Iiyama Sawagosa Music Festival
Across the valley from Nozawa, the Iiyama Sawagosa Music Festival features well-known and local music, handmade art and food (the food alone is worth a visit) and skate/bike demonstrations. There are also fireworks, plenty of beer (thanks to staff like the kind gents pictured) and a campsite. It all makes for what is a truly local yet welcoming vibe.
Sawagosa takes its name from an expression meaning “let’s make some noise”. While there is plenty of that, it all goes down with the Japanese goodwill and friendliness we love. For such an awesome festival, it surprises to learn it’s organised by a group of volunteers. Actually, perhaps that’s not a surprise. There’s an obvious love for community and music that colours the atmosphere over both days of the festival.
Folks who’ve stayed in Nozawa Onsen over the winter and looked directly back over the rice fields to the closest mountain will have already laid eyes upon the area. The festival takes place on the Tondaira ski slope at Togari Onsen Ski Resort. It’s a nice, easy journey from Nozawa Onsen. We’ll be running a cost-effective transfer service to the event but there are always taxis available if the times don’t suit.
Festival Details
When: Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th of August
Where: Togari Onsen Ski Resort
How much: 24th; ¥4500 (advance tickets available up until the 23/8 – contact us for info) or ¥6000 on the day.
25th; FREE ENTRY
Getting there: transfer or taxi from Nozawa Onsen
Website (Japanese only): www.sawagosa.co
Accommodation and ticket/translation assistance: contact us at stay@nozawaholidays.com
For other things to do in the area either side of the festival, check out our blog articles on the Nozawa Holidays Green Season. We also have our yoga retreats running around that same time. Growing in popularity, the yoga is a great way to balance your party going with a little meditation.
https://www.nozawaholidays.com/yoga-retreat/