Winter Festivals
Yuzawa Snow Festival
When: Early March 2020
Where: Yuzawa Kogen ski resort, West Side of Echigo-Yuzawa station
Time: 6pm-9pm
Fireworks: Aproximately 8.50pm
About: This festival is held annually in Yuzawa with events such as the announcement of Miss Komako based on the novel “Snow Country”, carrying of the Mikoshi (portable shrine) in the snow – you may even be invited to help carry the Mikoshi, snow sculptures, festival food, fireworks display and the downhill torch bearing skiers all held at the Nunoba ski slope.
Urasa Naked Man Festival
When: Always on the 3rd of 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.
Yuzawa Nakazato Snow Carnival
When: Annually in March
Where: Yuzawa Nakazato Ski Resort
Time: 7pm – 9pm
- Festival food
- Lottery
- Down hill skiers with fire torches