View large ornamental floats used in the actual festival up close year-round
About this spot
This is a facility where you can see up close the large ornamental floats that actually parade during the Shinjo Festival, year-round. The powerful decorative figures depicting scenes from Kabuki and classical stories are remarkable in their craftsmanship when viewed at close range. The appeal of this facility is that you can observe details of the floats that are only visible from a distance during the evening's main procession. There are also panels introducing the history of the festival and how the floats are made, making it perfect for preparation before the main event.
Season & hours
Name: 新庄まつり
Date & time: 8/24 (Mon)–8/26 (Wed) Time TBA
Venue: 新庄市中心部
1756年、当時の新庄藩主が凶作からの再興を願って始めたとされる、270年近い歴史を持つ夏まつりです。ユネスコ無形文化遺産「山・鉾・屋台行事」の一つにも登録されています。初日の24日は宵まつりとして、各町内が趣向を凝らした大型の人形山車が新庄市中心部を巡行し、太鼓や笛の音とともに沿道を練り歩きます。夜になるにつれて提灯の灯りが増し、山車の人形飾りが浮かび上がる様子は、この日ならではの光景です。
Tips
巡行ルート周辺は大勢の見物客でにぎわうため、よい場所で見たい場合は早めに沿道へ向かいましょう。ベビーカーでの最前列観覧は難しい場合があるため、家族連れは沿道後方や広めの通り沿いが安心です。荒天時の開催可否は公式情報で確認してください。
Tips
Within walking distance of Shinjo Station. Admission fee required. The hall has air conditioning, making it a good place to take a break from the summer heat.
Best time to visit
About 50 minutes needed. Early afternoon is ideal for a leisurely visit.
Access & map
〒996-0024 Yamagata-ken Shinjo-shi Tamon-machi 1−2
Model course featuring this spot
2026 Shinjo Festival Full-Day Experience Course
Yamagata
Explore features & model courses
Like this spot? Sign up free to save it to your own booklet as a plan or a want-to-go.