The Nozawa Fire Festival - Japan’s fiery winter tradition

Every January 15th, the serene village of Nozawa Onsen in Nagano Prefecture transforms into a spectacle of fire, tradition, and community spirit during the Nozawa Fire Festival, also known as the Dosojin Matsuri.

Photo courtesy of nozawa-onsen.com

Recognized as one of Japan's most significant fire festivals, this event is a captivating blend of Shinto rituals, cultural heritage, and communal participation.

Origins and Significance

The festival honors the Dosojin—Shinto deities believed to protect against evil spirits, ensure fertility, and safeguard travelers. In Nozawa Onsen, these deities are often depicted as a human couple carved into wooden poles, symbolizing marital harmony and protection.

Historically, the festival serves multiple purposes:

• Purification: To ward off evil spirits and misfortunes.

• Celebration: To commemorate the birth of a family's first child.

  
  

• Community Bonding: To strengthen ties among villagers through shared rituals.

Preparations and Rituals

Preparations begin days in advance, with villagers constructing a shaden - a three-story wooden shrine—without the use of nails or wires, showcasing traditional building techniques. 

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On the evening of January 15th, the festival unfolds in a series of events:

• 7:00 PM: A sacred fire is ignited using flint passed down through generations.

• 7:30 PM: Lanterns are lit, illuminating the village streets.

• 8:00 PM: A procession of 25-year-old men, considered to be in an "unlucky age," carries torches through the village.

• 8:30 PM: The torchbearers attempt to set the shaden ablaze, while 42-year-old men, also in an "unlucky age," defend it from atop, chanting and singing to the Dosojin. 

This symbolic battle between fire and defense continues until approximately 10:00 PM, culminating in the shaden being engulfed in flames—a spectacle both awe-inspiring and spiritually significant.

Cultural Importance

Designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property in 1993, the Nozawa Fire Festival is more than a visual spectacle; it's a testament to the village's rich cultural heritage and communal values.

The participation of men aged 25 and 42 is rooted in the Japanese concept of yakudoshi, or "unlucky ages," where individuals are believed to be more susceptible to misfortune.

Engaging in the festival's rituals is thought to purify and protect them.

Traditions and Delicacies

The morning after the festival, villagers and visitors gather around the smoldering remains of the shaden to roast mochi (rice cakes). Consuming these is believed to bestow good health and fortune for the coming year.

Additionally, the village offers local delicacies such as oyaki - grilled dough pockets filled with savory ingredients—providing a taste of regional cuisine.

Getting There

Nozawa Onsen is accessible via: 

• Train & Bus: Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Iiyama Station (approximately 1 hour 40 minutes), followed by the Nozawa Onsen Liner bus (25 minutes).

• Direct Buses: Available from Osaka, Kyoto, and Nagoya during the winter season.

Given the festival's popularity, it's advisable to book accommodation well in advance.

Experiencing the Nozawa Fire Festival offers a unique glimpse into Japan's rich tapestry of traditions, community spirit, and the enduring power of ritual. Whether you're drawn by the cultural significance, the fiery spectacle, or the communal warmth, this festival promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Japanese heritage.

For more information, visit the official Nozawa Onsen tourism website: nozawa-onsen.com