Gifu City Industrial and Agricultural Festival - Gifu Nobunaga Festival - is the highlight of Gifu’s autumn. The father in law, Saito Dosan built Gifu Castle. Oda Nobunaga put a base in this castle and proceeded to unify Japan, which is celebrated in this festival. On the 1st Saturday and Sunday of November, an array of events are held around the heart of the city, Gifu Station.
The festival begins with a memorial service of Nobunaga at his burial site, Sofukuji Temple. Episodes related to Nobunaga and Gifu Castle are acted out on a stage in “Gifu Castle Sengoku Emaki.” In the “City Time Slip Event,” you can dress up as samurai general or town people and walk around the city. The whole city will be in a festive mood.
The highlight is the “Nobunaga’s Mounted Warrior Procession” on the 2nd day Nobunaga, Dosan, Dosan’s daughter and Nobunaga’s wife No Hime, Nobunaga’s sister Oichi no Kata, and other samurai warriors and musket troops with ancient rifles march around the heart of the city. It is a gorgeous walking history.
On the 1st Saturday and Sunday of April, “Dosan Festival sponsored by Gifu Festival” is held to honor Saito Dosan. Floats parade along the center of the city. This festival has been held more than 50 times and has a long history.
Highlights
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A fall festival held in the heart of Gifu City to honor Oda Nobunaga who helped develop Gifu.
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During the 2-day festival, various events are held around Gifu Station and along Yanagase Shopping Street.
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During the main event “Nobunaga’s Mounted Warrior Procession,” Nobunaga, Saito Dosan, samurai warriors, princesses, and musket troops will march around the town.
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Gifu City Farmer’s Festival is held in front of JR Gifu Station at the same time.
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In spring, Dosan Festival is also held to honor Saito Dosan.
