Join the UNESCO Shinjo Festival: Float Pulling & Ginzan Onsen Experience

Pull a piece of history under the summer sky!

Join this exclusive day tour to engage in the UNESCO-listed Shinjo Festival. Instead of merely observing, take hold of the rope and pull the stunning floats alongside the community members. After the festival's excitement, enjoy the refreshing breeze and nostalgic atmosphere in the riverside streets of Ginzan Onsen.

What is SHINJO FESTIVAL?

• The Shinjo Festival is a 260-year-old summer celebration in Yamagata, recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
• This festival is renowned for its procession of 20 enormous floats known as "Yatai." These floats depict dramatic narratives from Kabuki and Japanese folklore using life-sized dolls.
• In contrast to many other festivals, these floats are constructed from the ground up each year by local residents. You will never encounter the same design twice.
• The most distinctive aspect is that the local community, rather than professional artists, handcrafts these gigantic floats over several months. It is a genuine masterpiece created by the community.

Highlights

• Exclusive Experience: Immerse yourself in the vibrant Shinjo Festival by joining locals in pulling the stunning "Yatai" floats, recognized by UNESCO.
• UNESCO Heritage: Engage with a tradition that has been celebrated for more than 260 years.
• Wear an Authentic "Happi" Coat: Experience the festival like a true local! All participants will receive a traditional "Happi" coat to wear during the event, ideal for photos and full immersion.
• Hands-on UNESCO Experience: Get involved! Team up with locals to help maneuver the large, beautifully adorned UNESCO-listed floats (Yatai) through the streets of Shinjo.
• Reserved Grandstand Seating: After the thrill of float pulling, unwind and take in the parade from your exclusive reserved seating for approximately one hour.
• Ginzan Onsen: Explore Japan’s most picturesque hot spring village, renowned for its nostalgic Taisho-era charm.
• Expert Local Guides (English & Chinese): Gain a deeper insight into the festival's 260-year history with live commentary from a local Taiwanese resident and a professional English guide. Please be aware that the Taiwanese guide is available only during the festival period. An English-speaking guide will be present for the remaining parts of the itinerary.
• Hassle-Free: Enjoy round-trip bus transportation from Sendai included.

Itinerary

• Schedule for "Festival-Only" Participants 09:00 | Meeting at Shinjo Station Our staff will be waiting for you inside Shinjo Station. Please look for the staff holding a blue "HIS" sign board. 12:00 | Watching from Spectator Seats & Dismissal After the "Float Pulling Experience" ends at 12:00
• Bus Package Schedule (Round-trip from Sendai) Departure Time: 06:30 AM Meeting Time: 06:15 AM (Please arrive by this time)
• 09:30 – 12:00: Shinjo Festival Pulling the Float Experience: (Duration: 15 to 40 minutes) The duration is subject to change based on the weather/temperature and the flow of the parade. After the experience: Watch the festival from the reserved spectator seats.
• Lunch: Japanese set menu at a local-favorite restaurant. Allergies: Please let us know if you have any food allergies.
• 15:30 Free exploration of Ginzan Onsen Transportation: Take a shuttle bus from "Taisho Roman-kan" to the Ginzan Onsen area. Note: Please be aware that there may be a waiting time for the shuttle bus depending on the situation.
• Arrival at Sendai Station Note: Please be aware that the arrival time may be significantly delayed depending on traffic or other conditions.

Price Details

Included

• Bus fare (includes highway tolls and parking fees)
• Lunch
• Reserved seating (Shinjo Festival)
• Float-pulling experience
• Happi coat (traditional festival coat)
• Guide from Sendai: English-speaking
• Shinjo Festival: Traditional Chinese/Mandarin-speaking guide available
• Shuttle bus fare for Ginzan Onsen

Not included

• Personal expenses
• Any items not specifically mentioned above

Important Information

- Health and Safety: To prevent heatstroke and ensure the safety of our guests, the duration of the float-pulling experience and viewing time may be shortened depending on the weather and temperature on the day.

• Traffic and Delays: Arrival at the destination may be delayed due to festival traffic or road conditions. While this may result in a shorter experience time, please note that no refunds will be provided in such cases.
• Rainy Weather Policy: The festival will proceed even in the event of rain. However, for safety and visibility reasons, the use of umbrellas is strictly prohibited during the festival. Please bring your own raincoat or poncho.
• Luggage Policy: Please be advised that large suitcases or bulky luggage cannot be stored or brought onto the bus. We recommend using coin lockers at Sendai Station before departure.

Purchase Notice

• Age Requirement: All participants must be 15 years of age or older.
• Float Pulling Experience: The duration of the float pulling experience is approximately 15 to 40 minutes. Please note that the timing may vary depending on the local temperature and the progress of the festival parade.
• Reserved Seating: Specific seat locations in the grandstand cannot be requested or assigned in advance. Seating will be managed by the tour staff on the day.

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