Kenshin Kōsai — Battle of Kawanakajima
The last edition has finished and the organiser has not yet published dates for the next one. Going by previous years, expect it around late August 2027 — but that is our projection, not an announcement, and nothing is settled until the organiser publishes the dates. Please confirm with the organiser before you travel.
About
The 101st Kenshin Kosai honours Uesugi Kenshin, the 'Dragon of Echigo', at the foot of Kasugayama, his mountain castle. Held every year since 1926 without a single interruption - through war and reconstruction - the festival culminates as dusk falls, when the Uesugi and Takeda armies re-fight Kawanakajima, the most storied duel of the Sengoku age, by the light of bonfires.
Historical background on Wikipedia
Programme
The programme for the next edition hasn’t been published yet. It goes up here as soon as the organiser releases it.
Getting there
Kasugayama Station (Echigo Tokimeki Railway), 5-20 minutes on foot to the venues; shuttle buses circulate on both main days (JPY100). Roads close and parking is scarce - go by rail. Free to attend.
Links
Official
Official festival pageTourism board
Niigata tourism listingStay nearby
Book a hotel in JōetsuGetting there
Getting there - JR EastKit and gear
Samurai armour & kit - TozandoSome links on this page are partner links. If you book or buy through them, The Muster may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It never affects which events we list or what we say about them.