Yamagata Festivals

Hanagasa

Hanagasa means "flower hat" and it is a famous festival which brings thousands of tourists to Yamagata City every year from around Japan and around the world. Usually held at the beginning of August, this 3-day long, summertime festival has various groups of people dress in yukata and dance the down the main boulevard of Nanokamachi street (about 1 kilometer). Spectators watch and cheer from the sidewalks as floats pass by and people parade down the street doing variations of the flower hat dance. The dance itself is quite easy and generally there is a chance for foreigners to join the dance on the last day. You should give it a try when you get here and make an unforgettable memory for yourself.

Hanabi Taikai (Fireworks Tournament)

Fireworks festivals in Japan probably differ from what you may be used to because of the length of time they go on for and the sheer volume of fireworks expended. A typical Japanese fireworks tournament will go on for 3-4 hours! Held in summertime, hanabi taikais are held in locations throughout Yamagata and Japan. Of course being right there in front of the action is great, but it is often possible to view the fireworks from afar as well. Hanabi Taikais are a great place to meet new friends and experience some of Japanese "yatai" or "street market" culture, where you can buy all sorts of snacks and toys (kind of like a carnival).

Yamagata International Documentary Film Festival (YIDFF)

Held from October 10-17 this year, YIDFF is host to documentary filmmakers from Yamagata and around the world. There are several locations around Yamagata city from which to view the independent films and chances to volunteer, helping guide tourists to the various showings. Either way - as spectator or volunteer - YIDFF is wonderful to experience for yourself, considering the new ideas and new people you will meet. Click here to view the YIDFF English page for more information.


Imonikai

This is a autumn festival held in Yamagata every September on the banks of Yamagata's Mamigasaki River. A huge pot, capable of serving soup to upwards of 30,000 people, is used to make Yamagata's famous imoni stew. Imoni soup is made up of taro root (similar to a potato), beef, negi (like onion), sugar, soy sauce and a number of other ingredients. The taste is truly delicious. Aside from this famous imoni party, people often host their own, smaller imoni parties. Indeed, your school might host an imonikai, so please ask around and get involved in this interesting event.