Noboribetsu Onsen Yu Matsuri

Event Overview

The Noboribetsu Onsen Yu Matsuri is a traditional winter festival held to express gratitude for the abundant hot springs and to pray for good luck and health. Held around the Setsubun season, it offers a unique cultural experience where the 'Yu-Kijin' (Red and Blue Demons) appear throughout the hot spring town.

Highlights and How to Enjoy

The main spectacle is the 'Gensen Yu-kake Kassen' (Hot Spring Water Battle) on the second day. Young men in traditional loincloths splash hot water in a high-energy battle that electrifies the crowd. You can also witness the 'Yu-Kijin'—messengers of the Enma King—parading through the streets and performing dances to ward off evil. Additionally, enjoy traditional festivities like the 'Kodakara Mochi-tsuki Mai' (fertility prayer dance) and the distribution of sweet amazake and rice cakes.

Schedule

Dates: February 3rd and February 4th

• 17:30 Hot spring extraction ceremony (Sengen Park)
• 18:00–20:00 Yu-Kijin parade (Noboribetsu Onsen town: Ryokans, hotels, and shops)
• 20:30–21:00 Yu-Kijin dance, Mochi-tsuki dance, and Amazake/Mochi distribution (Sengen Park)
• 21:00–22:00 Yu-Kijin parade (Noboribetsu Onsen town: Restaurants)
• 18:00–21:10 Yu-Kijin parade (Noboribetsu Onsen town: Ryokans and hotels)
• 20:30–21:00 Yu-Kijin dance, Mochi-tsuki dance, and Amazake/Mochi distribution (Sengen Park)
• 21:10–21:25 Hot Spring Water Battle (Sengen Park)

Venue and Access

The event takes place throughout the Noboribetsu Onsen area and Sengen Park.

• *Venue**: Noboribetsu Onsen area and Sengen Park
• *Address**: Noboribetsu Onsen-cho, Noboribetsu-shi, Hokkaido
• *Access**: Approximately 15 minutes by Donan Bus from JR Noboribetsu Station, alight at 'Noboribetsu Onsen Terminal'

Important Tips

As this festival is held in mid-winter, it will be extremely cold. The area around Sengen Park during the water battle is particularly intense with both heat and cold. Please wear comfortable clothing for walking around the shops and hotels to watch the parade.

Clothing and Essentials

• *Clothing**: February in Hokkaido is extremely cold. Please prepare heavy coats and high-quality winter gear.
• *Payment**: We recommend having cash ready for any food or drink offerings.
• *Reservations**: If you plan to stay overnight, we recommend booking your accommodation in advance.