Discover the Enchantment of the Yamagata Hanagasa Festival: Dress in Yukata, Dance, and Savor Delicious Food in Yamagata!

Three Exclusive Tour Highlights

1. Front-Row Magic: VIP Reserved Seating

Forget the hassle of competing for a place among the crowds. We have arranged premium reserved seating just for you. Relax and take in the captivating parade featuring 10,000 dancers and rhythmic Taiko drums from the finest viewpoint in the city. You’ll hear every "Yassho, Makasho!" chant.

2. Become the Star: Professional Yukata & Parade Participation

Don’t just observe—immerse yourself in the rhythm!

• Professional Styling: We provide a complete Yukata (summer kimono) outfit, with skilled dressers to ensure you appear both authentic and elegant.
• Enjoy the Dance: Be part of the elite circle of professional dancers during the festival’s official opening ceremony. Experience the crowd's energy as you perform alongside the masters!

3. Extra Magic for Our Guests

• ★Craft your own Mini-Hanagasa as a unique keepsake. It’s a delicate and delightful way to connect with the essence of Japanese artistry.
• ★The "Spirit of Hanagasa" Festival Fan (Uchiwa) As a complimentary gift from us, everyone will receive an original Hanagasa-themed Uchiwa (traditional fan).
  • Stay Cool in Style: Not only does it serve a practical purpose during the Japanese summer heat, but it also displays a stunning, vibrant design exclusive to this festival.
  • The Perfect Prop: Wave it during the parade or keep it as a colorful memento to beautify your home!
• ★Explore Yamagata’s rich culture through a hands-on Japanese confectionery workshop. A unique opportunity to learn from a local Wagashi expert.
• ★The "Hidden Yamagata" Mini-Walking Tour While you await your professional Yukata fitting, we won’t let you waste a moment!
  • Go Off the Beaten Path: Our knowledgeable guides will lead you on a Mini-Hidden-Gem Tour of the surrounding neighborhood (scheduled in shifts).
  • Discover Local Secrets: Visit tranquil shrines, historic backstreets, or quaint local shops that typical tourists overlook. It’s a "VIP-only" perspective into the genuine daily life of Yamagata before the festival excitement begins.

Highlights

• Craft Your Own Legacy: Wagashi & Mini-Hanagasa Workshop Before the city erupts in dance, find your focus in a serene cultural workshop.
• Handmade Elegance: Learn the delicate art of Wagashi (Japanese sweets) from a master artisan—a treat for both the eyes and the palate.
• Personalized Charm: Create your very own Mini-Hanagasa as a special souvenir.
• Backstage to Center Stage: Dance with the Pros This is the "Only-with-This-Tour" experience that sets you apart from every other tourist.
• The Transformation: Slip into an authentic Yukata, professionally fitted to make you look like a local star.
• The Grand Opening: Join the exclusive opening ceremony! You won’t just be in the crowd, you’ll be on the floor, dancing side-by-side with professional dancers. Feel the adrenaline as you kick off the night’s festivities in front of thousands of cheering spectators.
• VIP Comfort: Reserved Seating Experience the best of both worlds—luxury viewing and active participation.
• The Best Seat in Town: When you need a break, head to your VIP Reserved Seat. Enjoy a panoramic view of the 10,000-dancer parade with perfect comfort and prime photo opportunities.
• Extra Magic for Our Guests
• The "Spirit of Hanagasa" Festival Fan (Uchiwa) As a gift from us, everyone receives an original Hanagasa-themed Uchiwa (traditional fan).
• The "Hidden Yamagata" Mini-Walking Tour While you wait for your professional Yukata fitting, we won’t let you waste a single minute!

