Shinjo Festival Floats and Shinjo Castle Ruins: Shonai Festival Counted Among Tohoku's Three Great Festivals

Shinjo Festival

The Shinjo Festival held August 24–26 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: 20–30 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 Shinjō 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. Shinjō is the terminus of the Yamagata Shinkansen with convenient access to Akita and the Mogami River.