Lake Tokoro — the birthplace of Hanagasa Ondo, tracing the festival's origins
About this spot
A reservoir built by local residents in the Taisho era as a drought countermeasure. The earth-stamping songs sung during the embankment construction are said to have been the prototype of the Hanagasa Ondo, making Obanazawa known as the birthplace of this chant. The lake's shoreline has a maintained walking path, allowing you to stroll through quiet scenery surrounded by mountains. Visiting this place that inspired the festival before the evening dancing will help you feel the celebrations more deeply.
Season & hours
Name: おばなざわ花笠まつり
Date & time: 8/27 (Thu)–8/28 (Fri) Time TBA
Venue: 尾花沢市内一帯
花笠音頭発祥の地とされる尾花沢で、8月27日・28日に開かれる夏まつりです。紅花をかたどった花笠を手にした踊り手たちが「ヤッショ、マカショ」の掛け声とともに市内を練り歩く様子は、山形の夏を代表する光景の一つです。ゆったりとした所作で笠を回す女踊りや、力強く踊る男踊りなど、団体ごとに異なる踊りぶりを見比べる楽しみもあります。夕方から夜にかけて提灯が灯り、太鼓と笛の音が町なかに響き渡ります。
Tips
踊りの巡行ルート周辺は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
About 10 minutes by car from central Obanazawa. In summer, there's little shade, so bring a hat and drinks. The shoreline features paved walkways and is easy to navigate.
Best time to visit
About 50 minutes. Early afternoon is relatively cool and pleasant for walking.
Access & map
〒999-4212 Yamagata Prefecture, Obanazawa City, Nifujidori, Lake Tokoro
Model course featuring this spot
2026 Obanazawa Hanagasa Festival Full-Day Course
Yamagata
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