Written by JC Team
Gunma’s mascot mob descends on Maebashi again this fall for one of Japan’s biggest gatherings of gotōchi kyara, the regional character mascots that every corner of the country seems to field. Host duties fall, naturally, to Gunmachan, the prefecture’s pony-eared star.
What to expect
A plaza packed with mascots, from national names to obscure town characters, posing for photos and taking turns on stage through the day. Last year’s edition drew about 120 characters and some 48,000 visitors over the weekend; for 2026 the organizers are again calling for 100-plus mascots from around the country. Gunmachan will lead sing-and-dance segments, and an anime screening is planned.
Schedule
The carnival runs on Saturday and Sunday, September 26 and 27, 2026, at the Gunma Prefectural Government’s Kenmin Hiroba plaza and surrounding areas in Maebashi. It goes ahead in rain and is only called off in severe weather. Daily hours hadn’t been posted at the time of writing, so check the official site for the timetable closer to the date.
Tickets 2026
Entry is free. You’ll only spend on food and whatever mascot merch you can’t walk past.
How to get there
From Tokyo, the fastest way is to take the Jōetsu or Hokuriku Shinkansen to Takasaki (about 50 minutes), then the JR Ryōmō Line to Maebashi (about 15 minutes). From Maebashi Station it’s a short bus ride to the Kenchō-mae stop, or a 15–20-minute walk to the prefectural office.
Note that dates, opening hours and prices are subject to change, so make sure to check the official website before you go.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.
