What is the Yamagata Hanagasa Festival?
The Yamagata Hanagasa Festival is one of the representative summer festivals of the Tohoku region, held every year from August 5 to 7 in Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture.
The festival is a traditional event characterized by dancers holding vivid hanagasa (flower hats with safflower patterns) and dancing to the chant "Yassho, Makasho!".
The festival started in 1963 and has grown into a large-scale parade with about 10,000 dancers participating today.
It is counted as one of the "Four Great Festivals of Tohoku" and attracts many visitors.
With its gorgeous, graceful dances and powerful group performances, it’s a perfect opportunity to experience Japanese culture!
This article introduces the attractions of the Yamagata Hanagasa Festival, how to enjoy it, and access information in detail.
Highlights of the Yamagata Hanagasa Festival
1. The spectacular hanagasa dance parade
The biggest highlight of the Yamagata Hanagasa Festival is the hanagasa dance parade held along the main streets of Yamagata City.
Seeing roughly 10,000 dancers holding hanagasa patterned after safflowers and performing synchronized choreography is truly breathtaking.
Features of the hanagasa dances
- Bold "kasa-mawashi" (hat-spinning) dances: Characterized by powerful movements, often performed mainly by men
- Graceful "nagashi" (flowing) dances: Slower, gentle choreography performed by women and children
- Distinctive group performances: Unique performances arranged by companies and groups
The chant "Yassho, Makasho!" rings out, and the entire venue is filled with excitement.
2. Join in — hanagasa dance experience for anyone
The Yamagata Hanagasa Festival offers a "walk-in participation area" where tourists can join in.
No advance registration is required; you can join on the day, so we recommend trying the dance yourself!
How to participate：
- Gather at the "tourist participation area" on the day of the festival
- Staff will teach you simple choreography
- Join the parade and dance together!
Beginners are very welcome! Grab a colorful hanagasa and become part of the festival.
3. Enjoy Yamagata's local gourmet food
During the festival, you can enjoy local specialty foods at food stalls and restaurants around Yamagata City.
Recommended local foods
- Yamagata specialty "hiyashi ramen" (a refreshing cold ramen perfect for hot summers)
- Imoni (a Yamagata regional stew — the savory combination of taro and beef is irresistible!)
- Tama-konnyaku (healthy skewered konnyaku simmered in a special soy-based sauce — popular festival street food)
- Cherry desserts (gelato, tarts and more made with Yamagata cherries)
Savor the local food while soaking up the festival atmosphere!
4. The magical atmosphere of the Hanagasa Festival at night
The Yamagata Hanagasa Festival starts around 6:00 PM and continues into the night.
The sight of dancers moving gracefully along streets lit by lanterns and spotlights creates a fantastical and romantic atmosphere.
At the festival climax, a powerful mass performance takes place, filling the venue with emotion!
Useful information for travelers
Access information
By train
- About 2 hours 30 minutes from Tokyo Station to Yamagata Station by Yamagata Shinkansen
- About 1 hour from Sendai Station to Yamagata Station by the JR Senzan Line
By car
- About 1 hour 30 minutes by car from Sendai City
- About 30 minutes by car from Yamagata Airport
- Temporary parking lots available (open only during the festival)
Venue & schedule
- Location: A straight course through central Yamagata City (Toka-machi, Hon-machi, Nanoka-machi streets to in front of Bunshokan)
- Dates: Every year August 5–7
- Time: Around 6:00 PM to 9:45 PM
Wi‑Fi
- Free Wi‑Fi is available around Yamagata Station and at the festival site
Language support
- Tourist pamphlets in English and Chinese are available (obtainable at the Yamagata City Tourist Information Center)
- Tourist information staff can handle basic English
Summary and FAQs
The Yamagata Hanagasa Festival is one of Tohoku’s representative summer festivals, known for its beautiful hanagasa dances and energetic chants.
With visitor participation corners and delicious local Yamagata food, it’s an excellent choice for a summer trip!
Frequently asked questions
Q: Where can I watch the Hanagasa Festival?
A: The parade runs along central Yamagata City on Nanoka-machi, Hon-machi, and Toka-machi streets. Viewing seats are also set up along the route.
Q: Do I need to register in advance to participate in the festival?
A: In the "tourist participation area" you can join as a walk-in, so no advance registration is required.
Q: What time is best to see the festival?
A: Around 7:00 PM–8:30 PM is the most spectacular! The combination of night lighting and the dances creates a magical effect.
Q: What is the origin of the Yamagata Hanagasa Festival?
A: It originally came from rice-planting dances that were performed in the Yamagata area. Later, with the development of the safflower industry, it evolved into the colorful hanagasa dances seen today.
Please visit the summer-highlighted Yamagata Hanagasa Festival and enjoy the thrilling festival atmosphere!
