Yamagata Hanagasa Festival Package Tour
August 4- August 6, 2026
Japan is famous for it’s summer festivals, from the Aomori Nebuta to Iwate’s Sansa Odori. Thousands of spectators flock from all over the world to watch as floats and dancers parade past them in these multi-day events.
As the summer season hits its peak, the streets of Yamagata City come alive as thousands of performers dance through the streets during a dazzling 3 day event. Dancing to Yamagata’s most famous folk songs that have been passed down for generations is the perfect way to experience the passion and heart of the people of Yamagata.
This 2 night tour gives you the chance to not only watch, but take part in the festival itself. This trip includes two nights at a central Yamagata hotel, a dedicated interpreter, a private dance lesson with a local instructor, costume rental, kimono dressing, hair and make-up, tabi, and zori sandals for the event on the evening of the 5th. Experience Japan as only the locals do as a performer in one of Tohoku’s big three parades.
Tour at a glance
Inclusions:
- All lodging and accommodation fees
- On-trip remote support via WhatsApp or other instant messaging service
- English-speaking interpreter-guide
- Kimono Costume Dressing
- Parade Experience
- Hair and Make-Up
- Hanagasa Dance Class
Exclusions:
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Admission fees to attractions during self-guided time
- Food and drink in addition to the prix fixe meals included as part of the package
- Optional extensions or customizations to trip
- Other items not explicitly listed as included
We can also provide the following options for an additional fee:
- Add-ons to the tour
- Interpretation in languages other than English
Participants
2 to 4 guests
(Solo travellers may book, but the price will be higher)
Cost
From ¥190,000 per person for a group of 2 (please contact us for a quote if group includes children or more than two people!)
Tour Length
2 nights, 3 days
Tour availability
August 4-6th, 2026
Tour Start/End Location
Yamagata Station
Important notes
Day 1: August 4th
Day 1 Tour Highlights
Arrive in Yamagata via a bullet train. Yamagata is well connected, with the Yamagata Shinkansen carrying passengers from Tokyo in just under three hours, and we will help you determine the correct train for your trip!
This afternoon, meet with members of the Takararen dance troupe for a two-hour lesson and practice of the Hanagasa Odori wearing your new tabi and zori sandals. You will finish the class confident and ready to go the next day!
Afterwards, dine freely in Yamagata.
Check in to your hotel near Yamagata station for the evening.
Day 2: August 5th
Day 2 Tour Highlights
Festival day!
Enjoy a free morning to explore Yamagata city, from the Bunshokan museum to Nanokamachi’s shops.
At 1:00 pm, head to Yamagata Creativity Center Q1 to get dressed in your festival costumes. With the help of experienced professional kimono dressers, be dressed in your dance troupe’s traditional multi-layer kimono costumes. Enjoy some free time afterwards to explore the downtown area and take some photos!
At 5:00 pm, meet up with your guide and the rest of the dance troupe; it’s time for the parade! Your interpreter guide will accompany you from start to finish at the Bunshokan.
After you finish walking the parade, take some commerative photos with the rest of the group before returning to Yamagata Q1 Creativity Center to return your costume. Enjoy the rest of the evening as a spectator at the festival before returning to your hotel.
In the event of rain, you will be taken by bus to Tendo, a nearby town, to perform at the indoor venue there instead!
Day 3: August 6th
Day 3 Tour Highlights
After checking out of your hotel, continue your trip in Japan!
If you are interested in optional add-ons such as an onsen ryokan stay in a nearby onsen town, a local cooking class, or hiking Yamadera with a local guide, please let us know!
Reservations
You can send a booking inquiry below. After we receive your inquiry, we will confirm if we can accommodate your group and tour dates and contact you from there.
Cancellation Policy
Our cancellation policy for this tour is below.
21 days or more before date of tour
No penalty
20 days to 8 days before date of tour
20% of total price
7 days to 2 days before date of tour
30% of total price
1 day before date of tour
40% of total price
Day of the tour
50% of total price
After start of tour or no-show
100% of total price
