Information

Join us as we travel to Nozawa Onsen on January 15th for one of Japan’s most exhilarating cultural experiences. During the annual festival, 42 and 25 year old men take on special roles as defenders of a massive wooden Shinto shrine which they personally built from local mountain timber. After the shrine is blessed by the local priests, the aforementioned men take defensive positions (the 42 year old men on the structure and the 25 year old men surrounding the base) and wait as torch wielding villagers emerge determined to burn the structure to the ground. The entire battles lasts up to 4 hours, and those in attendance are treated to sake compliments of the local village.

The Fire Festival is held annually on January 15th. 

Festival History

First started in 1863, the festival originally began as an invocation for a good harvest, health and good fortune in the coming year, but now has come to include a good ski season as well. The event has been designated one of the 3 Great Fire Festivals in Japan, and is an experience unlike anything you’ve likely seen before. Book now to reserve your ticket as seats on the bus to Nozawa Onsen are limited.

Tour Details

This tour was canceled in 2021 due to Covid-19. It is uncertain whether it will operate in 2022. Below are the details from the 2020 tour. 

Return Bus Ticket (Departs at 14:30) – ¥9,000/person

Return Bus Ticket with Dinner included (15:00)- ¥13,000/person

It takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes from Hakuba to Nozawa Onsen.