Samurai, warriors, dancing girls, marching bands, and — shita ni! Bow your head! — the daimyo himself are the main draws of the Hakone Daimyo March (gyoretsu in Japanese).
What happens?
This is a parade recreating a feudal Japanese sankin kotai, or daimyo journey. This is definitely one for the history-lovers or anyone who enjoys pomp and ceremony; there will be between 100 to 200 participants in period costumes dressed as samurai, geisha, Yakko warriors, workers, and princesses to commemorate the daimyo’s journey through Hakone along the old Tōkaidō road (the major Edo-era route from Kyoto to Tokyo). There will also be marching bands, demonstrations of feudal activities, and dance performances to check out along the way.
Schedule 2023
The schedule has been released. The procession will begin at Hotel Nanpuso at 11:30 a.m. and pass through the Teiseien area at around noon, before making its way along the road to Hakone Yumoto Station at around 2:10 p.m. The procession finishes at Yumoto Fujiya Hotel around 2:45 p.m.
How to get there
The nearest station is Hakone Yumoto, and it is recommended that you take the train and walk to the venue from the station, as many of the roads are closed for the parade. After a long day digging up history, soak your body and soul in one of the town’s many onsen.
