Experience the Magic of the Yamagata Hanagasa Festival : Wear Yukata, Enjoy Dance, and Feast in Yamagata!
- Craft Your Own Legacy:Wagashi & Mini-Hanagasa Workshop
Before the city erupts in dance, find your focus in a serene cultural workshop.
・Handmade Elegance:
Learn the delicate art of Wagashi (Japanese sweets) from a master artisan—a treat for both the eyes and the palate.
・Personalized Charm:
Create your very own Mini-Hanagasa as a special souvenir. - Backstage to Center Stage:Dance with the Pros
This is the "Only-with-This-Tour" experience that sets you apart from every other tourist.
・The Transformation:
Slip into an authentic Yukata, professionally fitted to make you look like a local star.
・The Grand Opening:
Join the exclusive opening ceremony!
You won’t just be in the crowd, you’ll be on the floor, dancing side-by-side with professional dancers.
Feel the adrenaline as you kick off the night’s festivities in front of thousands of cheering spectators. - VIP Comfort: Reserved SeatingExperience the best of both worlds—luxury viewing and active participation.
・The Best Seat in Town:
When you need a break, head to your VIP Reserved Seat. Enjoy a panoramic view of the 10,000-dancer parade with perfect comfort and prime photo opportunities.
4.Extra Magic for Our Guests
・The "Spirit of Hanagasa" Festival Fan (Uchiwa)
As a gift from us, everyone receives an original Hanagasa-themed Uchiwa (traditional fan).
・The "Hidden Yamagata" Mini-Walking Tour
While you wait for your professional Yukata fitting, we won’t let you waste a single minute!
Package Options
Product Info
Purchase Notice
Stay Hydrated & Beat the Heat
Japanese summers are famously hot and humid.
・Drink Water: Please drink water or sports drinks frequently, even if you don't feel thirsty.
・Use Your Fan: Use your complimentary Hanagasa Uchiwa to stay cool while waiting or watching the parade.
・Cooling Items: We recommend bringing a cooling neck towel or portable fan.
Walking in Yukata & Geta
Traditional attire is beautiful but requires a little extra care.
・Small Steps: When wearing a Yukata, take smaller steps than usual to keep the fabric from loosening.
・Geta (Sandals): If you are not used to wooden sandals, they may cause blisters. Bringing a pair of comfortable walking sandals or sneakers as a backup is highly recommended.
・Stairs: Be careful when climbing stairs; lift the hem of your Yukata slightly to avoid tripping.
Parade Etiquette
As an official participant, you are the face of the festival!
・Follow the Lead: During the dance ceremony, please follow the instructions of our staff and professional dancers.
・Stay in Formation: Keep a safe distance from other dancers to avoid bumping into each other.
・Smile & Energy: The most important rule—have fun and keep the "Yassho, Makasho!" spirit alive!
Valuables & Luggage
・Festivals are crowded. Please leave large suitcases on the bus and carry only a small bag (a traditional Kinchaku pouch goes perfectly with Yukata!).
・ Use the bus as your "base," but keep your passport and wallet on your person at all times.
Respect the Locals & Environment
・Please do not litter. Use designated trash bins at food stalls or bring your trash back to the bus.
・Smoking is only allowed in designated areas. Most festival streets are non-smoking zones.
【 Quick Checklist: What to Bring】
❶ Backup Shoes/Sandals (Crucial for long walking/dancing)
❷ Sunscreen & Hat (For the afternoon activities)
❸ Portable Battery (Your phone will be busy taking photos!)
❹ Small Towel (For sweat)
❺ Hand Sanitizer/Wet Tissues (Very useful for street food)
Reminders
Please arrive 10 minutes before the bus departure time on the day of the tour.
If you are late for the meeting place and time on the day of the tour, you may not be able to join the tour.
As required by Japanese law, please wear a seat belt on the bus.
There is no restroom available on the bus, but we will take some toilet breaks on the way.
If there is only a small group of participants, other smaller vehicles may be used instead of the large bus.
The tour may be cancelled before departure due to bad weather on the day of departure.
The tour fee will be refunded, but you will be responsible for transportation expenses to the meeting point.
The tour might be cancelled or discontinued because of the bad weather condition or unexpected accidents.
-Please come with non-slip shoes and temperature-controlled clothing.
Japanese summers are famously hot and humid.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 21 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- For cancellations made 8 to 20 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 20% will apply
- For cancellations made 2 to 7 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 30% will apply
- For cancellations made 1 to 1 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 40% will apply
- For cancellations made 0 to 0 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 50% will apply
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
The Yamagata Hanagasa Festival is one of Japan's most vibrant summer festivals, held annually in Yamagata City. It's famous for its dynamic parade featuring thousands of dancers, all carrying "Hanagasa" (flower hats) decorated with artificial safflowers, Yamagata's prefectural flower. The dancers move in unison to the lively "Hanagasa Ondo" folk song, creating a spectacular and energetic display that celebrates the region's cultural heritage.
The most common way to reach Yamagata City is by train. The Yamagata Shinkansen offers direct service from Tokyo, making it a convenient option. Alternatively, you can travel by local trains or highway buses from major cities. Yamagata Airport also serves domestic flights, providing another entry point for attendees traveling from farther regions within Japan.
The Yamagata Shinkansen line is the direct bullet train service connecting Tokyo to Yamagata City. This line uses E3 series trains, often referred to as "Tsubasa," which run directly from Tokyo Station to Yamagata Station, and continue further to Shinjo. This direct service eliminates the need for transfers, offering a smooth journey for festival goers.
Attendees can immerse themselves in traditional Japanese culture through unique workshops. One popular offering is the Wagashi (Japanese sweets) workshop, where you learn to craft delicate confections from a master artisan. Another is the Mini-Hanagasa workshop, allowing you to create your own miniature flower hat as a personalized souvenir, reflecting the festival's iconic symbol.
Yes, select opportunities allow visitors to participate in the Yamagata Hanagasa Festival dance parade. This unique experience often includes a professional yukata fitting, ensuring you look the part. Participants can then join the exclusive opening ceremony, dancing alongside professional performers and feeling the excitement of kicking off the festivities in front of a large audience.
VIP reserved seating provides an unparalleled viewing experience of the Yamagata Hanagasa Festival parade. These seats offer the best vantage point for observing the elaborate procession of 10,000 dancers, ensuring comfort and excellent photo opportunities. It allows you to relax and fully appreciate the panoramic spectacle of the festival's vibrant energy.
Guests often receive special amenities to enhance their festival experience. These can include an original Hanagasa-themed Uchiwa (traditional fan) as a complimentary gift. Additionally, a "Hidden Yamagata" mini-walking tour might be offered, providing a guided exploration of local sights while waiting for activities like a professional yukata fitting, maximizing your time in the city.
When planning your Shinkansen journey to Yamagata, it's advisable to book tickets in advance, especially during peak festival season, to secure preferred seating. Consider the different seat classes available, such as ordinary or Green Car, for varying comfort levels. Direct services on the Yamagata Shinkansen ("Tsubasa") offer the most convenience, eliminating transfers and ensuring a smooth trip directly to Yamagata Station.
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