Ten Thousand Dancers at the Yamagata Hanagasa Matsuri

The hanagasa hats with their bright red flowers are the festival’s symbol. (© Yamagata Prefecture Hanagasa Council)

A float depicting the mountain deity Zaō Dai Gongen leads the parade. (© Yamagata Prefecture Hanagasa Council)

Women dance the graceful “Kunpū mogamigawa.” (© Yamagata Prefecture Hanagasa Council)

The children’s captivating performance is another highlight of the parade. (© Yamagata Prefecture Hanagasa Council)

The Bunshōkan is an outstanding example of Taishō period architecture. (© Shoepress)