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Offered languages
- English
Participate in the vibrant Shinjo Festival and pull an impressive UNESCO float alongside locals. This unique day trip from Sendai offers hands-on cultural immersion as you don a traditional "Happi" coat and engage in a centuries-old tradition. After the exhilarating float-pulling experience, unwind in the picturesque Ginzan Onsen, known for its nostalgic charm and stunning scenery. Enjoy reserved seating for the parade and live commentary from expert guides, ensuring a rich understanding of this historic event.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Itinerary
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1
The Shinjo Festival is a 260-year-old summer festival in Yamagata and is recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. The festival is best known for its parade of 20 giant floats, called “Yatai,” which recreate dramatic scenes from Kabuki plays and Japanese mythology using life-sized dolls. What makes the festival especially unique is that the floats are completely rebuilt every year by local residents, meaning no design is ever repeated. Rather than being created by professional artists, these massive handmade floats are crafted over several months by the local community, making them true community-made masterpieces.
2 hours 30 minutes • Admission ticket included -
2Ginzan Onsen
Ginzan Onsen: Visit one of Japan’s most picturesque hot spring towns, renowned for its nostalgic Taisho-era atmosphere. Lined with beautifully preserved wooden ryokan along a charming river, the town looks especially magical with its gas lamps, small bridges, and traditional architecture. Ginzan Onsen is said to have inspired scenes from famous Japanese animated films and offers visitors a chance to experience the timeless beauty of old Japan while strolling through its peaceful streets.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Age Requirement: This tour is available only for participants aged 15 and above.
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Age Requirement: This tour is available only for participants aged 15 and above.
- Float Pulling Experience: The float-pulling activity lasts approximately 15 to 40 minutes, depending on weather conditions and the progress of the festival parade on the day.
- Reserved Seating: Grandstand seat locations cannot be selected in advance and will be assigned by the tour staff on the day of the event.
- Health & Safety: For guest safety and to help prevent heatstroke, the duration of the float-pulling experience and festival viewing may be adjusted depending on the weather and temperature conditions.
- Traffic & Delays: Arrival times may be affected by festival traffic and road conditions. In such cases, the stay duration may be shortened, and no refunds will be provided.
- Rainy Weather Policy: The festival will take place even in rainy weather. For safety reasons, umbrellas are not permitted during the event, so please bring a raincoat or poncho.
- Luggage Policy: Large suitcases and oversized luggage are not permitted on the bus. Please use the coin lockers at Sendai Station before the tour begins.
- Expert English & Chinese - Speaking guides share live commentary on the Shinjo Festival’s 260-year history. A Chinese-speaking guide is available during the festival period only.
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Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Cancellation Policy
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
You will not receive a refund if you cancel.
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