▼Nozawa Hot Spring Fire Festival, Doso-jin Matsuri
One of the wildest traditional Shinto celebrations in the Hokuriku Shinetsu region, Nozawa Onsen’s famed fire festival takes place every winter on January 15. The festival lights up the night with fiery clashes between the male villagers. Playing particularly important roles are those aged 25 and 42, unlucky ages in Japan.
Large numbers of villagers carry torches and attempt to burn down a temporary shrine called a shaden, while the 25 year-olds defend the structure and the 42 year-olds sing and chant. Despite its destructive nature and the mad struggle, this festival is meant to celebrate the birth of a family’s first child, dispel evil spirits, and ensure happy marriages.
▼Venue and transportation access
Venue: Dosojin Fire Festival Venue
Address: Oaza Toyosato, Nozawa Onsen-mura, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano Prefecture
Access: Nozawa Onsen Liner from JR Iiyama Station, 5 minute walk from the terminal Nozawa Onsen Central Terminal
▼video information
Date: January 15, 2020 (Wednesday)
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AloJapan.com