Festivals in June & July & August (2026 edition)
June 20th (Saturday) – Nezugaseki’s Squid & Tuna festival
～酒と肴と鼠ヶ関～イカ・マグロまつり
Enjoy fresh seasonal squid, locally landed tuna (whose catches have increased significantly in recent years), and a wide selection of Shonai sake from regional breweries.
The event features: A tuna-cutting demonstration (maguro kaitai show) followed by free tastings, sales of grilled seafood and seafood soups and various entertainment and attractions
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sake Tasting Corner (Ticketed event)
- Advance ticket: ¥2,500
- Same-day ticket: ¥3,000
Venue: Nenjugaseki Fisheries Cooperative Market (inside the market)
Organizer / Information:
Atsumi Tourism Association ☎ +81-235-43-3547
Website: https://atsumispa.or.jp/
July 11th (Saturday) – Atsumi Onsen Yuakari night
あつみ温泉湯灯りNight～竹灯りが彩る湯のまち夏華灯り～
Date & Time: July 11, 2026 (Sat.), 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. (Postponed to July 12 in case of rain)
Venue: Around Anbe-yu Footbath and Kajika Street, Atsumi Onsen
Experience a magical summer evening where hundreds of bamboo lanterns illuminate the hot spring town and fireworks light up the night sky. Enjoy live music, food trucks, cafés, and a lively evening market while strolling through the softly glowing streets. The highlight of the event is a special fireworks display celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Tsuruoka Junior Chamber, creating a unique blend of light, sound, and traditional onsen atmosphere.
Highlights:
- Bamboo Lantern Night (18:00–21:00)
- Special Fireworks Display (19:30)
- Evening Market with food trucks and local cafés
- Live performance by Hibarizu
- Instagram Photo Contest (#あつみ温泉湯灯りnight)
July 15th (Wednesday) – Mt. Haguro’s Hanamatsuri (Flower Festival)
Hanamatsuri (Flower-Shaped Bonten Festival) at the Dewa Sanzan Shrine
This vibrant festival is held to pray for a bountiful harvest and safety at home.
The highlight is the ornate “bonten” poles, decorated with artificial rice flowers said to hold great spiritual power.
After circling the Kagami Pond together with the mikoshi (portable shrine), visitors engage in a dramatic scramble for the bonten—a breathtaking sight filled with energy and tradition.
Location: In front of the Sanjingōsaiden (Three Gods Hall), Dewa Sanzan Shrine
Don’t miss this powerful and sacred celebration rooted in the mountain faith of Dewa.
July 25th, 26st (Saturday & Sunday)- Yutagawa Onsen’s Kagura Festival
The Yutagawa Onsen Kagura is a sacred performance with over 400 years of tradition, passed down in the hot spring town of Yutagawa.
The performance features a dynamic lion dance (shishimai) alongside the comical antics of Hyottoko, accompanied by flutes and drums.
This traditional story wards off misfortune and prays for good health, while bringing smiles and excitement to locals and visitors alike.
Venue: Yutagawa Onsen – in front of Shōmen no Yu, New Yutagawa Inn, and surrounding locations
(Yutagawa, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture)
During the day, enjoy the fun local event “Ushitoji da I ♡ ♨”, open to both overnight guests and day visitors!
Come experience the spirit, sound, and soul of Yutagawa Onsen.
August (to be announced) – Fujishima Summer Festival
Come join the fun at the Fujishima Natsu Matsuri, where there’s something for everyone!
Kids’ games & festival stalls
Stage performances – “Fuji Rock Matsuri”
Yatai food stalls & local vendors
At the same time, enjoy the 24th Tsuruoka Traditional Performing Arts Festival, where you can watch powerful performances like the Fujishima Lion Dance along with other regional traditional arts—all on one exciting stage!
Location: Fujishima Chiiki Katsudō Center (Fujishima District, Tsuruoka City)
A lively evening filled with tradition, music, and summer fun—don’t miss it!
August 15th (Saturday) – Fujishima Shishiodori (Lion Dance) & Other traditional dances – Part 1
Where = Fujishima district, more specifically = Ike Shrine, Gosho Shrine, Daichi Shrine
Read more about how and where to see the Fujishima Lion Dance on our dedicated article here.
August 15th (Saturday) – Akagawa Fireworks
32nd Akagawa Fireworks Festival – Celebrating 20 Years of Tsuruoka City
One of Japan’s most stunning summer fireworks displays returns!
To mark the 20th anniversary of Tsuruoka City, this year’s Akagawa Fireworks Festival will light up the sky with 12,000 spectacular fireworks.
📍 Location: Akagawa Riverside, Tsuruoka City (between Mikawa Bridge and Haguro Bridge)
📞 Contact: Akagawa Fireworks Festival Committee – 0235-64-0701
🔗 Official Website
Don’t miss this unforgettable night under the summer sky!
August 16th (Sunday) – Fujishima Shishiodori (Lion Dance) & Other traditional dances – Part 2
Where = Fujishima district, more specifically = Jumonji Kotai Shrine 十文字皇大神社境内
Read more about how and where to see the Fujishima Lion Dance on our dedicated article here.
August 17th (Monday) – Fujishima Shishiodori (Lion Dance) & Other traditional dances – Part 3
Where = Fujishima district, more specifically = Niiyama shrine 新山神社, Soikawa Ryosho shrine 添川両所神社
Read more about how and where to see the Fujishima Lion Dance on our dedicated article here.
August 23th (Sunday)- Sunset Noh at Michinoeki Atsumi Sharin
Enjoy a powerful live performance of Nezugaseki Benten Taiko drumming, followed by an atmospheric Sunset Noh Theater performance—set against the stunning seaside backdrop.
Location: Michi-no-Eki Atsumi “Sharin” Roadside Station
A summer evening filled with rhythm, tradition, and the beauty of the setting sun. Don’t miss it!
August 31st (Monday) – Hassakusai Yamabushi Ceremony
Held as part of the ascetic rituals of Dewa Sanzan Shrine, this ceremony is performed by yamabushi undertaking the Akinomine training, which retraces the spiritual training of Prince Hachiko, the founder of Dewa Sanzan. A large saito goma sacred fire ritual is conducted in front of Hachiko Shrine at the summit of Mt. Haguro, where prayers are offered for a bountiful harvest and the safety and well-being of local families.
Traditionally held during the typhoon season, the festival seeks to calm the winds and protect ripening rice crops from storm damage. Because it was originally celebrated on the first day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar, it became known as Hassakusai (“Festival of the First Day of the Eighth Month”).
Venue: In front of the Sanjingosaiden (Dewa Sanzan shrine), Mt. Haguro.
This list is non-exhaustive.
