Yamagata Fair, Los Angeles
Join us in Los Angeles this July to discover the charm and wonder of Yamagata City, a rising travel destination full of hidden gems in northern Japan. We will be hosting a special travel and cultural fair in collaboration with Yamagata City in the Little Tokyo district of downtown Los Angeles for two days on July 19th and 20th.
This travel fair will take place at the Japan Village Plaza stage, at the center of Little Tokyo, right next to Nijiya Market.
We will be showcasing pamphlets, travel planners, and crafts from across Yamagata.
Visitors will be able to learn about the many highlights of this city, including the famous ski slopes and the 900-year-old onsen town of Mt. Zao, the iconic mountain temple of Yamadera, and the traditional Japanese cuisine found throughout Yamagata. The geisha group from Yamagata, the Yamagata Maiko, will also be in L.A. to perform live in the plaza multiple times per day. Guests are welcome to meet and talk with the maiko, and can also take photos with them.
Those looking to break away from overcrowded tourist hotspots and experience a more traditional and authentic side of Japan are invited to learn about Yamagata and start planning their visit with the locals of Yamagata at this special two-day fair.
Yamagata City Travel Fair
The travel fair will feature tables with pamphlets, crafts, and various other tourism materials in the plaza of Little Tokyo each day from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Travel representatives from Yamagata will be here to introduce the city and will be happy to offer advice on how to plan your trip to this charming northern destination. We will also provide sample itineraries you can use to plan your own visit.
Owners of onsen ryokan, restaurants, and local guides will also be present. This is a great opportunity to make personal connections with the people of Yamagata before visiting. Forming these connections here in L.A. can lead to meaningful and memorable experiences when you travel to Yamagata!
See the Yamagata Maiko Perform
At the Yamagata Fair, you’ll also have the opportunity to see special performances by the Yamagata Maiko—trainee geisha who will perform to live music in the plaza. The current dance schedule is as follows
12:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m.
Guests are welcome to speak with the maiko and take photos with them.
Travelers visiting Yamagata can also enjoy performances by the Yamagata Maiko through public shows or private events booked at local hotels and restaurants.
Special Dinner with Chef Murayama
This travel fair will conclude with a special collaboration dinner event with the star chef of Yamagata City and the Yamagata Maiko.
Chef Murayama is famous for his culinary excellence bringing together the local ingredients of Yamagata with French Japanese style.
He has been featured in national media and received many awards including being selected as one of the Japan Times Destination Restaurants of 2024. You can read more about this prestigious award that is widely regarded as Japan’s answer to the Michelin Guide in his article here. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2024/06/08/food-drink/destination-restaurants-pas-mal-yamagata/
Chef Murayama will be serving a 5 course meal that will feature a private dance performance by the Yamagata Maiko.
The maiko will also be serving sake and talk with the guests throughout the dinners.
Seating is limited to two sessions of 12 people.
See our sign up page below.
https://thehiddenjapan.com/an-evening-in-yamagata/
Event Details
Dates
July 19 – 20, 2025
Time
10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Location
Little Tokyo Village Plaza, Los Angeles, California
Maiko Performances
- 12:00 pm
- 2:00 pm
- 4:00 pm