Dancers move energetically to the rhythms of the HANAGASA-ONDO at the YAMAGATA HANAGASA MATSURI FESTIVAL which lasts for three days every year from August 5 to August 7. About 10,000 persons wearing paper hats decorated with artificial flowers dance along the main street of YAMAGATA CITY.

It is located at the foot of Mt. Gassan. It is said that priests of Shugen-do visiting Mt. Yudono underwent austerities in the cave in half way down the waterfall, and after that they stood under this fall and purified themselves. Its form is remarkable- the waterfall comprises upper and lower parts and the fall is forking in many water threads in the upper part, then binds together and falls straight down into the basin.
It is picturesque with white water dropping among the deep green woods and chosen one of the 100 greatest waterfalls in Japan.
East of the fall, Old Rokujurigoe-kaido lies among the broadleaf forest with a lot of beech trees. Old Rokujurigoe-kaido was a road used to visit Mt. Yudono, where Kobodaishi founded a temple in 883.
The road thrived the most in Edo era at Mt. Yudono and it is told that there was a long line of devotees in white at that time. Now few people walk this street, but there is an atmosphere left along this street, which enable us to imagine the old good days.

This waterfall leads into Mogami River, which is one of the 3 most rapid rivers in Japan and is located the other side of “Shiraito-no-taki Drive-in”, the destination of Mogami River boat ride. The view of the waterfall as it changes from season to season is wonderful. It is the most famous waterfall among those 48 along Mogami River and also chosen one of the 100 greatest waterfalls in Japan.

It falls in the precincts of Mitake Shrine. It is said that it was found by Kobodaishi in 808, early Heian era, when he walked up along Hyuga River to find holy ground, where Daisyo-hudomyo-oh was enshrined, through divine revelation.
The stone statue of Daisyo-hudomyo-oh is placed halfway down the waterfall. The water dropping in front of the statue looks like a bead curtain, “tamasudare”. It is said hence comes the name Tamasudare-no-taki.
Actually the view of the water from the cliff with 63 meters high and 6 meters wide falling down straight and splashing like beads with sunshine is just marvelous.
In spring with fresh leaves, in summer with green leaves and cool air, in autumn with tinted leaves and in winter turning to an ice wall, the waterfall blends in with the surrounding scenery. Because of its solemn beauty, it is the greatest waterfall not just in the Syonai area but also in Yamagata.