Throwback to Dosojin Fire Festival
Throwback to Dosojin Fire Festival
Fire and snow always go well and the Nozawa Onsen Fire Festival, Nozawa Onsen Dosojin Matsuri (or 野沢温泉の道祖神祭り in Japanese), exemplifies this as one of the three great fire festivals in Japan. The old roads that run like rivers between mountain towns in Japan are dotted with gods. Known as dosojin, they are deities of roads and borders with their stone statues usually enshrined at village borders. Dosojin are good gods for the foreign traveller.
Throwback to Dosojin Fire Festival
Take a step back in time with us to the mesmerizing “Dosojin” Fire Festival in Nozawa Onsen! Dating all the way back to 1863, this ancient tradition continues to captivate visitors from around the world with its awe-inspiring display of fire, music, and culture. Join us in January as the streets come alive with torches, drums, and the vibrant energy of the festival.
Don’t miss this unforgettable experience! There are still a few accommodation spots available to book with Nozawa Holidays, so secure your stay now and immerse yourself in the magic of Dosojin.
This famous Japanese festival is nationally designated as an important intangible folk cultural property. It originally began as an invocation for a good harvest, health and good fortune in the coming year, but has been expanded to include a good ski season as well.
Taking place on January 15th every year, the festival is staged by men aged 42 and 25 (so-called “unlucky ages”) to celebrate the birth of a family’s first child, to dispel evil spirits and also to pray for happy marriage. If you want to see more detailed background information on the Nozawa Fire Festival
Enjoy yourself, the Nozawa Fire Festival is a fun and exciting, even crazy, occasion. You will rave about it to your friends once back home. Enjoy the free sake that is offered and make friends. But do remember that you are not in your local pub back home, nor in a mosh pit at a concert. This a cultural festival with deep meaning for the local community and families. Use respectful language, do not push and shove and try not to block others views where possible. Also, despite all temptation, do not take ‘souvenirs’ of the evening. You may be lifting something that has deep meaning to a local family or the community. Just take home great memories and fantastic photos/videos!
For more information on the festival and bookings please head over to: https://nozawa-onsen.com/nozawa-fire-festival/