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January 13, 2026 at 6:00 pm
Event date:
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January 15, 2026 at 11:30 pm
Event end:
History
The Nozawa Onsen Fire Festival, officially called the Dosojin Fire Festival, is one of Japan’s most famous and daring winter festivals. Held annually in Nozawa Onsen, a historic hot spring and ski village in northern Nagano Prefecture, this festival has roots that span centuries. It is held to honor local deities, celebrate the birth of first children, purify men of unlucky ages (25 and 42), and pray for good marriages.
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Contact Jasumo Now →The festival showcases Shinto rituals, daring fire displays, and the deep cultural traditions of the village. Over time, it has become internationally recognized for its unique combination of flames, snow, and dramatic human action.
Every year on January 15th, villagers construct a massive pyre from wood, rice stalks, and other flammable materials in a snow-covered field. The event highlights the courage and tradition of the local men as they perform both protective and combative roles during the festival.
Overview
The Nozawa Onsen Fire Festival 2026 takes place from January 13th to 15th, with the main event held on Thursday, January 15, 2026. Participants, particularly the 25- and 42-year-old men of the village, engage in a dramatic showdown around the large pyre.
The 25-year-olds guard the pyre from below, while the 42-year-olds oversee it from above. Other villagers attempt to ignite the shrine using torches, resulting in an intense and thrilling spectacle. Participants wear traditional rice-stalk garments and are often intoxicated with sake, making the performance both dangerous and spectacular.
The festival culminates with the pyre exploding in flames and collapsing, a sight that draws both locals and tourists. The combination of snow, fire, and centuries-old tradition makes this one of the most extreme and visually stunning festivals in Japan.
Highlights
- Massive pyre built from wood, rice stalks, and other flammable materials.
- Dramatic battles between 25- and 42-year-old villagers around the shrine.
- Spectacular explosion as the pyre collapses into flames.
- Traditional attire and sake-fueled performances adding intensity.
- Unique cultural experience in a snow-covered winter landscape.
Why Jasumo Recommends?
- Witness one of Japan’s most daring and extreme winter festivals.
- Experience centuries-old traditions and Shinto rituals up close.
- Perfect for photographers and cultural enthusiasts seeking unique events.
- Engage with the energy and excitement of a small mountain village.
- An unforgettable winter festival experience unlike any other in Japan.
If you’re coming to Japan or already here and need any kind of help — from custom tours and experiences to transportation or booking tickets — just contact us through the Contact Us page at Jasumo.
Schedule
Event Duration: January 13th – 15th, 2026
Exact Date & Time of Main Event:
- Date: Thursday, January 15, 2026 (The festival is always held on January 15th)
- Time: Main events generally run from 6:00 PM to 11:30 PM
- Main Battle/Shrine Attack: Around 8:30 PM, lasting several hours until the pyre burns down
Pricing
Admission: Free
Visitors can enjoy the festival from public viewing areas. Some areas may be restricted for safety, but there is generally no charge to experience the event.
Location
Venue: Shimotakai District, Nozawa Onsen Village, Nagano Prefecture, Japan
How to Get There:
- By Train: Take the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen to Iiyama Station, then a 30-minute bus ride to Nozawa Onsen Village.
- By Car: Accessible via local roads from Nagano City or nearby ski resorts. Winter tires and snow chains are recommended due to heavy snow.
Accommodation Options
Visitors can stay in Nozawa Onsen Village, which offers a range of ryokans, guesthouses, and hotels with easy access to the festival site and local hot springs.
Average rates range from ¥8,000–¥20,000 per night, depending on room type and proximity to the festival. Early booking is highly recommended, as accommodations fill quickly during the festival period.
FAQs
1. When is the Nozawa Onsen Fire Festival 2026?
The festival runs from January 13th to 15th, with the main event on January 15th from 6:00 PM to 11:30 PM. The dramatic shrine battle starts around 8:30 PM.
2. Where is the festival held?
It takes place in the Shimotakai District of Nozawa Onsen Village, Nagano Prefecture, a famous hot spring and ski resort.
3. How much does it cost to attend?
Admission is free, and visitors can watch the festival from public areas.
4. What makes the Nozawa Onsen Fire Festival unique?
The festival combines fire rituals, snow, traditional rice-stalk attire, sake-fueled performances, and dramatic pyre battles, making it one of Japan’s most extreme and unforgettable winter festivals.
5. How can I get to Nozawa Onsen for the festival?
By train: JR Hokuriku Shinkansen to Iiyama Station, followed by a 30-minute bus ride.
By car: Accessible from Nagano City or nearby ski resorts; winter driving requires caution due to snow and ice.
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