festival

[Yamagata] Impressed by the bright flower hats! Let's go see the Yamagata Hanagasa Festival!

The Yamagata Hanagasa Festival is held every year for three days from August 5th to 7th near JR Yamagata Station. With a colorful Zao Daigongen float at the front, shouts of "Yatsusho, Makasho" can be heard. The sight of people in gorgeous costumes performing a variety of dances while the Hanagasa drums resonate loudly is a spectacular sight.
Counted as one of the four major festivals in the Tohoku region, the Yamagata Hanagasa Festival attracts a lot of attention, with attendance reaching one million people. What exactly is it like? We will explore its charms and highlights.

Yamagata Hanagasa Festival Schedule

The Yamagata Hanagasa Festival is usually scheduled to run from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM, but merchandise sales begin at 10:00 AM. Hanagasa, the symbol of the festival, are sold at this time, so if you're attending, be sure to buy one. It's sure to get you in the festive mood.
Also, the Yamagata Manabikan Tourism and Cultural Exchange Center is a great place to stop by, as they sell souvenirs and have exhibits. There are also
food stalls, so you don't have to worry about getting hungry.
Along with the main Hanagasa Parade, there is also a section where you can dance in a circle near the finish line until the lead group arrives, and a section where you can jump in and join in at the end of the parade, so even first-timers can have a great time.

Types of Dances at the Yamagata Hanagasa Festival

There are many different dances at the Yamagata Hanagasa Festival. Understanding the meaning of the dances will make watching them even more enjoyable

Fragrant Breeze Mogami River

This elegant and gorgeous Hanagasa Dance is inspired by the refreshing breeze blowing across the Mogami River and the swaying ears of rice. It is the main attraction of the Hanagasa Dance, so be sure to check it out

Zao Gyoko

This authentic Hanagasa dance expresses gratitude for the blessings of nature and features a heroic dance, and is sometimes called the men's dance because of its bravery

Hanagasa (flower hat) with a spinning hat

This is a dynamic Hanagasa dance from the Obanazawa style, the birthplace of Hanagasa dance

Creative flower hat

Each participant in the Hanagasa Festival puts their own unique touch to this dance, which is unique in its own way. Different dances are performed every year, so be sure to come and see them

How to participate in the Yamagata Hanagasa Festival

The Yamagata Hanagasa Festival is held about a 10-minute walk from JR Yamagata Station, making it easily accessible.
If you're wearing festival attire, such as a hanagasa or happi coat, you can join the Hanagasa Parade, so if you want to participate, be sure to purchase a hanagasa in advance. A regular one can be purchased for 2,700 yen. There are no bleacher seats, and all seating is unreserved, so you can sit wherever there is an available seat.

summary

The Yamagata Hanagasa Festival, one of the largest festivals in Yamagata Prefecture, is so colorful that just looking at it will brighten your heart. If you're planning a trip to Tohoku in early August, why not check it out?

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