The Nagoya Festival, held over a weekend in mid-October, is the city’s biggest annual celebration, and its heart is the Three Heroes procession: costumed riders portraying Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu — the three unifiers of Japan, all born in what is now Aichi — lead some 600 participants in samurai armour through the streets between Nagoya Station and Sakae. Around the parade swirl historic karakuri mechanical-puppet floats, flower cars, marching bands and neighbourhood dance troupes, and many of the city’s museums and gardens open free for the weekend.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Central Nagoya (Station–Sakae), Aichi |
| Hours | Mid-October weekend; parades mainly Sat–Sun afternoons |
| Admission | Free to watch |
| Time needed | Half day |
| Best time | The Sunday grand parade |
What to See
- The Three Heroes procession, 600 marchers in samurai armour.
- Historic karakuri puppet floats from the city’s guild districts.
- Flower cars, brass bands and neighbourhood dance troupes.
- Free-entry weekend at many Nagoya museums and gardens.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Nagoya Castle , often free that weekend.
- Pair with Nagoya meshi between parades.
- Read our Aichi overview .
Getting There
- By subway: the parade route runs between Nagoya Station and Sakae; any central station works.
- Viewing: the Otsu-dori and Sakae stretches offer the widest pavements.
Tips
Check the parade timetable in advance and stake out a spot along Otsu-dori half an hour early — the Three Heroes pass quickly and the armour is worth seeing up close. The festival weekend also opens many paid sights free, so plan an ambitious sightseeing day around the parade hours.
