In April each year, as part of the Dento City cherry blossom festival, there is a shogi (a chess like strategy game) tournament with a difference. Instead of using normal or even over sized pieces, all the pieces are actual humans – many dressed in character and of course in the respective colours.
Professional Shogi players are invited to rally their human armies in a mighty battle. Well, kind of.
The venue is a flat square on the peak of Mt. Maizuru – an easy 20 minute walk from Tendo Station.
Shogi is obviously a big deal in Tendo – they also have a shogi museum.
Late
Apr
Human Shogi Festival
Free
Get the best Japan Cheapo hacks direct to your inbox
Related Events
-
![]()
Tightrope Lion Dance
One of Japan’s more unusual festivals, here you can watch brave performers balance on a tightrope strung across a 10m-wide valley while wearing a heavy headdress. Held in the grounds of Isenomori Shrine and surrounded by cherry blossom, it’s a […]
12:30pmFree -
![Crowds on the beach during fireworks]()
Hanabi Illusion 2020
Japan's earliest 'summer fireworks festival' takes place in Okinawa in April!
3:00pm – 12:00am -
![]()
Kawanishi Genji Festival
As a preventative measure against the spread of COVID-19, this event has been cancelled for 2020. This festival celebrates the classic work of Japanese literature Tale of Genji, by 11th century author Murasaki Shikibu. A parade will feature various characters […]
10:00am – 3:30pmFree -
![takayama-matsuri]()
Takayama Spring Festival
The Takayama Spring Festival/Sanno Matsuri takes place at Hie Shrine in Takayama City, Gifu – not to be confused with the festival and shrine of the same name in Tokyo. The festival features processions of large wheeled floats, mikoshi (shoulder […]
Free
