Nozawa Onsen’s Lantern Festival
Nozawa Onsen’s Lantern Festival: A Celebration of Tradition and Good Fortune
Get ready for Nozawa Onsen’s annual Lantern Festival this weekend! Held on the 8th and 9th of September, this beloved celebration brings the village to life with vibrant traditions and the warmth of community spirit. While January’s Fire Festival may be famous for its wintertime spectacle, the Lantern Festival holds its own as a local favorite, marking the transition from summer to autumn in the heart of Nagano.
On the evening of September 8th, Oyu Dori, the main street of Nozawa, transforms into a lively scene filled with street vendors, music, and a parade of drums and flutes. As dancers perform ancient folk pantomimes, the festival is said to dispel evil spirits and welcome good fortune for a bountiful rice harvest. It’s the perfect time to take in the festive atmosphere, enjoy local delicacies, and sip sake with both villagers and visitors.
Nozawa Onsen’s Lantern Festival
The festivities continue on September 9th with Omikoshi procession. Men in their “yaku” (bad luck) years carry a heavy portable shrine through the village, cheered on by the crowd and fueled by generous offerings of sake. The climb to the shrine at sunset is a sight to behold, and the energy is electric. Don’t miss this special opportunity to immerse yourself in Nozawa’s deep-rooted culture, and if you know someone in Japan this weekend, let them know—this is one festival they won’t want to miss!
