A Complete Guide to the Tsuruoka “Monster Festival”｜What is the mysterious custom of the Tenjin Festival where people hide their faces and make wishes?

Why do they hide their faces at the Haunted Monster Festival?"

Is it true that tourists can participate?"
How do I rent a costume?"

For those of you who have such questions.

Among the spring festivals of Tsuruoka City, the Tsuruoka Tenjin Festival attracts the most attention.化けものまつりです。

Hiding their faces with hand towels and woven hats, they parade through the town in long underwear, holding sake cups and serving locally brewed sake silently...
This mysterious sight containsa story of “prayer” that has been handed downfor more than 800 years.

In this article, we will introduce the entire story of the Haunted Monster Festival, from its origin and history to costumes, how to participate, and stories about the experience!
Whether you're a first-time visitor or a local fan, this will make you want to “go wild” this year ✨.

What is the Haunted Monster Festival? ｜A “Quiet and Strange Festival” with Prayers and Wishes

The Haunted Monster Festival is one of the events of the Tsuruoka Tenjin Festival held every May.
People disguised as “monsters” walk through the streets of Tsuruoka, silently serving local sake.

A haunted costume is a garish flower-patterned long lintel with an obi sash, a tenugui (hand towel) to cover the face, and a braided hat.
It is characterized by holding a sake bottle and an oinokuchi in one's hand and offering a drink (ikkon) to the audience.

The sight of him made people say, “Is he a little scary?” “Costume play?” Some people may think that it is a little scary...
In fact, this is a custom of making wishes that has been passed down from generation to generation.

History and Origin｜It began as a “disguise” for people who admired Michizane

The roots of the Haunted Monster Festivallie in an anecdote about Michizane Sugawara,known as the god of learning.

During the Heian period (794-1185), many people secretly admired Michizane, who was left to Dazaifu for a crime he did not commit.
However, unable to defythe authority of the time,they disguised themselves by hiding their faces, and quietly sent them off without making a sound.

This custom became associated with the Tenjin Festival in Tsuruoka after the Edo period (1603-1867), and the “hakimono” became firmly established as the “haunted” form that it has become today.
In modern times, the "If you can worship for three years without anyone knowing who you are, your wish will come true.The festival is also meant to “make a wish,” and men and women of all ages participate in the event.

Characteristics and Meanings of Costumes｜A Thorough Guide to "Haunted Styles

The main attraction of the Haunted Monster Festival is, of course, its striking appearance.
But that costume actually has a meaning 👘✨.

◼️ items and roles and one point MEMO

The long underwear(nagajyuban):The main costume of the monster. Colorful floral patterns make it gorgeous. Floral and plum patterns are popular. Sizes are available for both men and women!

belt(obi)：An important part to accentuate the long underwear. Choose a tightening color such as blue or purple for a chic look.

hand towel(tenugui):Covering the face creates an “identity unknown” effect. Plain or patterned fabrics are acceptable, but be sure to cover up to the eyes.

braided hat：Deeply covered, blocking the line of sight. A symbol of anonymity. Surprisingly comfortable to avoid light. ☀️

・Tokkuri and boar's mouth:Essentials for serving local sake in silence. Wooden or ceramic props will add to the atmosphere 🍶.

This aesthetic of “not showing” is the essence of the Haunted Monster Festival.
“Will I be able to walk away without people knowing who I am?” This is one of the most thrilling parts of the experience.

How do I get involved? | 2025 Edition, Experience Guide

I want to try it! I want to try it!" If you think so, you can join us in 2025!

However, costume rental is requires advance application, so early check is recommended✨.

🔸 Costume Rental Details (2025)

Application period: Thursday, April 10, 2025 - Friday, May 9, 2025
貸出数： I couldn't find out how many of the first 100 pieces (end as soon as they are gone)💦.
Borrowing period: May 12 (Mon.) - May 23 (Fri.) *No same-day borrowing
Lending office: Tsuruoka City Tourism and Products Division (see city website for details)
Application: online form or reservation by phone (TEL 0235-35-1301)

🔸 Notes and tips for participation

🎽 Costumes are picked up in advance & dressed on your own!
🧺 It can be worn like a yukata, so you only need to learn how to tie the obi.
🕒 Since it will be crowded on the day of the event, it is a good idea to act early!
📸 Posting on social networking sites is OK, but “feeling” rather than taking pictures may be the best part..!

Experience Report｜“Walking in a monster” is like this!

When you actually walk around in the form of a monster, there is much more to feel than meets the eye.

First of all, there is the “extraordinary” feeling of walking around with your face hidden. The moment when you silently offer a cup of sake to a passerby and they accept it with a smile, it is an indescribable feeling of togetherness. Since we are not allowed to speak, it is a refreshing feeling to be able to communicate with someone through a single gesture or glance.

Moreover, when the monsters pass each other, they bail out a bit, but there is also the strange thrill of not knowing who is who.
“Hey, could that have been Mr. 00?” But the rule is not to check.
Perhaps it is this very “faceless connection” that is the charm of this festival.

On social networking sites, there are many comments such as “I want to try this strange festival at least once in my life” and "I feel like I'm going back in time.
Please try and experience the fun of quiet prayer, which you will only understand after experiencing it.

Participation Tips & Manners｜Rules for "Quietly Standing Out

The Haunted Monster Festival is not just a costume event.
Because it is an important local custom, there are some manners that should be observed.

✅ Keep this to yourself!

Silence is strictly required! If you speak up, your identity will be revealed and your wish will disappear...?
Minimize phone operation! Even if filming is OK, use moderation.
Hide your face until the end! Even if it is for a photo shoot, you are not allowed to show your face during the process.
Use perfume sparingly. The smell can give you away😆.
Choose shoes that are comfortable to walk in. Sneakers are recommended over clogs or heels!

No pressure, fun, and with feeling. This festival is “quiet and conspicuous”, and it will be an even more profound experience if you prepare your mind for it.

summary

The “Dakemono Festival” attracts many applicants from all over the country, as it is said that one's wish will come true if one's true identity is not revealed to anyone for three years.

The Corona Disaster had also refrained from this haunted festival, so after the ban was lifted, there was a rush of applicants.

It will be a great opportunity for couples, parents and children, and friends to commemorate the event. Please join us at ❣️

Incidentally, only one person can become Lord Michizane Sugawara each year.

We won't make it to 2025, but it might be interesting to take on the challenge after next year.

Applications for 📍2025 are due by May 9!
Want to “make a wish” for a different kind of spring outing?
It's not too late! ❣️

And for those of you who think, “I'd like to go,” there is still time!
Guesthouse Watasagi, a 12-minute walk from the festival site, is now accepting accommodation reservations.
Why don't you stay in the town and enjoy the festival slowly like the locals?
We are waiting for you with the perfect place to make your summer memories 🐰🎐.