Donshan Sakata Halloween Festival

Event Overview

The Donshan Sakata Halloween Festival is a community-driven event held in the heart of Sakata, Yamagata. Originally part of the traditional 'Sakata Donshan Matsuri' to pray for business prosperity, it evolved in 2018 into a modern Halloween celebration. The festival takes place across the central districts of Sakata (Nakamachi Mall, Chuwakai Shopping Street, Odori, Nakadori, and the Station area), bringing people of all ages together for a lively autumn celebration.

Highlights & How to Enjoy

The charm of this event lies in the energetic atmosphere as the entire city embraces the Halloween spirit. Key highlights include:

• *Costume Contest**: A major highlight where participants showcase creative and elaborate costumes.
• *Exciting Parade**: A lively parade through the streets that captures everyone's attention.
• *Diverse Booths**: Enjoy food stalls and educational booths, such as those featuring 'working vehicles' (emergency vehicles), making it great for families.
• *Shopping Street Stamp Rally**: A fun activity for children (first-come, first-served) to enjoy while exploring the town.

Schedule

The festival will be held on Sunday, October 11, 2026. Main schedule:

• *10:00~**: Opening, Shopping Street Stamp Rally (First 390 participants, elementary school students and younger, 100 JPY), Food Corner, Emergency Vehicle Exhibits, etc.
• *12:00~**: Cheer Dance Performance
• *12:30~**: Costume Contest
• *14:00~**: Parade

Venue & Access

The venue covers the central areas of Sakata City.

• *Train/Bus**: Approx. 17-minute walk from JR Sakata Station, or a 7-minute bus ride (get off at 'Nakamachi').
• *Car**: Approx. 15 minutes from the Sakata IC on the Nihonkai-Tohoku Expressway.

Practical Tips

As the event is held across various shopping streets, comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended. Since certain activities like the Stamp Rally are first-come, first-served, arriving early is advised. For food stalls and booths, having small change ready will make transactions much smoother.

Clothing, Payment & Etiquette

• *Clothing**: Wear comfortable clothes for walking. Feel free to wear your favorite costume to join the fun!
• *Payment**: Most food stalls and booths primarily accept cash. Please prepare small change or 1,000 yen notes in advance.
• *Reservations**: No prior reservation is required for the parade or booths, but the Stamp Rally is limited to the first 390 participants.
• *Other**: Event details may change due to weather. Please check the official website for the latest updates.