Himeji Oshiro Matsuri (Castle Festival) held in August every year is the most important summer festival for people in Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture. It is held to give tribute to the predecessors who constructed the castle and the town of Himeji.

The Castle Festival begins with “Takigi-Noh”, a Noh play performed outdoors in the light of bonfire at night against the background of the lit-up castle. The main event, Big Parade, starts the next day followed by an introduction of the selected “Queen of Himeji Castle.” Then about 2000 citizens come together to dance the “So-Odori” to the music of Banshu-ondo, which is the highlight of the festival.

In the evening, the “Sen-hime Wedding Procession” is held by the people in historical costumes. This is the reenactment of the wedding procession held when Princess Sen-hime, a granddaughter of Tokugawa Ieyasu, got married to Honda Tadatoki, the lord of the Himeji domain. With Queen of Himeji Castle acting the role of Sen-hime, a gorgeous historical drama is reenacted.