Togakushi Dondoyaki Fire Festival

After the new year festivities wind down, you might consider taking a break. However, in Nagano, there's still some celebrating left at the Togakushi Dondoyaki.

The Togakushi Dondoyaki Festival is a unique part of Japan's New Year events. The festival focuses on bidding farewell to the previous year's fortune and welcoming in good luck.

Traditionally, this involves burning old New Year's decorations, charms, daruma dolls, and other trinkets on a large bonfire. However, the Togakushi Dondoyaki goes beyond with a lively parade, where hundreds join, carrying flaming torches.

The festival also features a captivating fireworks display that lights up the winter snow. To ward off the chill, complimentary glasses of hot sake are available. Indulge in the red and white mochi for good luck and give a warm welcome to the new year once more.

How to Reach Togakushi Dondoyaki

The event takes place on the slope of the Togakushi Ski Resort. The parade kicks off at Doso Jinmae Chusha Ward, covering approximately 700 meters to reach the slope. Feel free to join the procession at any point, but it officially starts at 19:30.

The most convenient way to reach the event is by bus from Nagano train station, about a one-and-a-half-hour journey from Tokyo. The "Alpico Kotsu" bus will transport you to Togakushi Chusha from just outside the station, and the slope is a short walk away.