Survey Kemamainai's townscape from a hilltop right beside the bon dance venue
About this spot
A small hilltop park, also known as Sakurayama Park, built on the ruins of Kemamainai Castle, the seat of the Kemamainai clan of the Nambu family. Located just steps from Hon-machi Street where the bon dance takes place in the evening, the hilltop offers sweeping views of Kemamainai's tiled roofscape and the merchant town you'll explore later in the day. The park is also known as a cherry blossom viewing spot, and shaded benches offer a cool place to rest. Grasping the full picture of Kemamainai at the start of your day will greatly enhance your evening stroll through town.
Season & hours
Name: 毛馬内盆踊り
Date & time: 8/21 (Fri)–8/23 (Sun) Time TBA
Venue: 鹿角市・毛馬内本町通り
国の重要無形民俗文化財に指定され、日本三大盆踊りのひとつにも数えられる歴史ある盆踊りです。2026年は8月21日から23日までの3日間、毛馬内本町通りを会場に開催されます。踊り手の多くが笠や頭巾で顔を覆い、誰が踊っているかわからないのがこの盆踊りの特徴。ゆったりとした「大の坂」と軽快な「甚句」という2つの曲に合わせて、輪になった踊り手たちが夜通し静かに舞い続けます。観客もいつでも輪に加わることができ、見るだけでなく実際に踊ってみるとその奥深さがより伝わってきます。3日間の中でも人出が比較的落ち着いている初日は、家族連れでもゆったりと雰囲気を味わいやすい日です。
Tips
屋台の出店情報は確認できていないため、夕食は事前に毛馬内新町周辺で済ませておくのがおすすめです。荒天時は開催内容が変更になる場合があるため、事前に鹿角市の公式情報を確認しましょう。会場周辺の駐車場は台数が限られるため、公共交通機関や臨時駐車場の利用が安心です。
Tips
It's a few minutes' walk from Hon-machi Street, with a steep slope, so wear comfortable walking shoes. The parking lot has limited spaces, so it's wise to check information about temporary parking near the venue beforehand during the festival period.
Best time to visit
Plan for about 50 minutes. Late morning to early afternoon, before the sun becomes too intense, is best for exploring.
Access & map
Japan, 〒018-5201 Akita Prefecture, Kakegawa City, Hanawa Arayashiki
Model course featuring this spot
2026 Kemamainai Bon Dance Full-Day Experience Course
Akita
Explore features & model courses
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