Itinerary

• Meeting Spot: Sendai Station East Exit, Sightseeing Bus Pick-up/Drop-off Point (Use the round elevator or the escalator located just behind it to go down to the 1st floor.)
• Departure from Sendai Station East Exit Sightseeing Bus Stop
• 【From Yamagata Station】 Meeting Spot: Yamagata Station Taxi Stand Pick-up/Drop-off Point
• Professional Yukata Transformation and craft a Mini-Hanagasa at Yamagata Creative City Center Q1
• Professional Yukata Transformation
• craft a Mini-Hanagasa—a small, charming version of the iconic safflower-adorned hat.
• Beninokura Mini-Tour
• Wagashi making experience
• Daytime Hanagasa: The Art of the Danc
• The Golden Hours: Strolling in Yukata Before the Storm Savor the "Soul Food" of Yamagata
• The "Wa-odori" Circle Dance: Where Everyone Becomes One Don't worry if you don't know the steps. Just watch the person in front of you, and follow the rhythm. In the circle, smiles are more important than perfect footwork!
• The Grand Parade: Hanagasa Festival Night
• ・Walk to Venue Q1 ・Return Yukata & Changing ・Walk to Bus Loading Area
• 【From Yamagata Station】 * Walk to Venue Q1 * Return Yukata & Changing * Dismissal at the location
• Arrival & Farewell at Sendai Station East Exit

Price Details

Included

• Air-conditioned bus
• Reserved Seat
• Authentic Yukata Transformation
• English or Chinese-speaking assistant
• Special Tour Gift: Official "Hanagasa" Uchiwa Fan
• Mini Hanagasa Craft Kit
• Wagashi Experience Fee

Not included

• Insurance
• Food and Meals
• Drinks/Beverages
• Personal Expenses

Important Information

• Please arrive 10 minutes before the bus departure time on the day of the tour.
• If you are late for the meeting place and time on the day of the tour, you may not be able to join the tour.
• As required by Japanese law, please wear a seat belt on the bus.
• There is no restroom available on the bus, but we will take some toilet breaks on the way.
• If there is only a small group of participants, other smaller vehicles may be used instead of the large bus.
• The tour may be cancelled before departure due to bad weather on the day of departure.

The tour fee will be refunded, but you will be responsible for transportation expenses to the meeting point.

• The tour might be cancelled or discontinued because of the bad weather condition or unexpected accidents.

-Please come with non-slip shoes and temperature-controlled clothing.

Japanese summers are famously hot and humid.

Purchase Notice

【Important Notes Before Booking】

1. Stay Hydrated & Beat the Heat

Japanese summers are famously hot and humid.

・Drink Water: Please drink water or sports drinks frequently, even if you don't feel thirsty.

・Use Your Fan: Use your complimentary Hanagasa Uchiwa to stay cool while waiting or watching the parade.

・Cooling Items: We recommend bringing a cooling neck towel or portable fan.

2. Walking in Yukata & Geta

Traditional attire is beautiful but requires a little extra care.

・Small Steps: When wearing a Yukata, take smaller steps than usual to keep the fabric from loosening.

・Geta (Sandals): If you are not used to wooden sandals, they may cause blisters. Bringing a pair of comfortable walking sandals or sneakers as a backup is highly recommended.

・Stairs: Be careful when climbing stairs; lift the hem of your Yukata slightly to avoid tripping.

3. Parade Etiquette

As an official participant, you are the face of the festival!

・Follow the Lead: During the dance ceremony, please follow the instructions of our staff and professional dancers.

・Stay in Formation: Keep a safe distance from other dancers to avoid bumping into each other.

・Smile & Energy: The most important rule—have fun and keep the "Yassho, Makasho!" spirit alive!

4. Valuables & Luggage

・Festivals are crowded. Please leave large suitcases on the bus and carry only a small bag (a traditional Kinchaku pouch goes perfectly with Yukata!).

• Use the bus as your "base," but keep your passport and wallet on your person at all times.

5. Respect the Locals & Environment

・Please do not litter. Use designated trash bins at food stalls or bring your trash back to the bus.

・Smoking is only allowed in designated areas. Most festival streets are non-smoking zones.

【 Quick Checklist: What to Bring】

❶ Backup Shoes/Sandals (Crucial for long walking/dancing)

❷ Sunscreen & Hat (For the afternoon activities)

❸ Portable Battery (Your phone will be busy taking photos!)

❹ Small Towel (For sweat)

❺ Hand Sanitizer/Wet Tissues (Very useful for street food)

How to Use

Voucher will be sent via email. Please show your e-voucher at the designated location.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation after the tour starts: No refund

• 21 or more day(s) before the activity date: 0% cancellation fee
• Between 8 and 20 day(s) before the activity date: 20% cancellation fee
• Between 2 and 7 day(s) before the activity date: 30% cancellation fee
• 1 day(s) before the activity date: 40% cancellation fee
• On the activity date: 50% cancellation fee