Karasuyama's Yamaage-matsuri Festival

The Yamaage Festival was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2016. “Yama (mountain)” in the Yamaage Festival stands for Harikayama, a mountain made of washi paper and bamboo and used as the stage background for the open-air kabuki play. The perfectly coordinated group movement of young people lifting this mountain behind the stage is also a must-see. Once the stage is set, a beautiful dance performance by a group of dancers delights and entertains. There are also other stirring performances such as "Masakado" in which a Gamagaeru (giant toad) appears; "Modoribashi," which features an ogress; and "Hebihimesama" based on the folktale of Karasuyama.

Yamaage Center offers enjoyable year-round learning about the Yamaage Festival. At this facility, a human-like robot named Kansuke Jiisan (Grandpa Kansuke) provides a detailed explanation of the Yamaage Festival. Visitors can get a close look at the large stalls actually used for the festival as well as a one-fifth-scale replica of the actual stage. Local specialty products are sold at the convenient tourist product corner offering the perfect souvenirs.