Samurai Armor Dressing Experience at Shiroishi Castle
Step into the world of samurai warriors and feel the spirit of history as you become a Sengoku warlord for a day.
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Festivals and Events
Experience the culture and passion of the Hidden Japan in full display by knowing their festivals and events held throughout the year.
Kurikoma Festival Float Behind the Scenes Tour
Although the floats can usually not be seen until the day of the festival, this year is different. From the end of the festival in July through the float dismantling in November, visitors can view the floats up close. This is a valuable cultural experience in which visitors can view the elaborate structure of the floats and brought to life through the passion of local residents, and hear directly from the local people themselves.
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Kurikoma Festival Float Making Experience
This hands-on experience offers the rare opportunity to help construct the floats which are paraded up and down the streets during the summer Kurikoma Festival.
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Private Performance: Hayakawa-ryu Suzunome Yatsushika Odori deer dance
Enjoy a private performance of the Yatsu Shika Odori deer dance, a folk performing art from the Kurihara Ichihasama area with a 400-year history, which has been registered as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Miyagi Prefecture.
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The Tsubame Sanjo Fair in Los Angeles
A special event bringing special crafts and artisans from Niigata Prefecture to Huntington Beach on October 18-19th, 2025
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The Yamagata Sake and Wine Festival
At the Yamagata Nihonichi Bishuken Fair (lit. “Yamagata: Japan’s Most Delicious Alcohol Fair”), enjoy a wide variety Yamagata-made sakes and wines.
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Hanagasa Festival
The Hanagasa Festival is the largest festival in Yamagata City where thousands of dancers fill the streets. In 2026, join the dance yourself for the first time!
Experience the Yonezawa Uesugi Festival
The Uesugi Festival commemorates the samurai clan who once ruled Yonezawa. The main event is a reenactment of the Battle of Kawanakajima.
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Sakata Festival
Held annually since 1609, the Sakata Matsuri is Sakata City’s biggest event. It boasts parades, performances, and hundreds of street vendors.
Sakata Jinku Nagashi Dance Festival
This dance festival is held in downtown Sakata; hundreds of dancers fill the streets and dance to Sakata Jinku, a traditional folk song.
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