Kasedori Festival 2026

• February 11, 2026 at 10:00 am
  Event date:
• February 11, 2026 at 3:30 am
  Event end:

History

The Kasedori Festival, also known as the “Strawbird Festival,” is one of Yamagata’s most distinctive winter traditions, with origins tracing back to the early Edo period in the 1600s. At that time, Kaminoyama was a small castle town often plagued by fires that devastated homes and farmlands. According to legend, the mythical bird “Kasedori” appeared during one of these calamities, bringing rain and saving the town from destruction.

In gratitude, the townspeople began to honor this mysterious bird by holding a yearly festival, praying for protection against fires, good harvests, and general prosperity. Over the centuries, the ritual transformed into a colorful community celebration, maintaining its purpose while adopting a lighthearted and festive spirit.

The festival is now celebrated every February 11th — coinciding with Japan’s National Foundation Day — and continues to draw both locals and travelers eager to witness its lively, water-soaked spectacle. It is an event that beautifully connects modern Japan to its folk legends and age-old gratitude toward nature.

Overview

The Kasedori Festival 2026 will take place in mid-February at Kaminoyama Castle and throughout the streets of Kaminoyama City, Yamagata Prefecture. The event begins with a ceremonial prayer at the castle’s main gate square (Monzen Hiroba), where townspeople gather around a bonfire to wish for safety and good fortune.

Soon after, the highlight begins — men dressed in bird-shaped straw costumes called Kendai parade through the streets, energetically shouting “Kakkakaa!” to mimic the mythical bird’s cry. Onlookers enthusiastically splash them with icy cold water, symbolizing purification and blessings for the year ahead. It’s a joyful chaos of laughter, cold sprays, and straw — where everyone, performers and spectators alike, becomes part of the legend.

Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy local food stalls, traditional drumming, and festive performances. It’s an immersive experience that showcases the warmth of Yamagata’s people despite the winter chill — proving that ancient traditions can still thrive in the modern world.

Highlights

• Watch men parade through town wearing massive straw costumes (Kendai) resembling birds.
• Experience the famous “Kakkakaa!” chants echoing through Kaminoyama’s snowy streets.
• Join in the tradition by splashing icy water on the performers for good luck.
• Collect fallen straw pieces said to bring beauty and blessings when tied to one’s hair.
• Explore local street food stalls and enjoy the festive winter atmosphere around Kaminoyama Castle.

Why Jasumo Recommends?

• A rare and visually stunning winter event rooted in centuries-old folklore.
• Offers travelers a genuine cultural experience beyond Japan’s major cities.
• The blend of ritual, humor, and local participation makes it unforgettable.
• Great opportunity for photographers to capture traditional Japan in motion.
• Kaminoyama’s nearby hot springs make the perfect warm-up after the festival.

If you’re coming to Japan or already in Japan and need any type of help — from custom tours and experiences to transportation or booking tickets — just contact us through the Jasumo Contact Us page.

Schedule

Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM
Main Event: The festival starts at Kaminoyama Castle’s Monzen Hiroba Square and continues through the city streets toward Kaminoyamaonsen Station, ending in central Kaminoyama. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy the opening ceremony and local performances.

Pricing

Entry: Free for all visitors.
There is no participation fee, and everyone is welcome to join the fun. However, do bring warm clothing — it’s midwinter, and you might get splashed!

Location

Venue: Kaminoyama Castle and Kaminoyama City, Yamagata Prefecture
Address: 3-7 Motojonai, Kaminoyama, Yamagata 999-3154, Japan

How to Get There:
From Tokyo Station, take the JR Yamagata Shinkansen to Kaminoyamaonsen Station, which takes about 2.5 hours. The castle and main event area are only a 10-minute walk from the station. Local buses and taxis are also available for easy transport between venues in the city.

Accommodation Options

Visitors can choose from several comfortable lodging options in Kaminoyama Onsen, a well-known hot spring town near the festival site. Staying in a traditional ryokan (Japanese inn) offers not only a cozy tatami-mat experience but also rejuvenating natural hot spring baths after a cold day outdoors.

Budget travelers can find guesthouses and small hotels starting around ¥8,000 per night, while mid-range ryokans with meals and onsen facilities average ¥15,000–¥20,000 per night. It’s highly recommended to book early, as rooms fill quickly around festival dates.

FAQs

What is the Kasedori Festival?

The Kasedori Festival is a traditional event in Kaminoyama, Yamagata, where locals dressed in straw bird costumes parade through the town while being splashed with cold water to pray for fire prevention and good fortune.

When does the Kasedori Festival 2026 take place?

It will be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM at Kaminoyama Castle and surrounding areas.

Is there an entry fee to join or watch the festival?

No, the Kasedori Festival is completely free to attend, and everyone is welcome to participate or observe.

How can I reach Kaminoyama Castle from Tokyo?

Take the JR Yamagata Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Kaminoyamaonsen Station (around 2.5 hours). From there, it’s just a short walk to the festival area.

What should I bring or wear for the event?

Dress warmly, wear waterproof clothing, and bring extra layers — temperatures are cold, and you might get splashed with icy water!

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