Azumino Fireworks Show
I went to see Azumino Fireworks Show on August 14.
I was very surprised because so many people came to see the show. I parked my car near Tazawa Station and took a shuttle bus to the park. It was the third year for the fireworks show. The news announced that the Azumino Fireworks Show is the second biggest in Nagano. Compared to the Suwako Fireworks Show, which is considered to be the biggest one in Nagano, it’s much easier to get a good seat. Fireworks are a summer staple in Japan. The sound of fireworks reminds me of summer. Large flower-like fireworks burst into the night sky. I can’t forget it. I went there with my foreign friend. She was also impressed! We saw fireworks imitating the four seasons of Azumino. There were also cartoon characters and special messages to precious friends and relatives. I would like to see the show next year as well.
Hotaka Shrine Festival
May 2 to May 17, 2009
This huge festival takes place only once every 20 years, so don’t miss it! The entire wooden shrine was rebuilt after 127 years and the festival is being held to welcome the God back into the new shrine.
During the 15-day festival, there are a ton of different things taking place at the shrine.
**Performances every day from 5 to 8pm, upon the shrine’s large stage (only a few highlights are listed below)
**Around 100 life-sized dolls are displayed upon the shrine’s grounds. Normally kept in a museum, the dolls depict scenes from traditional Japanese folktales. (Lit daily until 8pm)
**A variety of food and entertainment booths
Event Highlights
May 5: <3pm> Children’s Parade (6pm if rain)
May 10: <5:30 to 7pm> Traditional music and dancing
<7 to 8pm> Taiko performance
May 16: <5:30 to 7pm> Traditional music and dancing
Note: No performances on May 8
**Stop by the excellent Visitor Center located next to Hotaka Station for more information.
English-speaking staff is usually available.
Access
By Train: Take the Oito-sen Line from Matsumoto to Hotaka Station. The shrine is an easy 5 minute walk from the station.
By Car: Streets surrounding the shrine will be closed during the festival. While several parking lots are available in the area, expect them to be full, especially during the Golden Week holidays.
