Shinjō Matsuri

Overview

The Shinjo Matsuri, held annually from August 24 to 26 in Shinjo City, Yamagata Prefecture, is a historic float festival that began in the mid-Edo period. The grand floats, measuring approximately 3 meters in width, 8 meters in length, and 4.7 meters in height, are handcrafted by local youth groups called "Wakaren" organized in each former castle town district and parade through the city. In 2009, it was designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan, and in 2016, it was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage as part of the "Yama, Hoko, Yatai, Float Festivals" across 33 festivals nationwide【pref.yamagata.jp](https://www.pref.yamagata.jp/020026/kensei/shoukai/yamagatamonogatari/matsuri/shinjou.html).

The festival is divided into three days: the first day is "Yoi Matsuri" (eve festival), the second day is "Hon Matsuri" (main festival), and the final day is "Ato Matsuri" (after festival), each with distinct programs. On Yoi Matsuri, electrically illuminated floats color the night streets, while on Hon Matsuri, a procession of over 200 people dressed as Shinjo domain samurai joins the parade. On Ato Matsuri, all 20 floats are displayed together in the central shopping street as decorative floats, marking the festival's grand finale【yamagatakanko.com](https://yamagatakanko.com/festivals/detail_2991.html).

History and Origins

The origin of Shinjo Matsuri dates back to 1756, the sixth year of the Horeki era in the mid-Edo period. According to tradition, the previous year of 1755 saw a severe famine that caused many deaths from starvation. To console the spirits of the dead, pray for a bountiful harvest, and revitalize the suffering populace, the then feudal lord of Shinjo Domain, Masanobu Tozawa, ordered a festival at Tenmangu Shrine to be held by the entire domain's people【pref.yamagata.jp](https://www.pref.yamagata.jp/020026/kensei/shoukai/yamagatamonogatari/matsuri/shinjou.html). The lord commanded the townspeople of each district to create decorative floats and parade them through the castle town【kunishitei.bunka.go.jp](https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/302/00000853).

This event has a unique origin legend of being initiated by a feudal lord in the early modern period, and until the Meiji Restoration, the festival was held under the patronage of the feudal lord. Tenmangu Shrine, the tutelary shrine of the Tozawa family, was enshrined within the castle, while Tozawa Shrine honors the first lord Masamori and the 11th lord Masami, and Gokoku Shrine is also located within the former castle grounds, all without parishioners【kunishitei.bunka.go.jp](https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/302/00000853). This lord-initiated festival origin is considered a distinctive case among Japanese festival traditions.

In 1962 (Showa 37), lantern lighting was introduced, and later, generators were installed on floats for electric illumination, making the floats increasingly colorful【ja.wikipedia.org](https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%96%B0%E5%BA%84%E3%81%BE%E3%81%A4%E3%82%8A). Before the city's roads were paved, floats would kick up dust as they ran on rough roads, and it is said that the figures appeared to come alive. Before the installation of utility poles and road improvements, there was intense competition to build larger floats, but now floats are standardized to fit the height of power lines and road width.

In 2006, the festival marked its 250th anniversary, and as a commemoration, the floats were also paraded on the 27th. On November 30, 2016, the festival was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage as part of the "Yama, Hoko, Yatai, Float Festivals." In 2019, a record 560,000 visitors attended over three days, but in 2021, the festival was held on a reduced scale for the first time in two years due to COVID-19 countermeasures【ja.wikipedia.org](https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%96%B0%E5%BA%84%E3%81%BE%E3%81%A4%E3%82%8A). In 2022, the float procession was revived after three years, attracting 330,000 visitors over three days, which was 58% of the pre-pandemic 2019 numbers.

Highlights

Handcrafted Float Details All elements of the floats, including five-story pagodas, pavilions, mountains, waterfalls, waves, cherry blossoms, pine trees, as well as human and animal figures, costumes, and accessories, are entirely handmade by the Wakaren using their ingenuity and creativity. This tradition has been passed down for generations, with the heads, hands, and feet of the figures crafted by the Nogawa family of doll makers, who have supported the festival for over 100 years【pref.yamagata.jp](https://www.pref.yamagata.jp/020026/kensei/shoukai/yamagatamonogatari/matsuri/shinjou.html). Each float is elaborately designed to recreate famous scenes from kabuki or historical epics, drawing viewers into a world of storytelling.

Night Illumination on Yoi Matsuri On the evening of August 24, the Yoi Matsuri begins as children pull the floats through the streets at dusk. The historically themed tableaux illuminated by lights emerge in the twilight, creating a mystical atmosphere【pref.yamagata.jp](https://www.pref.yamagata.jp/020026/kensei/shoukai/yamagatamonogatari/matsuri/shinjou.html). The energetic shouts of "Cherenko yaassa!!" and the lively music played by the hayashi (festival music) groups intensify the festive excitement.

Mikoshi Procession On the Hon Matsuri day of August 25, a procession of over 200 people dressed as Shinjo domain samurai departs from Tozawa Shrine at the Shinjo Castle ruins. Highlights include the rhythmic footwork of foot soldiers and the skillful twirling of umbrellas, evoking the atmosphere of the feudal era【yamagatakanko.com](https://yamagatakanko.com/festivals/detail_2991.html). A distinctive feature of the float parade is the presence of "densenhage" (wire lifters) holding long poles to prevent floats from catching on overhead power lines, a customary sight unique to float festivals.

Kashiko Odori (Deer Dance) The elegant Hagino Kashiko Odori and Nitayama Kashiko Odori, performed at the Shinjo Castle ruins, are traditional dances praying for a bountiful harvest, originating from the northern part of Shinjo. These dances are dedicated on the 25th at Saijo Park, where graceful movements and traditional costumes captivate spectators【yamagatakanko.com](https://yamagatakanko.com/festivals/detail_2991.html). This dance represents the serene aspect of the festival, creating a contrast with the dynamic float procession.

