The festival features a succession of historical scenes reminiscent of the feudal era, including a parade of gorgeous floats, a brave festival music that echoes through the city, and an old-fashioned portable shrine procession guarded by about 200 warriors and Shinto priests.

With a history of over 260 years, this festival was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2016 as one of Japan's “Yama, Hoko, Yatai events.

The floats that operate at the Shinjo Festival are unique in that they are rebuilt every year, with the best floats being displayed at the Furusato History Center and Yumeria, while the remaining floats are all torn down.

Since the year's floats can only be seen during the festival, visitors can enjoy a fresh impression no matter how many times they visit the festival.

Other events such as the traditional portable shrine procession and the Shikako Odori dance performed at the Shinjo castle ruins are also held, and the entire city is filled with excitement during the festival period.