Shonai Taisai

Event Overview

The Shonai Taisai is a significant historical festival celebrating the founding of Shonai Shrine in 1877. For nearly 150 years, it has preserved the tradition of the 'Sankin-kotai' (procession to Edo). Approximately 400 participants, including samurai, princesses, and armored warriors, parade through the streets of Tsuruoka, a city rich in historical architecture. This creates a living, breathing historical scroll in the heart of Yamagata.

Highlights & How to Enjoy

The main highlight is the 'Daimyo Procession' featuring 400 people. Watch the dramatic 'Sanyaku-noburi' spear-throwing performance, the powerful 'Hojutai' gunpowder demonstrations, and the elegant 'Nyojin-retsu' (women's procession). For the best view, we highly recommend watching at the 'So-ohiro-me' stop in front of the City Hall, where the procession pauses for high-impact performances.

After the procession, the 'Neoto Matsuri' begins at Tsuruoka Park North Plaza. This is a lively modern festival with music performances by guest DJs and bands, alongside various food trucks and stalls. The transition from the solemn historical parade to a modern celebration of music and food is a unique charm of this event.

Schedule

The event takes place over two days, but the main Daimyo Procession occurs only on October 6th.

• 10:00–16:00: Lively atmosphere with local produce and stalls along the Shonai Shrine approach.
• *October 6, 2026 (Tuesday) Main Event (Procession & Neoto Matsuri)**
• 14:00: Ritual at Otabisho
• 15:00: Daimyo Procession departs (from Tsuruoka Park North Plaza)
• Approx. 15:30: 'So-ohiro-me' (Highlight performance in front of City Hall)
• Approx. 16:00: Arrival at Shonai Shrine main gate
• 17:30–20:30: Neoto Matsuri (Music and food event at Tsuruoka Park North Plaza)

Venue & Access

The event is held around Shonai Shrine, Tsuruoka Park, and the surrounding city streets.

• *Main Venues**: Shonai Shrine, Tsuruoka Park North Plaza, and the main city streets.
• *Access**: From JR Tsuruoka Station, take a bus for about 5 minutes to the 'Tsuruoka Shiyakusho' (City Hall) stop, then walk for 1 minute.
• *Parking**: No dedicated event parking. Please use nearby municipal parking lots (Park East, Central, West, South, or City Hall parking). Note: Traffic restrictions are in place from 14:30 to 16:30; arriving early is recommended.

Tips for Visitors

To see the most intense performances, watch from the 'City Hall' area where the procession stops. You can also enjoy the historical costumes from various angles along the 2km route from Tsuruoka Park to Shonai Shrine. For the Neoto Matsuri, come hungry to enjoy local delicacies from the food trucks!

What to Bring & Etiquette

• *Clothing**: Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the season, as you will be moving outdoors for long periods.
• *Essentials**: Bring a light jacket for the evening to enjoy the Neoto Matsuri comfortably.
• *Etiquette**: Sidewalks are narrow near the route (e.g., near Chido Museum); please do not obstruct the procession. Setting up spots with mats is discouraged.
• *Reservations**: No reservation is needed for the procession, but please check the official website or Instagram for weather updates.