Festivals in July & August (2025 edition)
July 5th (Saturday) – Kotakuji Temple’s Fireflies Watching Event
Firefly Viewing Event at Kagemizawa (in front of Kotakuji Temple)
Join us for an evening observing Genji fireflies at Kagemizawa, located just in front of Kotakuji Temple.
🕰 Time: 7:30 PM (ends around 8:30 PM)
💴 Fee: Free
📌 What to bring: Insect repellent spray, etc.
👕 Please wear clothing suitable for cool weather.
☔ In case of bad weather, the event will be canceled.
To check whether the event will be held, please contact us between 5:00–5:30 PM on the day.
No advance registration is required.
July 6th (Sunday) – Yutagawa Kagura in Shonai Shrine
Yutagawa Kagura Dedication Performance at Shonai Shrine
The Yutagawa Kagura is a traditional sacred dance passed down in the Yutagawa area—one of Tsuruoka’s beloved hot spring towns.
It is said that in the past, this dance was performed at the Sakai family’s domain residence, the very deities enshrined at Shonai Shrine today.
As part of the 70th anniversary of the Yutagawa Kagura Preservation Society, we are honored to host a special dedication performance here at Shonai Shrine.
🗓 Date: Sunday, July 6, 2025
🕒 Time: From 3:30 PM
📍 Location: Shonai Shrine – Main Path (Sando)
💴 Admission: Free
✨ On this day only, we will have special Yutagawa Kagura-themed stamps featuring the lion head and Hyottoko face available. Feel free to add them to your goshuin (shrine stamp book) as a special keepsake!
July 12th-13th (Saturday to Sunday) – Michinoeki Atsumi Sharin – Sea Festival & Sea Snails Catching Event
Celebrate the Sea Day weekend by the coast at Michi-no-Eki Atsumi Sharin!
🐟 Local seafood processors will be setting up shop, offering delicious marine products
🐚 Try your hand at the turban shell (sazae) grab game—fun for kids and adults alike!
📍 Location: Michi-no-Eki Atsumi “Sharin” Roadside Station
Come enjoy the sea, the flavors, and the summer fun!
July 15th (Tuesday) – 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 Sankan-Gōsai-den (Three Gods Hall), Dewa Sanzan Shrine
Don’t miss this powerful and sacred celebration rooted in the mountain faith of Dewa.
July 30th, 31th (Wednesday to Thursday)- Yutagawa Onsen’s Kagura Festival
Yutagawa Onsen Kagura & Ushiyu Event 2025
The Yutagawa Onsen Kagura is a sacred performance with over 400 years of tradition, passed down in the hot spring town of Yutagawa.
Held each year on the Day of the Ox (Doyō no Ushi no Hi) and the day before, it celebrates the renewal of the hot spring waters with a ritual dedication at Yuzusame Shrine, which enshrines the local deities.
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.
🗓 Dates:
Wednesday, July 30 & Thursday, July 31, 2025
⏰ Time: From around 8:00 PM
📍 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 3rd (Sunday) – Fujishima Summer Festival
Fujishima Summer Festival & Traditional Performing Arts 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 9th (Saturday) – Universal Beach Festival
Inclusive “Day at the Sea” Event
This is a seaside event where everyone can enjoy the ocean, regardless of ability or disability.
Come feel the breeze, experience the water, and share the joy of summer together!
📍 Location: Marine Park Nezugaseki
📞 Contact: Dream Yamagata Satoyama Project – Shonai Office
TEL: 0234-21-8250
Let’s make the sea a place for everyone!
August 16th (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 23rd to 24th (Saturday to Sunday)- Michinoeki Atsumi Sharin 34th year anniversary
🥁＼Sunset Noh & Benten Taiko Performance at Michi-no-Eki 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 24th (Sunday) – Yamagata String Quartet Concert
🎻＼Enjoy a String Quartet Concert in a Meiji-Style Retro Hall／🎶
Step back in time and experience beautiful string quartet music in a charming hall filled with Meiji-era atmosphere.
🕜 Time: Doors open at 1:30 PM, concert starts at 2:00 PM
💴 Admission: 2,000 yen
📍 Venue: Higashitagawa Cultural Memorial Hall – Meiji Hall
A perfect afternoon for music lovers and history fans alike!
This list is non-exhaustive.
