Nankou Musha Gyouretsu (楠公武者行列)

Can you believe that historical cavalry warriors are in the city?

Minatogawa Shrine,KOBE Hyogo  Sunday 25,May,2025

Historical parade Remembering the medieval Japan(13th-16th century)

You can view parade of medieval SAMURAI and Mikoshi (portable shrine)

Minatogawa Jinja

The Minatogawa Jinja was founded in 1872 upon the order of Emperor Meiji,dedicating to the spirit of KUSUNOKI MASASHIGE(1294-1336) ,who was the most respected warlord In Japanese history.

KUSUNOKI MASASHIGE

KUSUNOKI MASASHIGE was a wonderful warlord who combined courage and wisdom, and valued honor and humanity. He is the most respected SAMURAI warlord and has been a role model and lemotional support for the people in Japan. His bronze statue is erected in front of the imperial palace in TOKYO.

Parade

Nankou Musha Gyouretsu is a festival held once every few years, and this is the first time it has been held in seven years.It is a large procession through the city of Kobe. Participants dress up in costumes of historical figures from Japan. There are about 400 participants, and the entire procession is 700 meters long, and it takes 30 minutes to watch the whole procession pass by.

Group1  Zenjin Musha Retsu(前陣武者列)

The first group in the parade was a procession of KUSUNOKI MASASHIGE and horse-riding warriors wearing armor. They fought bravely alongside Kusunoki Masashige in the Battle of Minatogawa at 1336. The costumes were made in 1935 and are faithful reproductions of those worn at the time.

Group2&3 Jinkouretsu Honsya and Kannabijinja(神幸列 本社・甘南備神社)

The parade’s 2nd and 3rd group is the most important in terms of Shinto rituals. A large number of attendants accompany and carry two mikoshi (portable shrines) that contain the spirits of KUSUNOKI MASASIGE  and his wife. Minatogawa Shrine is dedicated to the spirits of this married couple , who normally reside in the shrine. However, during this parade they are able to travel through the city in the mikoshi. And there is a marching band playing drums and flutes and some cute kids putting on historical costumes

Hours and Fees

Departs at 10am and arrives at 1:30pm on Sunday,May,25,2025

Free admission for you are watch this parade.

Getting there and around

The procession departs from the Minatogawa Shrine , travels along KOBE Harbor Land and Minatogawa Park , and finally terminates at Minatogawa Shrine.

The entire route of the parade stretches about five kilometers. Crowds become most dense  on the approach to Minatogawa shrine, where spectators want to arrive early to get a good spot. The parade route,KOBE Harbor Land and Minatogawa Park are free viewing areas.

Access By Public Transportation

JR Kobe Line [JR Kobe station]  →walk 3min

Kobe City Subway Yamanote Line [Ookurayama station] → walk 5min

Kobe City Subway Kaigan Line [Harborland station] → walk 5min

Sinkansen JR Shin-kobe Station →Kobe City Subway Yamanote Line 10min [Ookurayama station] → walk 5min