Shinjo Bayashi Joint Performance The hayashi music accompanying each float is performed by groups from nearby rural villages, using flutes, drums, gongs, and shamisen. The repertoire includes four pieces: "Yosebue," "Sukuwatari," "Kakko," and "Niagari." On the morning of the 24th, dedication performances are held at Tozawa Shrine, Tenmangu Shrine, and Gokoku Shrine【visityamagata.jp](https://www.visityamagata.jp/event-shijo-shinjomatsuri/). On the 25th, a joint concert takes place at the station square plaza, where the rhythm of the hayashi and the stylish happi coats of the young participants enhance the city's vibrancy.

Decorative Float Display On the final day, August 26, the Ato Matsuri features all 20 floats displayed together in the central shopping street as decorative floats. The sight of these towering floats lined up in a row is overwhelming, providing a fitting conclusion to the festival【pref.yamagata.jp](https://www.pref.yamagata.jp/020026/kensei/shoukai/yamagatamonogatari/matsuri/shinjou.html). The festival closes with a hand-closing ceremony at dusk, and the lingering excitement renews the determination to carry on the tradition for the next year.

Event Information and Access

1. Date: Annually on August 24 (Yoi Matsuri), 25 (Hon Matsuri), and 26 (Ato Matsuri). For 2025, the festival is scheduled for August 24 (Sunday) to 26 (Tuesday)【yamagatakanko.com](https://yamagatakanko.com/festivals/detail_2991.html).
2. Venue: Central Shinjo City, Yamagata Prefecture. Main parade routes include Shinjo Station Street, Honcho Street, and Chuo Street【visityamagata.jp](https://www.visityamagata.jp/event-shijo-shinjomatsuri/).
3. Access: Approximately 5 minutes by car from the Tohoku-Chuo Expressway "Shinjo IC." Within walking distance from JR Shinjo Station when using public transportation【yamagatakanko.com](https://yamagatakanko.com/festivals/detail_2991.html).
4. Parking: Shinjo Station East Parking Lot is recommended. Due to traffic restrictions during the festival period, use of public transportation is encouraged【yamagatakanko.com](https://yamagatakanko.com/festivals/detail_2991.html).
5. Paid Seating: Available at the Shinjo Station Plaza "Avies," offering close-up views of all 20 floats. Reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, and early booking is recommended【yamagatakanko.com](https://yamagatakanko.com/festivals/detail_2991.html).
6. Contact: Shinjo Matsuri Executive Committee (within Shinjo Chamber of Commerce and Industry), phone: 0233-22-6855【yamagatakanko.com](https://yamagatakanko.com/festivals/detail_2991.html). Check the official website for the latest schedule and confirmation of event implementation.

Surrounding Information

Shinjo City, where the festival takes place, is located almost in the center of the Shinjo Basin in northeastern Yamagata Prefecture, surrounded by the Ou Mountains to the east and the Dewa Mountains to the west. It is a heavy snow area with significant snowfall in winter, and it flourished as a castle town of the Shinjo Domain in the early modern period, developing as the central city of the Mogami District after the Meiji era【kunishitei.bunka.go.jp](https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/302/00000853). The Shinjo Castle ruins (Saijo Park) remain in the city, housing Tozawa Shrine and Tenmangu Shrine, which serve as important stages for the festival.

During the festival period, the entire city is enveloped in excitement, with shops and restaurants around Shinjo Station bustling with activity. The Shinjo Station Plaza "Avies" is the central gathering point for all floats, and paid seating is recommended for viewing. Shinjo City also serves as a tourism hub for the Mogami region, with hot springs and natural scenic spots scattered in the surrounding areas.

Even outside the festival season, the Shinjo Furusato History Center (4-74 Horibatacho, Shinjo City) offers opportunities to learn about the history of Shinjo Matsuri and the float-making process【pref.yamagata.jp](https://www.pref.yamagata.jp/020026/kensei/shoukai/yamagatamonogatari/matsuri/shinjou.html). Tourism information for Shinjo City is also available on the Mogami Regional Tourism Association website.

Related Information

1. National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property: Designated on March 11, 2009, as "Shinjo Matsuri Float Event." The preservation group is the Shinjo Matsuri Float Event Preservation Society【online.bunka.go.jp](https://online.bunka.go.jp/index.php/heritages/detail/293740).
2. UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: Registered on November 30, 2016, as part of "Yama, Hoko, Yatai, Float Festivals," with 33 festivals nationwide registered simultaneously【visityamagata.jp](https://www.visityamagata.jp/event-shijo-shinjomatsuri/).
3. Number of Floats: One float is produced by each of 21 districts in the city, totaling 20 to 21 floats. The number may vary slightly by year【kunishitei.bunka.go.jp](https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/302/00000853).
4. Division of Roles between Wakaren and Hayashi Wakaren: The production and operation of floats are handled by the "Wakaren" of each district, while the hayashi music is performed by "Hayashi Wakaren" from nearby rural settlements. This division is generally fixed, and hayashi practice begins in July【kunishitei.bunka.go.jp](https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/302/00000853).
5. Float Production Period: About two months before the festival, temporary workshops called "Dashi Goya" are set up in each district, where work on framework, paper pasting, large and small props, coloring, and doll making is carried out. In the week leading up to the festival, workers stay at the workshop from morning until night to complete the floats【kunishitei.bunka.go.jp](https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/302/00000853).
6. Historical Attendance Records: In 2019, the festival attracted a record 560,000 visitors over three days. In 2022, attendance was 330,000【ja.wikipedia.org](https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%96%B0%E5%BA%84%E3%81%BE%E3%81%A4%E3%82%8A).

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