If you are an avid skier, you might have heard about Nozawa Onsen village. This scenic mountain village boasts one of the best ski resorts in Japan. Nestled peacefully in the lap of the Japanese Alps, this laid back town attracts millions of tourists every year.

Apart from having powder snow and a modern ski resort, the ancient Nozawa Onsen hot spring village is known for the best cultural encounters. Plan a visit to this quintessential town, if you want to explore the Japanese culture from up close and carveout lifetime memories.

There are lots of activities and events to explore Japanese culture and the most popular is the Nozawa Onsen fire festival. It is one of the biggest fire festivals in Japan. Tourists planning to explore the skiing destination must plan their visit around the fire festival to have a time of their life.

What is the Nozawa Onsen fire festival and when is it celebrated?

The fire festival in Nozawa Onsen is also known as the Dosojin Fire Festival. It is a unique and spectacular event that is held every year on the 15thof January. It is a celebration of good health, peace and prosperity in the new year. The merriment among the locals is what makes this festival unique. Below are the highlights of the fire festival that makeit a sight to behold:

A large crowd of locals gathered to celebrate the new year in traditional white robes.The whole atmosphere gets enjoyable with the sounds of taiko, drums, flutes, and other traditional instruments.Torch procession that goes through the streets of the village.Burning of the wooden structure called Mikoshi for purification of the village.

The fire festival of Nozawa Onsen is popular across the globe because it is still celebrated in its original form. Men protect the shrine and the villagers try to attack it with lit up torches. The entire event becomes a memorable experience because of the authentic theme of the event including the attire, the music and the whole ambience. If you are visiting Nozawa Onsen for the first time, make sure to witness the cultural activity at the Dosojin Fire Festival.

Where is the Dosojin fire festival hosted?

The spectacular event takes place at BabanoharaShimotakaigun at Nozawa Onsen. Entries to the event are free and everyone can join, though only villagers can participate in the fire battle. Tourists are expected to witness the unique festival from a safe distance while maintaining the dignity of the culture by wearing suitable attire.

Japan Onsen Guide during the fire festival

The annual fire festival takes place from 13th to 15thof January with the main event on the last day of the fire festival. Plan your trip accordingly to make the most out of your time. Reservations can be done in advance because it is the peak tourist season and prices can hike for everything including accommodation and ski rentals. If you are planning a week-long trip then opt for flexible tickets for ski lifts. Moreover, you should find accommodation near the ski resorts as traveling in skiwear with heavy ski gear in hand will be difficult, especially if you are visiting with younger or aged family members.

The top accommodation choices for a ski holiday in Nozawa Onsen are Kamoshika Ski lodge and Schnieder hotel. These properties are conveniently located and offerthe benefits of being first on the slopes during the peak season. Apart from these, you have lots of luxury apartment accommodations in Nozawa Onsen like Tanuki Nozawa and Iroha Nozawa. Those who seek privacy can opt for cabins like Oguma House. If you are looking for an affordable stay, then you can make a reservation at the Nozawa Onsen Lodge. It has six hostel style rooms featuring all modern amenities.

Early reservations for hotels, ski rentals, lift tickets and ski lessons can save you time. You can enjoy your stay hassle free. After enjoying the time of life at the slopes all day long, plan to take a dip in the onsen. There are 13 public bathhouses in Nozawa, where you can enjoy a relaxing bath in the hot springs while exploring another angle of the unique Japanese culture.

The cultural expedition can be continued by taking a stroll around the main street in the town. The street is bustling with local vendors, cafes, bars, and restaurants. Here you can find authentic Japanese cuisine to tease your taste buds. To satiate the cravings of global tourists, there are plenty of establishments specializing in western cuisines as well.

Final words

Nozawa Onsen fire festival is a unique and spectacular event that no one should miss. Excited already? Make reservations with the help of Stay Nozawa. They are partnered with local businesses to get you the best deals on accommodations, ski rentals, ski lessons and more.