The 32th Overnight Castle Festival was held on 16 October in Ishigakiyama overnight Castle Historical Park. Place of the event has historical value, because in 1590 Mt. Ishigaki was conquered by Toyotomi Hideyoshi with army of 150,000 soldiers. Construction of the castle was built very rapidly, what surprised enemies. Today, the only remained are the castle’s ruins, but place is called ‘Ishigakiyama overnight Castle Historical Park’ to memorialize this historical event.

The most of the events in Odawara are organized in Odawara Castle Park. When I had known, that this one takes place somewhere else I was very glad to visit some new, unknown spot. Ishigakiyama overnight Castle Historical Park is placed far away from center of the town, but on the day of event, organizers provided shuttle buses bound for the park. Before I reached to the main square, I had walked around parking area. On the hill there is beautifully located great cafe called ‘Yoroizuka Farm’, that is prestigious restaurant, famous for fresh and delicious bakings. People formed a long queque and had been waiting for a long time to get into the shop. Close to the cafe, there is pedestrian full of flowers, that leads to the vantage point, from where you can watch the view of a downtown.

Ishigakiyama overnight Castle Historical Park is hidden behind the lush forest and you can easily feel there mysterious atmosphere of historical events. On the festival there were a lot of attractions, then everyone could find something to enjoy. There were many people dressed in rich decorated costumes, who seem to be the part of the army of 16th century. Regardless of age, everyone was really excited and impressed by costumes of theese people. ‘Soldiers’ were used to attracting people’s attention and they were welling to take pictures with everyone. On the main stage artists were giving many various kinds of peformances. Except of the spectacles about events from Sengoku period, and about tea ceremony, there was the japanese drums concert of children. However, my favourite one was the noh play. Unfortunately, I couldn’t understand all the words, but scenes of battles were great enough to be get impressed by this performance.

Summary

I recommend going on the ‘Overningt Castle Festival’ for all the people who like historical events. There were many stage performances, which had been changing rapidly, taht you couldn’t get bored there. In surroundings of Ishigakiyama overnight Castle Historical Park there are many forest roads, great for a walk, as a break during the festival. What do you think? Whould you like to enjoy it next year?

Weronika Golubska

Information

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* This article was written by a trainee from overseas. Please note that there might be spelling and grammar mistakes.