.

About Yakko Procession

The Yakko Procession is an event connected with the yakko parades passed down in Tsuwano Town.

Tsuwano has 3 yakko parades recreating daimyo processions and Tenjin processions, and there are also preservation associations in the Nichihara and Aohara districts of the Ogawa area.

Watching the procession move through the castle town streets offers a glimpse of traditional performing arts passed down in the community.

Source: 『津和野奴道中３団体共演』終了 | 津和野町

Festival highlights

A highlight is watching the yakko parade make its way through the streets of the castle town.

In a past joint performance, the 3 yakko groups from the Ogawa, Nichihara, and Aohara districts gathered together, drawing people who watched the traditional performing arts from along the route.

Another distinctive feature was that the event unfolded amid Tsuwano’s townscape, including Tonomachi Street, Honmachi Street, and Ekimae Street.

A traditional procession bringing yakko parades passed down in Tsuwano’s castle town to the streets

What to expect

In a past joint performance, the yakko parade groups made their way through the castle town at different times.

Ogawa Yakko set off from near the Tsuwano Public Works Office, passing in front of the police station, Ohashi Bridge, Tonomachi Street, Honmachi Street, and Teppōchō Street before heading to Ekimae Street.

Aohara Yakko and Nichihara Yakko proceeded from Tonomachi Street along Honmachi Street, through the station rotary, and on to Ekimae Street.

How to take part

The Yakko Procession is primarily a traditional performing art carried on by preservation associations and watched from along the route.

In a past joint performance, the Yakko Procession Preservation Association, Nichihara Yakko Preservation Association, and Aohara Yakko Preservation Association took part.

The conditions for members of the public to join the procession itself have not been confirmed, so anyone wishing to participate should check with the organizers.

Location and access

Venue and address

In past joint performances, the procession passed through Tsuwano’s castle town.

The specific route ran from near the Tsuwano Civil Engineering Office to Ekimae-dori, or from Tonomachi-dori to Ekimae-dori.

Event venue 島根県津和野町津和野の城下町

This map uses the venue name. Check the official guide for the event area and entrances.

Open in Google Maps

Travel by taxi PRFind a taxi or private transfer for your journey.Find a taxi on Kiwitaxi Long-distance buses are another option PRFind routes and fares from your departure point to your destination.Find highway buses on Rakuten Travel

Tips for your visit

The procession moves along the streets of the castle town rather than taking place within a fixed venue.

When watching, please view the procession from along the route without obstructing it, and be considerate of pedestrians and other spectators.

Event times, procession routes, traffic restrictions, and other details may vary by year, so please check before visiting.

Accommodation and hotels PR

写真：そらみみ / CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo source ·

Facility data source

Origins and History of Yakko Procession

Based on the information available, in 2017 the yakko parades from the Ogawa, Nichihara, and Aohara districts made their way through Tsuwano’s castle town as part of an event commemorating 400 years since the Kamei family entered the castle.

It was said to be the first time that all 3 yakko parades had gathered together in the town.

The procession is carried on by each preservation association.

Official information

The official Tsuwano Town website introduces the preservation associations involved in the yakko parades and routes taken by past processions.

The phone number for the Tsuwano Town Board of Education is also listed as a contact.

Check the latest announcements from Tsuwano Town for information about the 2026 event.