Hometown of Japan’s famous samurai police force: Shinsengumi. Enjoy the Hino Shinsengumi Festival and more.

Shinsengumi (新撰組) was an active samurai police force in Japan in the late 1800s. Many famous historical figures and swordsmen were part of the group, which remains popular even now. Prominent members include Isami Kondo (近藤勇), Toshizo Hijikata (土方歳三), and Soji Okita (沖田総司). Shinsengumi is known for their role in Kyoto, but they originated in Tokyo. A Shinsengumi festival is held every year in Hino-shi, the birthplace of Toshizo Hijikata. Let’s talk about some Shinsengumi-related spots in Hino-shi. Come by and experience Japan’s samurai history.

※Pictures are from previous years and may differ from 2024.

In remembrance of Toshizo Hijikata: Hino Shinsengumi Festival. 2024 dates are May 11th and 12th.

Vice leader of Shinsengumi, Toshizo Hijikata, was born in Hino-shi. Every year, the Shinsengumi Festival is held around his death anniversary (May 11th). Shinsengumi originated from a group that was formed to provide security for the Shogun (将軍, military leader) at the time. Most members of the group were from Hino-shi and other neighboring areas, and Toshizo Hijikata was one of them. The festival is based around him and several Shinsengumi-related events are held. From contests to stamp rallies, there are many kinds of events, so it’s great for families and friend groups. One of the main events is the Shinsengumi parade. People wear Shinsengumi’s trademark light blue clothing and walk the streets. There are even sword performances that are as thrilling as the real thing.

Festival duration	May 11th, 2024 (Saturday) – May 12th, 2024 (Sunday) Parade: May 12th, 2024 (Sunday) Around 7:00AM – Around 5:00PM
Access	(To Takahata-Fudo Station) Tachikawa Washington Hotel: 9-min. walk from Tachikawa-Minami Station by Tama Monorail
URL	https://translation2.j-server.com/LUCHINO/ns/tl.cgi/https://www.city.hino.lg.jp/?SLANG=ja&TLANG=en&XMODE=0&XCHARSET=utf-8&XJSID=0

Toshizo Hijikata’s temple, Takahata Fudoson, has several Shinsengumi spots

Takahata Fudoson (高幡不動尊) is a renowned temple that was built in the Heian period (794-1185). A couple of its buildings are registered as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. One of its buildings is relatively new, but you can still feel the history of the place. This temple is known to be the resting place of Toshizo Hijikata’s spirit, so it is one of the special venues for the Shinsengumi Festival. Come and see participants dressed like Shinsengumi members gather in front of a statue of Toshizo Hijikata. There are various other Shinsengumi memorabilia and documents, so come take a look if you’re a Shinsengumi fan or a history buff.

Address	699 Takahata, Hino-shi, Tokyo
Access	Tachikawa Washington Hotel: 5-min. walk from Takahata-Fudo Station which is a 9-min. monorail ride from Tachikawa-Minami Station
URL	https://www.takahatafudoson.or.jp/en

Go back in time to the late 1800s at Hinoujuku Honjin

The only remaining building in Tokyo that was built during the Edo period (1603-1868). During the Edo period, there were several Shukuba (宿場) which were similar to hotels. Honjin (本陣) were special places reserved for high-class people. Hinojuku Honjin belonged to Toshizo Hijikata’s brother-in-law. The building, built in 1864, still stands today. You’ll feel like you traveled back in time when you visit. The Sato Hikogoro Shinsengumi Museum next door has Shinsengumi memorabilia and other documents, so we recommend you visit both.

Museum hours	9:30AM – 5:00PM (Closed end of year, start of year, Mondays)
Address	2-15-9 Hino-honmachi, Hino-shi, Tokyo
アクセス	Tachikawa Washington Hotel: 8-min. walk from Hino Station on the Chuo Line which is a 3-min. ride from Tachikawa Station
URL	https://translation2.j-server.com/LUCHINO/ns/tl.cgi/https://www.city.hino.lg.jp/?SLANG=ja&TLANG=en&XMODE=0&XCHARSET=utf-8&XJSID=0