Hakone Daimyō Procession

Origin

The procession recalls *sankin-kōtai*, the system of alternate attendance formalised by the third Tokugawa shōgun, Iemitsu. Each daimyō — a regional lord — left his wife and children in Edo as surety and travelled between Edo and his own domain every other year, with his retainers marching behind him. That column was the *daimyō gyōretsu*. Hakone-Yumoto’s version began in 1935, for a hot-spring exposition held in the town, and has been held every 3 November since 1954. The size of a real procession was fixed by the lord’s rice income; this one follows the rank of the Odawara domain, rated at 113,000 *koku*.

What to look for

To the cry of “Shita ni — shita ni” (“Down — get down”), the column makes its way about two kilometres through the hot-spring town. It halts at set points along the route to perform.

How to watch

While the procession crosses a bridge, the bridge is closed to pedestrians as well. Drones may not be brought in or flown.

If you go

A single day, 3 November (Culture Day), and a daytime event. The first performance is near Hakone-Yumoto station in the morning; from late morning into the afternoon the procession works its way through the town and along Route 1. Roads around it close or run single-lane that day and Route 1 jams badly, so come by train — Hakone-Yumoto station sits right on the route.

Where

Hakone-Yumoto hot-spring town

Hakone, Kanagawa

Sources

• Hakone-Yumoto Tourist Association, 73rd Hakone Daimyō Procession (2026)
• Hakone-Yumoto Tourist Association, 2026 route map, stating the 3 November rule
• Hakone-Yumoto Tourist Association, 2026 traffic restrictions