Written by JC Team
Don’t miss the dance parade of the summer at the Yamagata Hanagasa Festival.
What happens?
The Yamagata Hanagasa Festival transforms Yamagata’s main street into a colorful parade featuring over 10,000 dancers adorned in splendid costumes and waving hats decorated with safflowers.
The event begins each evening at around 6 p.m. and concludes around 9:45 p.m.
The festival highlights include traditional Hanagasa Ondo music, bold taiko drums, and the iconic chant “Yassho makkasho.”
Each night, the parade ends with a segment where the audience can join in the dancing, making for an interactive and immersive cultural experience. With around one million spectators each year, this festival is a highlight of the summer in Tōhoku.
Schedule
The festival takes place from August 5 to August 7 each year.
Tickets 2025
For the first time in six years, paid viewing seats will be available in front of Yamagata City Hall. Limited to 382 reserved seats over three days (August 5–7), tickets cost ¥3,500. Applications are open from May 1 to August 7, 2025 (or until sold out). Purchase here.
How to get there
From Tokyo Station, take the Yamagata Shinkansen until Yamagata Station (around 2 hours and 45 minutes). The festival location is about a 10-minute walk from Yamagata Station.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.