Enjoying Ojiya

The Asahara Shrine Autumn Festival is held in September of every year. Fireworks are a symbolic offering to the shrine, and famous for yonshakudama, one of the largest fireworks in the world. Fireworks to celebrate Coming of Age and Kanreki (for 60-year-olds),demonstrating the heart of local residents are also launched.

Numerous colorful hot-air balloons float above the white snow-covered fields as though in a winter fairytale. This event takes place for two days at the end of February. The first night features balloons and fireworks above snow lined with snow lanterns lighted up with candles.

Bulls excited by the chant “Yoshita!” by bull handlers called seko bumping huge bodies weighing over a ton are a sight to see! This event has a history that stretches back 1,000 years and is designated a Nationally Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.

Held at the end of August, this grand festival is the largest in Ojiya. It features fireworks, Bon dances by people from every corner of the city and a Karakuri Mando Parade. Huge mando floats with karakuri mechanisms are paraded through the town accompanied by musical instruments and chanting.