Events
See also the Event Calender of Matsumoto City Official Tourism Website.
Obisha Matsuri (Shinto ritual) - March
This exciting shinto ritual started 500 years ago. Twelve shinto priests shoot twelve arrows to a target, then see whether this year reaps a rich harvest or not by their hitting ratio. Visitors can take broken pieces of holy arrows and the target home, and pray for well being of their family.
| Date | March 17 |
|---|---|
| Hours | start at 3PM |
| Place | Hotaka Shrine 3 minute walk from JR Hotaka station |
Soshunfu Matsuri (Memorial concert) - April
Local chorus groups perform spring songs by Hotaka River. The second concert by other performers is held at the Azumino Concert Hall located near the monument. Admission is free.
| Date | April 29 |
|---|---|
| Hours | start at 10AM |
| Place | Hotaka River (at the open space in front of Soshunfu Memorial bronze relief). 30 minute walk from JR Hotaka station |
Ayame Matsuri (Iris festival) - June
Akashina area has three rivers running through it. Located by the rivers, Ryumonbuchi Park and Ayame Park are famous for over 5 million irises of 150 kinds. Iris festival is held through mid - end of June when the irises start blooming. There are some other events offered by local groups. You can see irises from mid-June to November.
| Date | Mid to end of June |
|---|---|
| Place | Ryumonbuchi Park and Ayame Park (Akashina) 10 minute walk from JR Akashina station |
Azumino Wasabi Matsuri "Yosakoi" (Dance parade) - August
Over 1400 enthusiastic participants from 50 groups perform exciting dance parade "Yosakoi" on the main street to JR Hotaka station.
| Date | The first Sunday of August |
|---|---|
| Hours | start at 9AM |
| Place | Main street, JR Hotaka station. |
Azumino Fireworks Show - August
The second biggest fireworks show in Nagano
See our blog article.
| Date | August 14th (16th, in case of rain) |
|---|---|
| Hours | 19:30 - 21:00 |
| Place | Bank of Saigawa River near Akashina Station (Shuttle Bus Service from Wasabi Farm) |
Ofune Matsuri (Craft boats parade) - September
People in each block of Hotaka area decorate their craft boats with vivid traditional kimono dolls signifying tales from history. They start pulling craft boats around noon and come back to Hotaka shrine by 2 PM. The ceremony ends with crashing craft boats as it's high light.
| Date | September 26 & 27 |
|---|---|
| Place | Hotaka Shrine 3 minute walk from JR Hotaka station |
Azumino Kanko Kusakeiba (Horse race) - October
Local horse races with over 70 horses are held in Maki community ground. Kids can enjoy pony back riding.
| Date | Sat in early or mid-Oct (the next day, in case of rain) (October 10th, in case of year 2009) |
|---|---|
| Hours | AM9:00 - PM3:00 |
| Place | Maki Ground 15 minute from the JR Hotaka station by car |