The Hanagasa Matsuri (August 5–7) is one of Tohoku’s great summer festivals — over 10,000 dancers parade through central Yamagata City wearing broad straw hats decorated with safflower blossoms (benibana), waving the hats in graceful choreographed sequences to the driving rhythm of the ‘Yassho Makashow’ chant. The safflower blossoms decorating the hats have been cultivated in Yamagata for centuries as a precious dye crop.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Yamagata City, Yamagata |
| Hours | Evenings, August 5–7 |
| Admission | Free to watch from the roadside |
| Time needed | 2–3 hours |
| Best time | August 5–7 (fixed dates) |
Highlights
- Over 10,000 dancers waving flower-decorated hats.
- The driving ‘Yassho Makashow’ chant and rhythm.
- Safflower (benibana) blossoms tied to centuries of local dye culture.
- A candlelit finale on the third evening.
Combine Your Visit
- Pair with imoni stew in the city.
- Try Yamagata beef after the parade.
- Read our Yamagata overview .
Getting There
- On foot: the parade route is central, near Yamagata Station.
- Book ahead: hotels fill for the festival week.
Tips
The festival runs three consecutive evenings — the final night’s candlelit finale is the most atmospheric. Arrive early for a good roadside spot along the main boulevard.
