Yaya Festival
Every winter, the young boys of Shonai brave subzero to participate in this intense religious and cultural ritual.
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.
Ika Tsuri Festival
At the Sakata Ika Tsuri Festival, onlookers cheer on the fishermen of Yamagata as they depart on their first squid fishing trip of the year.
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Akagawa Fireworks Festival
The Akagawa Fireworks Festival of Tsuruoka is counted among the 10 best fireworks festivals in all of Japan.
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Sakata Firework Festival
The Sakata Fireworks Festival is an extravagant riverside fireworks display that takes place in Sakata City, Yamagata every summer.
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Oishida Festival Matsuri
The small town of Oishida goes all out during their Oishida Matsuri, a summer festival featuring fireworks and exuberant traditional dance.
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The Shoreisai Festival
Shoreisai is a religious yamabushi festival which takes place at the top of Mount Haguro in Tsuruoka, Yamagata every New Year’s Eve.
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The Hassaku Ritual
The annual Hassaku Ritual is a great chance to see around 150 yamabushi training in the holy Dewa Sanzan mountain area.
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The Tohoku Kizuna Festival
The Tohoku Kizuna Festival, a collaboration event combining the Tohoku region’s 6 most famous summer matsuri into one giant celebration!
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