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Sendai Aoba Festival

The town of Sendai’s historic epochs with the Sendai Suzume Dance.

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On the 350th anniversary of Date Masamune’s death, in 1985 the Sendai Aoba Festival began to revitalize the boisterous and proud festival culture of Sendai. It is now considered the three festivals of Sendai, attracting visitors worldwide as a summer favorite.

The Sendai Aoba festival held every May aims to celebrate Date’s essence. The “Yoi Matsuri” is where the “Sendai Suzume Dance(sparrow dance)” is performed. The “Hon Matsuri” is where citizens perform a historic epic that celebrates Date Masamune, by going around Aoba Shrine with 11 parade floats. The festival runs for two days.

During the festival, two events, named the “Date-en” and “Mori no Ichi” are held. Visitors can see craftsmen perform their skills and enjoy activities such as mochi pounding, shooting, haunted houses and more at the “Date-en” which recreates a castle town. The “Mori no Ichi” features stalls with local foods and items, celebrating Date Masamune’s gourmet tendencies. See, hear, dance, eat and enjoy the Sendai Aoba Festival.

Highlights

  • One of Sendai's three major festivals, revived in 1985 (Showa 60), 350 years after the death of Date Masamune.
  • The festival is held over two days, the "Yoi Matsuri" and the "Hon Matsuri", as a competition of Date's sophistication.
  • The dynamic Suzume Odori Dance is performed to the rhythm of lively festival music.
  • A splendid historical parade featuring the transfer of Lord Masamune's portable shrine and 11 floats.
  • Plenty to enjoy even outside the festival. The "Mori no Ichi" market, gathering more than 80 stalls, is also a highlight of the festival.

Photos

  • The Yoi Matsuri. Hear the drums beat and see the beautiful Sendai Suzume Dance.

    The Yoi Matsuri. Hear the drums beat and see the beautiful Sendai Suzume Dance.

  • The biggest attraction of the main festival is the historical procession of the transfer of Lord Masamune and the parade of 11 floats.

    The biggest attraction of the main festival is the historical procession of the transfer of Lord Masamune and the parade of 11 floats.

  • The Mori no Ichi market features over 80 planned stalls and street vendors, primarily from Miyagi Prefecture, allowing you to enjoy the food culture centered around Miyagi.

    The Mori no Ichi market features over 80 planned stalls and street vendors, primarily from Miyagi Prefecture, allowing you to enjoy the food culture centered around Miyagi.

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Details

Name in Japanese
仙台・青葉まつり
Telephone
022-223-8441
Schedule
3rd Sunday of May, and previous day.
Access
Around JR Sendai Station
Official Website
Official Website (English)