Nozawa Onsen Dosojin Festival

Event Overview

The Nozawa Onsen Dosojin Festival is a traditional fire festival in Nozawa Onsen Village, Nagano, designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. Known as one of Japan's three great fire festivals, it holds immense historical value. The event begins with the Mikoshi procession on January 13, leading to the intense and spectacular 'fire battle' on the night of January 15. This is not just a show, but a sacred ritual deeply rooted in the local community.

Highlights & How to Enjoy

The main highlight is the 'fire battle' on the night of January 15. The sight of flames rising high toward the sky and the shrine burning intensely is truly overwhelming. You can also experience the spiritual essence of Japan through the Dosojin Taiko drumming and the ritual of transferring fire.

Additionally, you can engage with local culture through activities like drawing the Dosojin deity (associated with matchmaking and fertility) or participating in the 'Dosojin Mochi-yaki' tradition the following morning, where rice cakes are grilled to pray for good health.

Schedule

The festival unfolds over three days:

• *January 13**
• Around 1:00 PM: Mikoshi procession begins (near Isemiya)
• *January 14**
• Shrine assembly
• *January 15**
• 12:00 PM: Shrine assembly expected to finish
• 7:00 PM: Fire source receiving ceremony
• 7:30 PM: Lantern arrival
• 8:00 PM: Fireworks and Dosojin Taiko (may be canceled in bad weather)
• 8:00 PM: Fire source departure
• 8:30 PM: Fire arrival and lighting of the shrine/lanterns
• 8:35 PM: Children's lighting ceremony
• 8:50 PM: Adult lighting ceremony
• 10:00 PM: End of adult lighting and lantern offering
• *January 16**
• Early morning to sunset: Dosojin Mochi-yaki (ritual for health and longevity)

Venue & Access

The venue is near Babano-hara in Nozawa Onsen Village.

Participation Tips

As this is a sacred ritual, entry is restricted. Access to the venue is limited to local residents and guests staying at accommodations within the village who hold a special 'Entry Pass.' It is essential to contact your accommodation in advance to confirm the availability of a pass.

What to Bring & Etiquette

• *Clothing**: Held in mid-January, it is extremely cold. Please dress in heavy winter clothing and prepare for freezing temperatures.
• *Items to Bring**: Bringing glass bottles or cans into the venue is prohibited. If participating in Mochi-yaki, you must bring your own rice cakes, wire mesh, chopsticks, soy sauce, and plates.
• *Etiquette**: This is a sacred event. Drone usage is strictly prohibited by law. Bringing alcoholic beverages to the venue is also not allowed.