Guida
Take no Nobori is a traditional summer festival preserved as a vital part of the culture in Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture. This event is officially designated as an 'Intangible Folk Cultural Property requiring measures for recording,' making it a precious piece of local history. Held annually on the Sunday around July 15th, the festival is carefully maintained by the local community. The most striking feature is the sight of incredibly 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, this region in the southwest of Shioda Plain was suffering from a severe drought. Legend tells that after prayers were offered to Mt. Fushimidake (1,250.1m), rain fell for three consecutive days, leading to a successful harvest. To commemorate this, a shrine dedicated to the Ryujin (Dragon God) was built on the summit of Mt. Fushimidake. A unique historical detail involves a dispute over the direction the shrine should face; the decision was reached through a race between an ox and a horse, resulting in the shrine facing East (toward Bessho). This fascinating history continues to shape the festival today.
The greatest spectacle of Take no Nobori is the sight of the massive banners, each said to be approximately 3 'jo' (about 9 meters) in length, woven by local households. The sight of these long banners lined up toward Mt. Fushimidake creates a unique and unforgettable landscape. Additionally, the Gion Festival is held on the preceding Saturday, allowing visitors to experience the local festive spirit throughout the entire weekend. The historical significance of this event was even highlighted during the closing ceremony of the Nagano Olympic events.
Take no Nobori is held on the Sunday near July 15th each year, making July the best time to visit. This period offers a rare opportunity to witness traditional rituals filled with local passion. Since the Gion Festival takes place on the Saturday before, you can plan a weekend trip to follow the flow of these two days of traditional celebrations.
Visitors can observe the traditional sight of the long banners being displayed. This is more than just a visual spectacle; it is an opportunity to understand the deep connection between the local people, their history, and their gratitude toward nature. Reflect on the legends of Mt. Fushimidake and the unique story of the ox and horse race while witnessing the ritualistic forms of the festival.
The festival takes place in a historic area of Ueda City, surrounded by the natural beauty of Mt. Fushimidake. As the focus is on traditional events during this period, we recommend checking local information and facilities in advance.
As the event is held outdoors, comfortable clothing is recommended. Since it takes place in July, please prepare for the heat with hats and hydration.