Yamagata Hanagasa & Sendai Tanabata 2-Day Tour
- Experience two of Tohoku's biggest summer festivals — Yamagata Hanagasa and Sendai Tanabata — all in one trip.
- Watch around 10,000 dancers perform the vibrant Hanagasa dance through the streets of Yamagata's summer night.
- Stroll through Sendai admiring 10-meter-tall handmade washi-and-bamboo Tanabata streamers, one of Japan's most graceful festivals.
- Stay overnight at Hotel L'Argent Zao with access to Zao Onsen's famous Shirogane-no-Yu (Silver Bath) hot spring.
- Book through KKday for a hassle-free round-trip bus from Shinjuku, including accommodation and stress-free festival access.
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Departure Time | Late Departure (After 9 am) |
| Minimum participant requirement | 25 travelers |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Transport | Bus tour |
Product Info
The content of this product is provided by machine translation and may not reflect the actual information, please take this into consideration before booking.
Experience two festivals with completely different charms in just two days: the Hanagasa Festival, where roughly 10,000 dancers perform a spectacular dance, and the dazzling Tanabata decorations that fill the streets — a summer-only tour!
Your accommodation is at Hotel L'Argent Zao in Zao Onsen, where you can soak in source-flowing hot springs and unwind after the festivities.
Round-trip bus with no transfers — easily reach popular, crowded festivals without the hassle.
An efficient way to experience the best of Tohoku's summer in a short time, with free viewing time so first-timers can enjoy at their own pace!
＜Yamagata Hanagasa Festival — One of Tohoku's Biggest Summer Festivals＞
The Yamagata Hanagasa Festival, an iconic summer event of Yamagata Prefecture, is held annually from August 5–7 in central Yamagata City. It is one of Tohoku's largest festivals.
Along roughly 1 kilometer of the city's main street, vibrant floats lead the procession while spirited cries of "Yassho, Makasho!" and the rhythm of the Hanagasa Ondo echo through the midsummer night. Over 10,000 dancers, holding flower hats decorated with safflowers and dressed in colorful costumes, dance together in a stunning sight.
The festival began in 1963 (Showa 38) as part of the Zao Summer Festival and became independent in 1965 (Showa 40). Today, it is known nationwide as one of Tohoku's most representative summer festivals.
Dates: August 5, 6, and 7 every year
Time: Approx. 18:00–21:45
Venue: Central Yamagata City (Tokamachi, Honmachi, Nanokamachi streets to Bunshokan)
＜Sendai Tanabata Festival — Tohoku's Graceful Traditional Festival＞
The Sendai Tanabata Festival, held in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, is a historic tradition dating back to the era of Lord Date Masamune and is one of Tohoku's most representative summer festivals.
Held annually over three days from August 6–8, it is one of Japan's largest events, attracting more than 2 million visitors.
From the front of Sendai Station to the arcade streets of Chuo-dori and Ichibancho, colorful Tanabata decorations fill the entire city.
The lavish washi-and-bamboo decorations are all handmade. Streamers over 10 meters tall and intricate ornaments line the streets in a truly breathtaking spectacle.
Often called "the world's greatest paper-and-bamboo festival," the Sendai Tanabata is best known for its elegant and vivid atmosphere.
Dates: August 6, 7, and 8 every year
Venue: Central Sendai and surrounding local shopping streets
You will stay at Hotel L'Argent Zao, surrounded by the natural beauty of Zao.
Set in a peaceful mountain location, you can fully relax while still feeling the afterglow of the lively festivals.
The hotel offers Zao Onsen, a natural hot spring with water flowing directly from the source.
With a source temperature of 66.7°C and no added water, it is the famous "Shirogane-no-Yu" (Silver Bath).
It warms you to the core and gently soothes the fatigue of travel.
In addition to the large public bath, a sauna is also available, refreshing both body and mind.
Guest rooms offer a simple, calming space comfortable for groups and families.
It is a casual and easy-to-use hotel, perfect for resting after enjoying the festivals.
<Yamagata Hanagasa Festival: A major summer festival representing the Tohoku region>
<The Sendai Tanabata Festival: A graceful traditional festival representative of the Tohoku region>
Your accommodation will be at "Hotel L'Argent Zao," surrounded by the natural beauty of Zao.
