A Yamagata summer festival that began in 1963 as part of the Zao Summer Festival, held every year from August 5 to 7. Holding hanagasa (flower hats) decorated with safflower, the prefectural flower, about 9,800 dancers in 139 groups (per the official website) parade through central Yamagata to the chants of “Yassho, Makasho” and the beat of hanagasa drums.
PRKlookYamadera, Tendo Onsen & Ginzan Onsen Day Tour from SendaiVisit Yamadera, famous for its more than 1,000 stone steps, and retro Ginzan Onsen in one dayView on KlookPRKlookJR East Pass (Tohoku Area)Unlimited rides on JR East lines including the Shinkansen. Great for hopping between Tohoku’s summer festivalsView on KlookThe parade of dancers in matching costumes, twirling their hanagasa as they dance in unison, is pure splendor. Each group has its own dance style and formation, and the bold sound of the hanagasa drums adds to the excitement.
From the Tokamachi corner to the front of Bunshokan. From the official website
In front of City Hall near the finish. From the official FAQ
At the tail end of the parade. Free, no advance registration required. From the official website
All 3 festival days, around the venue. From the official FAQ
Times can change from year to year. Check the official website for the latest information.
PRKlookYamadera, Tendo Onsen & Ginzan Onsen Day Tour from SendaiVisit Yamadera, famous for its more than 1,000 stone steps, and retro Ginzan Onsen in one dayView on KlookPRKlookJR East Pass (Tohoku Area)Unlimited rides on JR East lines including the Shinkansen. Great for hopping between Tohoku’s summer festivalsView on KlookAccommodation in Yamagata City gets busy during the festival, so book early. Staying at Zao Onsen or Tendo Onsen is another option
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AquariumTohoku ・ Tsuruoka, Yamagata
An aquarium in Tsuruoka facing the Sea of Japan, known for its jellyfish exhibits. After a five-month closure, it reopened after renovation on April 1, 2026 under the nickname Tohoku Epson Aquarium Kamosui. It displays about 100 species of jellyfish.
ZooTohoku ・ Shiroishi, Miyagi
A facility in Shiroishi, Miyagi Prefecture, where you can see foxes. The foxes roam freely inside, and you walk among them. Admission is free for elementary school students and younger.
FebruaryTohoku ・ Kakunodate, Lake Tazawa & Nyuto Onsen
From 2026, held every year on the second Friday and Saturday of February (the Friday and Saturday just before the Bonden events; changed to the second Friday and Saturday on a trial basis through 2029)
2027: Feb 12 (Fri) & Feb 13 (Sat)
April–MayTohoku ・ Hirosaki
Usually late April to early May (timed to the cherry blossom season; April 10 – May 5 in 2026)
2027: Apr 16 (Fri) – May 5 (Wed, holiday), 20 days
May
AugustTohoku ・ Kakunodate, Lake Tazawa & Nyuto Onsen
Every year August 3–6 (night kanto on all 4 days; daytime kanto = Myogi Taikai skills competition on the 4th–6th)
AugustTohoku ・ Aomori & Hakkoda
Every year August 2–7 (eve festival on August 1; night parades August 2–6; daytime parade, evening sea parade and Aomori Fireworks Festival on the 7th)
August
AugustTohoku ・ Sendai & Matsushima
Every year August 6–8 (Sendai Tanabata Fireworks Festival as the eve event on August 5)
December–FebruaryTohoku ・ Yamagata, Zao & Yamadera
The light-up is usually held on selected days from late December to late February (36 days between December 27 and February 22 in the 2025–2026 season). The best season for the snow monsters is late January to late February
DecemberDates, times and access are based on official and other primary sources. Only dates confirmed by official sources are shown as “Confirmed dates”; otherwise the usual timing is given.
Last checked: 2026-10-02
