This unique festival from the 1600s gets its name from the male participants wearing pointy straw coats. They are known as the Kasedori and are supposed to be spirit birds that bring prosperity and prevent fires. While dancing, they cry out “ka-ka” — because they’re birds of course.
See what else there is to do in Yamagata while you’re there.
What happens?
The festival takes place in the Yamagata Prefecture city of Kaminoyama. At the time that the festival takes place, there is a lot of snow and ice around — something to be aware of when arranging transport.
The festival begins in front of Kaminoyama Castle. While dancing, participants are showered with freezing cold water — which often turns to ice in the freezing temperatures. The dancers gradually move into the city where the water throwing continues and the sake consumption begins.
It’s believed that the festival brings prosperity and is a version of other New Year festivities in Japan, although the Kasedori Festival is wholly unique. The nighttime celebrations supposedly have some connection to the mizushobai — the adult entertainment business, although this connection may be more historical than current.
How to get there
Kaminoyama Castle, where the festival starts, is around a 15-minute walk from JR Kaminoyama Onsen Station, easily accessible by the Shinkansen. Tokyo Station to Kaminoyama Onsen Station takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes on the Yamagata Shinkansen.
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Use the Japan Rail Pass to get here.
