Product Description

Set against the backdrop of snow-covered mountains and the sacred Togakushi Shrine, the Togakushi Dondoyaki Fire Festival is a dramatic and deeply spiritual event held each January in Nagano Prefecture. In 2026, it will take place on Saturday, January 18, inviting visitors to bid farewell to the old year and pray for good fortune in the new.

Festival Overview
Date: Saturday, January 18, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Chusha Slope, near Togakushi Shrine, Nagano City
Admission: Free
Weather: Cold and often snowy – dress in warm, waterproof clothing.

Main Events

Giant Bonfire Ceremony
The heart of the festival is the burning of a towering 3-meter bamboo structure, constructed with straw, pine branches, and New Year decorations. As flames rise into the winter sky, they are believed to carry away past misfortunes and bring good health and luck.

Torchlight Parade
Participants, often including local children and elders, carry blazing torches down the snowy hillside in a symbolic procession. The visual of fire cutting through the darkness in a blanket of snow is both beautiful and moving.

Fireworks Display
At the climax of the night, colorful fireworks explode overhead, lighting up the frozen forest and adding a festive energy to the spiritual atmosphere.

Food and Festivities
Festival-goers can enjoy traditional treats like roasted mochi (glutinous rice cakes), amazake (sweet fermented rice drink), and local sake. These are often shared around the fire, fostering a sense of warmth and community.

Cultural Significance

Dondoyaki festivals are a long-standing New Year tradition in Japan, rooted in Shinto beliefs. They serve to burn away the previous year’s charms, decorations, and wishes, purifying the spirit and preparing everyone for a fresh beginning. Togakushi’s version of the festival is especially unique due to its dramatic mountain setting and ties to the centuries-old Togakushi Shrine, once part of a major pilgrimage route.

This sacred area is associated with mythological legends, including the story of the sun goddess Amaterasu and the mysterious closing of the cave door, which “Togakushi” literally means—“hidden door.”

Getting There

From Nagano Station, take the Alpico Bus bound for Togakushi and get off at Togakushi Chusha. The festival site is a short walk from the bus stop. Roads may be snowy, so allow extra travel time and wear proper winter shoes.

Tips for Visitors

Stay Warm: Layer up—temperatures can drop well below freezing at night.
Bring Cash: While admission is free, food and local crafts are sold at small stalls, many of which do not accept cards.
Explore the Area: Spend the day exploring Togakushi’s scenic trails, famous soba restaurants, and its five sacred shrines before joining the festival.
Overnight Options: Local inns and ryokan offer a cozy stay and a chance to soak in hot springs after the snowy festivities.

The Togakushi Dondoyaki Fire Festival is more than just a fire ritual—it’s a powerful symbol of renewal, community, and nature’s rhythm. Whether you’re a curious traveler or a spiritual seeker, this event offers an unforgettable experience of Japan’s winter traditions.