Skip to content
Ashinojiri Dosojin Matsuri

Guide

Ashinojiri Dosojin Matsuri

6 min read

Event Overview

The Ashinojiri Dosojin Matsuri is a traditional ritual held in the Ashinojiri hamlet of Ooka, Nagano City. Also known as the 'Divine Mask Decoration Ritual,' it is designated as a Prefectural Intangible Folk Cultural Property. Every year on January 7th, a significant ceremony is held to adorn the Dosojin (guardian deity) stone monument with a new divine mask, praying for the peace and well-being of the community.

Highlights & What to Expect

The main highlight is the ritual of decorating the 1.5-meter-tall stone monument with sacred ropes (shimenawa), pine decorations, and a unique 'Kamimen' (divine mask). Replacing the mask is believed to empower the deity to protect the village from evil spirits and illness for the coming year. Set against the backdrop of a peaceful mountain village facing the Northern Alps, this is a rare opportunity to witness the profound depth of Japanese spiritual culture.

Date & Schedule

The event takes place on January 7th. This date marks the important transition of removing the old mask that has protected the village and installing a new one for the year ahead.

Venue & Access

The event is held at the open area around the Ooka Ashinojiri Dosojin monument in Ooka-hei, Nagano City.

By Car

  • Approximately 20–25 minutes from Omi IC via the Nagano Expressway.
  • Approximately 40 minutes from Sakuishi IC via the Joshin-etsu Expressway.

By Public Transport

  • Approximately 20 minutes by taxi from JR Hokuriku Shinkansen 'Shin-Kougen Station' (Note: Please check local train schedules).

Important Information for Visitors

This ritual is a deeply rooted local tradition based on community faith. Rather than a flashy tourist parade, it is a quiet, sacred ceremony. We ask that visitors observe the ritual respectfully and quietly. Enjoy the serene atmosphere of a traditional Japanese village alongside the breathtaking views of the Northern Alps.

Essentials & Etiquette

  • *Clothing**: As the event is held in early January, it is extremely cold. Please dress in heavy winter clothing and bring plenty of warm layers.
  • *Lighting**: The area has very few streetlights. We recommend arriving during daylight hours. If staying into the evening, bringing a flashlight is highly recommended.
  • *Payment & Reservations**: Admission is free. Please check local details for any surrounding facility information.