Amarume Festival

About this event

The "Amarume Matsuri," held in Shonai Town, Yamagata Prefecture, is the annual festival of Amarume Hachiman Shrine and takes place over three days from September 14 to 16 every year. In 2026, it falls on Monday through Wednesday. The highlight of the festival is the Mikoshi procession held on September 15, where Shinto priests, the Kamiyado group, bonten, flower carriers, and yakko attendants parade from in front of Amarume Station to Amarume Hachiman Shrine to the tune of the folk song "Umakata-bushi." A procession set to "Umakata-bushi" is considered rare nationwide. On the night of the 14th, which serves as the eve of the festival, the Mikoshi-togyo (procession) begins, led by yakko performers under eight lanterns as the group marches down night streets. On the final day, the 16th, a Daimyo Gyoretsu (feudal lord procession) featuring the mikoshi and parishioners in traditional costumes parades along the main street from the station to the shrine. Traffic restrictions will be in effect along the procession route, and drone flights and filming are strictly prohibited. The venue offers convenient access, being about a 15-minute walk from JR Amarume Station, and arriving by train is recommended since the procession starts right in front of the station. Visitors are advised to check the Shonai Town Tourism Association announcements for detailed schedules and traffic restriction updates before attending.

Venue

Amarume Hachiman Shrine

149 Amarume-machi, Shonai-machi, Higashitagawa-gun, Yamagata 999-7781