Guide
Take no Nobori is a traditional summer festival deeply rooted in the culture of Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture. This event is officially designated as an 'Intangible Folk Cultural Property requiring measures for preservation of records,' making it a highly significant piece of local history. Held annually on the Sunday around July 15th, the festival is meticulously preserved by the local community. The most striking feature is the sight of numerous long banners (nobori) lined up in a magnificent display.
The origins of this festival date back to 1504 (the first year of the Eisho era). At that time, the region southwest of Shioda-daira suffered from a severe drought. Legend tells that after prayers were offered to Mt. Fuchigataka (1,250.1m), rain fell for three consecutive days, leading to a successful harvest. To commemorate this, a shrine dedicated to the Nine-Headed Dragon God (Kuzuryu-shin) was built at the summit of Mt. Fuchigataka. A unique way of deciding the orientation of the shrine—by racing oxen and horses—resulted in the shrine facing east toward Bessho. This historical narrative continues to shape the identity of the festival today.
The highlight of Take no Nobori is the sight of the incredibly long banners, reportedly measuring about 3 'jo' (approximately 9 meters) in length, woven by local households. These banners, dedicated to Mt. Fuchigataka, create a unique and awe-inspiring landscape found nowhere else. Additionally, the Gion Festival is held on the Saturday before the main event, allowing visitors to experience the local festive spirit over a full weekend. The festival's prestige is further highlighted by its past inclusion as an attraction during the closing ceremonies of the Nagano Olympic Winter Games.
The festival is held on the Sunday closest to July 15th each year, making July the best time to visit. This period offers a vibrant atmosphere filled with local tradition and seasonal energy. Since the Gion Festival takes place on the preceding Saturday, travelers can plan a weekend trip to enjoy the full sequence of traditional events.
Visitors can witness the traditional spectacle of the long banners being displayed. This is more than just a visual display; it is a profound opportunity to understand the local rituals of gratitude toward nature. As you watch, reflect on the legends of Mt. Fuchigataka and the historical race between the ox and the horse that determined the sacred direction of the shrine.
The festival takes place in a historic area of Ueda City, surrounded by the natural beauty of Mt. Fuchigataka. As the festivities focus on local traditions, we recommend checking local facility information and amenities in advance.
As this is an outdoor event, comfortable clothing is recommended. Since it occurs in July, please prepare for the heat.