Purchase Notice
[Travel conditions]
- Departure point/Destination: Tokyo/Yamagata/Sendai
- Trip duration: 1 night, 2 days
- Transportation used: Chartered bus
- Bus company operating the service: OTB Corporation or related cooperating bus companies
- Meal plan: Breakfast 1, Lunch 0, Dinner 0
- Accommodation used: None
- Minimum number of participants: 25
- Tour guide: 1
- Guide: 0
[Travel planning/execution]
- Company Name: Orion Tour Co., Ltd.
- Address: 3rd Floor, Daiwa Higashi-Nihonbashi Building, 3-10-6 Higashi-Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku
- Registration Number: Tourism Commissioner Registered Travel Agency No. 692
- Affiliated travel industry association: JATA
Reminders
A minimum of 25 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 7 day(s) before the departure date
In the event of inclement weather such as typhoons or snowstorms, a decision on whether to cancel the tour will be made 1 day(s) before departure (local time 17:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
The Yamagata Hanagasa Festival will proceed regardless of rain, but may be postponed, canceled, or modified in the event of severe weather. Even if a postponement or cancellation is decided before the day of the event, the tour will still proceed. Please be aware of this in advance.
Bus seats are assigned. Please note that we do not accept advance seat reservations.
On this tour, you may be seated with other passengers on the bus.
The estimated length of stay in each location is approximate and may vary depending on traffic conditions and other factors.
Arrival and departure times may be delayed due to road conditions, weather, or other unavoidable circumstances. In the event that your arrival in Shinjuku is delayed and you need to use a taxi or stay overnight, we will not be able to reimburse you for these expenses.
Please be aware that delays may occur due to congestion at the meeting point, traffic congestion or accidents along the way, or other unavoidable circumstances. We cannot be held responsible for any reduction in your time at the destination as a result. (We will not provide any compensation.)
FAQ
The Yamagata Hanagasa Festival is traditionally held annually in early August, typically from August 5th to 7th. It is a major summer event, drawing many spectators to witness its vibrant parades and folk dances in Yamagata City.
The Yamagata Hanagasa Festival is one of Tohoku's most iconic summer celebrations, renowned for its lively parades featuring thousands of dancers in traditional costumes, adorned with straw hats decorated with 'Hanagasa' (flower hats). Visitors can immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere, watch the synchronized folk dances, and appreciate the vibrant cultural performances.
To attend the Yamagata Hanagasa Festival, you can book a dedicated tour package that includes transportation and accommodation. For instance, booking through KKday offers the convenience of bus travel directly to the festival, eliminating the hassle of navigating crowded public transport, and often includes an overnight stay for a relaxed experience. This ensures easy access and a worry-free way to enjoy the celebrations.
The Sendai Tanabata Festival is traditionally celebrated every year from August 6th to 8th. This period allows visitors to fully appreciate the elaborate decorations and the unique festive ambiance throughout the city of Sendai, as streets are adorned with colorful streamers and ornaments.
The Sendai Tanabata Festival's date in early August (August 6-8) is based on the traditional lunar calendar's seventh day of the seventh month, which usually falls in August by the Gregorian calendar. This shift from the standard July 7th date allows the festival to be celebrated during warmer weather, aligning with the traditional agricultural season and the vibrant summer atmosphere, commemorating the celestial lovers Orihime and Hikoboshi.
During the Yamagata Hanagasa Festival, the city center is typically bustling with activity. While public transportation like trains to Yamagata Station is an option, participating in an organized bus tour is a convenient way to reach the main viewing areas. Bus tours often provide direct transportation, allowing for easy access and avoiding the complexities of navigating crowded festival routes and parking.
The Sendai Tanabata Festival is celebrated in August, specifically from August 6th to 8th, not on July 7th. Although the traditional Tanabata festival is observed on July 7th in many other regions, Sendai observes it a month later, aligning with the older lunar calendar to fully capture the essence of a summer festival with warmer weather.
To comprehensively experience both the Yamagata Hanagasa and Sendai Tanabata Festivals, a two-day itinerary is highly recommended. This allows for ample time to enjoy the vibrant parades, intricate decorations, and overall festive atmosphere of each event, often including an overnight stay for a comfortable and relaxed pace without rushing.
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