When: Annually 1st Saturday in March

Where: Bishamondo Temple, Urasa, Minamiuonuma, Niigata

Daytime Events: Children’s parade, sacred rice cake throwing

Evening: Temple jostling, sacred lantern and rice cake throwing inside the temple.

Time: 6pm-11pm

How to Get There: Train from Echigo-Yuzawa getting off at Urasa Station

Shinkansen – JR Joetsu Line 1, takes 11 minutes.  Can use JR Pass.

Local Train – JR Joetsu Line, takes 32 minutes heading towards Nagaoka, costs approximately ¥500 one way or use JR Rail Pass.

About:  Naked Man Festival is a festival that must be seen to be believed!!

Giant 30kg candles dripping hot wax being carried by men in white loin cloths, wearing socks and straw sandals on their feet, cold sacred water, chanting, pushing and shoving …..what isn’t there to enjoy about this high energy festival.