Benigaki Noren

Event Overview

Benigaki Noren is an early-winter tradition held at Kaminoyama Onsen in Kaminoyama City, Yamagata Prefecture. Benigaki persimmons, native to Kaminoyama, are especially astringent, so for over 300 years they have been dried to make hoshigaki. The cold winds from snow-capped Mount Zao and the soft winter sunlight create a natural Japanese sweet, and these dried persimmons are strung together into curtains.

The wide temperature swings between day and night in early winter, characteristic of Kaminoyama's climate, transform the strong astringency into a rich sweetness. The red curtains swaying in the hot-spring town create a scene that connects with visitors' hearts.

Schedule

• *Display period**: November 10 (Tue) – December 25 (Fri), 2026 (planned)
• *Hours**: Free viewing (Platform 1 of JR Kaminoyama Onsen Station follows station operating hours)

Venue & Access

• *Venue**: Kaminoyama Onsen (Yamagata Prefecture)
• *Display locations**: Platform 1 of JR Kaminoyama Onsen Station, and in front of Kaminoyama Onsen Tourist Information Center

Highlights

• Enjoy the winter tradition of dried persimmons strung into curtains.
• Don't miss the display in front of the tourist information center while strolling the hot-spring town.

Participation Tips

• Viewing is free, but entering Platform 1 of JR Kaminoyama Onsen Station requires a separate platform ticket.
• Dried persimmons are usually sold from December to January.