CULTURAL CONNECTION

SHINGEN-KO SAMURAI FESTIVAL

SAT • 9 APR

Every year the city of Kofu holds a festival that celebrates the legacy of Takeda Shingen, the feudal lord of present day Kofu. Shingen-ko, the biggest event in the Yamanashi prefecture takes place over three days every year on the weekend before April 12th, the anniversary of Takeda Shingen’s death. The highlight of the festival is the “Koshu Battalion Deployment”, a reenactment of about 1,600 armored samurais and 24 commanders led by a famous actor portraying Takeda Shingen down the streets of Kofu. Takeda Shingen was an exceptional military strategist, and was admired by his followers and rivals. His cavalry was said to have been the strongest in the 16th century Sengoku Period. This period was known as the “Age of Warring States”, a very turbulent and violent time for Japan as rivaling warlords fought for control. Experience a festival that was deemed by Guinness World Records as the largest samurai gathering in the world and commemorate the life a warrior who’s still celebrated half a millennium later.

COST BY AGE GROUP;

$35 (4 & Up) If Child Three Or Younger Will Occupy A Seat, the Above Price Applies.

For updates on all things ITT, visit /YokotaITT. For detailed information on ITT’s upcoming tours, visit YokotaFSS.com/ITT. 227-7083 • Bldg. 327