Nestled in Nagano Prefecture and surrounded by majestic mountains, Nozawa Onsen is well known as a ski resort, but it has a great deal more to offer besides skiing. As well as a thriving local community that makes a point of preserving its traditions and culture, its most distinctive feature is its public bathhouses which utilise the steaming waters of the area’s abundant hot springs.
Snow falls from January to December and, amid this winter wonderland, one of the season’s highlights is the Dosojin Fire Festival.
Celebrated annually on 15 January, this ancient tradition centres around the construction and symbolic destruction of a huge wooden shrine honouring local deities.
Over 100 men work tirelessly to complete the structure before the main event. On the night of the festival, a select group of them is tasked with protecting the wooden shrine while others try to set it ablaze.
Inevitably, the fire starters are allowed to win, and the shrine finally burns to the ground, while locals and visitors come together to witness the spectacle and enjoy local food and drinks, including abundant quantities of sake. This event is ideal for any winter enthusiast craving a bit of culture and local atmosphere during their ski break.
For more information, get in touch with our reservation team in Japan at: [email protected]
