Winter Fire Festival at Nozawa Onsen
Nagano, Japan • 
Underrated
Underrated
Best months to visit
Jan
-8°C – 2°C, cold and snowy with frequent snowfall; deep winter conditions typical of nagano's mountains, high crowds, peak season
-8°C – 2°C, cold and snowy with frequent snowfall; deep winter conditions typical of nagano's mountains, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Crowded, snowy, uneven outdoor ground; standing and walking required throughout.
Crowded, snowy, uneven outdoor ground; standing and walking required throughout.
Value for money
High
Admission is free, making the experience great value.
Admission is free, making the experience great value.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Romantic Getaway
Couples loved the festive atmosphere and the beautiful winter scenery. A memorable experience!
Unique Culture
The fire festival was a truly unique and thrilling cultural experience. Highly recommended for couples!
Amazing Spectacle
The burning shrine was an incredible sight! A must-see for couples visiting Nozawa Onsen.
Crowd Concerns
The crowds were intense; it was difficult for couples to move around and enjoy the event.
Booking Issues
Accommodation was difficult to secure. Couples need to book far in advance to attend.
Safety Concerns
With open flames and large crowds, couples should be extra cautious for safety reasons.
How to book
ViatorRECOMMENDED
Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
2h - 3h
4.8
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USD 45
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GetyourguidePremium Experience with Hotel Pickup
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before
4h - 5h
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USD 70
per_person
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KlookPrivate Full-Day Tour
Non-refundable
8h - 10h
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USD 120
per_person
BOOK
Hours of operation
Monday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Tuesday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Wednesday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thursday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Friday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Saturday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Sunday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
Experience the mesmerizing Winter Fireworks at the enchanting Nozawa Onsen, an unmissable spectacle for any tourist.
Experience the mesmerizing Winter Fireworks at Nozawa Onsen, a must-see for every tourist!
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
December
MEDIUM
-5-5°C
Cold with frequent snowfall, especially in late December; winter sports season begins.
Cold with frequent snowfall, especially in late December; winter sports season begins.
Closed
The Winter Fire Festival takes place only on January 15th. December offers skiing but not the festival experience.
The Winter Fire Festival takes place only on January 15th. December offers skiing but not the festival experience.
Not recommended
December marks the start of the ski season in Nozawa Onsen. While it becomes livelier, the Winter Fire Festival is not held until mid-January.
December marks the start of the ski season in Nozawa Onsen. While it becomes livelier, the Winter Fire Festival is not held until mid-January.
January
HIGH
-8-2°C
Cold and snowy with frequent snowfall; deep winter conditions typical of Nagano's mountains.
Cold and snowy with frequent snowfall; deep winter conditions typical of Nagano's mountains.
Open
Only Nozawa residents and visitors staying in the area are eligible for festival tickets; attendee numbers are capped at 4,800. Early accommodation booking is essential.
Only Nozawa residents and visitors staying in the area are eligible for festival tickets; attendee numbers are capped at 4,800. Early accommodation booking is essential.
Recommended
Nozawa Onsen's iconic Dosojin Fire Festival takes place on January 15. The event features torch battles, rituals, and community celebrations in heavy snow. Expect lively village atmosphere, limited ticketed access, and high demand for lodging.
Nozawa Onsen's iconic Dosojin Fire Festival takes place on January 15. The event features torch battles, rituals, and community celebrations in heavy snow. Expect lively village atmosphere, limited ticketed access, and high demand for lodging.
February
LOW
-
Open
Not recommended
March
LOW
-
Open
Not recommended
How to get there
Shuttle
Recommended
Nagano Snow Shuttle operates direct bus services from Narita and Haneda Airports to Nozawa Onsen. Shuttle services also connect Nozawa Onsen with other nearby ski resorts.
Taxi
Recommended
Taxis are available from Iiyama Station to Nozawa Onsen, providing a direct and fast transfer.
Train
Recommended
The Hokuriku Shinkansen (Hakutaka service) stops at Iiyama Station, the primary hub for onward travel to Nozawa Onsen.
Bus
From Iiyama Station, the Nozawa Onsen Liner bus (bus stop #4) or the Nagaden bus (bus stop #2) provides direct access to the Chuo Bus Terminal in Nozawa Onsen village.
Car
Driving is possible via the Joshinetsu Expressway, exiting at the Toyota-Iiyama Interchange (IC). However, it is not recommended during winter due to snow and limited parking.
Walking
Walking is possible within the village, especially to reach the festival grounds at Baba-no-hara from the Oyu public bathhouse.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Not suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets not allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required