©Taketa City Tourism Association
Selected as one of the 100 Best Sites of Cherry Blossoms in Japan, the Oka Castle Ruins are home to approximately 450 cherry trees, including Yoshino cherry and double cherry, that beautifully decorate the expansive grounds.
The highlight of the festival is the “feudal lord’s procession” that the parade from Oka Castle Ruins through the castle town of Taketa, which is modeled after the one in the Edo period. (1603-1868). In those days, such processions took place nationwide when feudal lords and their servants fulfilled their obligation to journey to the capital Edo every two years to make their official visits to the Shogun. Usually quite large and opulent, the processions showcased each lord’s power and dignity.
Today, the characters participating in the parade in traditional dress includes samurai, princesses, the feudal lord, and many other courtesans. Visitors are also treated to an impressive display of martial arts by a gun corps using matchlocks.
