Every year, Shimabara Castle hosts the “Spring Festival” to coincide with the cherry blossoms at their best.

In late March, many visitors come to capture Shimabara Castle and cherry blossoms in the same shot, making the area lively and bustling.

A variety of vendors line up at Shimabara Castle, including food trucks and a craft market.

Shimabara Castle Spring Festival 2026

Food trucks and market stalls will be there too!

This year features performances by the Shimabara Castle 70,000-koku Samurai Squad, the Shimabara 70,000-koku Dance, and the first-ever “Oiran Procession” to be held in Shimabara.

Shimabara Castle Spring Festival 2026 Overview (*Held in light rain; canceled in severe weather)

● Date & Time
Friday, March 20, 2026 (National Holiday) 10:00–15:00

● Venue
Shimabara Castle: In front of the West Turret Plaza & the south-side parking lot

Featured Events & Timeline

* In case of rain: Video Hall (1F), Tourism Reconstruction Memorial Hall

11:00–
・Shimabara 70,000-koku Dance

11:30–
・Shimabara Castle 70,000-koku Samurai Squad Performance

13:00–
・Shimabara Castle 70,000-koku Samurai Squad Performance

13:30–
・Oiran Procession (Hosted by: Shimabara Japanese Culture Creation Festival Executive Committee)

Food Trucks & Market Stalls 10:00–15:00

・Honda Mokuro Industry (Japanese candle painting workshop; Japanese candle sales)

・Komorebi (Crepes)

・Big Mama (Hot dogs)

・Little Kitchen (Long fries, yakisoba, skewers)

・Waimo Oimoya (Roasted sweet potatoes)

・Karaage Takachan (Fried chicken)