Shinjo Festival Floats and Shinjo Castle Ruins: Shonai Festival Counted Among Tohoku's Three Great Festivals
Shinjo Festival
The Shinjo Festival held August 24โ26 each year in Shinjo, Yamagata, is a designated National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. Called one of Tohoku's Three Great Festivals, elaborate festival floats (yatai) and yakoretsu processions are the highlights.
Highlights
- Festival Floats: 20โ30 enormous floats themed on kabuki and classical literature
- Yakoretsu Procession: Parade of attendants in kamishimo formal wear
- Taiko Drums and Flute Hayashi: Lively festival music
- Fireworks: Fireworks display on the final evening
Shinjo Castle Ruins (Tozawa Park)
- Ruins of Edo-period Shinjo domain's Tozawa clan castle
- Now developed as a park
Getting There
- Alight at JR Yamagata Shinkansen Shinjล Station (about 50 minutes from Yamagata)
- Parades throughout the city during the festival period
Tips
The festival runs 3 days. The middle day (August 25) is the busiest. Accommodation requires early reservation. Shinjล is the terminus of the Yamagata Shinkansen with convenient access to Akita and the Mogami River.
๐ Location & Access
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โ๏ธ About this article
This article is compiled by the Tabitabi JAPAN editorial team from official and primary sources, including facility and shrine/temple websites, tourism information published by municipalities and tourism associations, and cultural-property records released by national and local governments. Prices, opening hours and event dates may change, so please also check the official information of each facility or local government before you visit.