Dosojin Fire Festival Guide: Nozawa Onsen's Fiery Tradition
- Last Updated On September 19, 2026
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In this guide to the Dosojin fire festival we’ll cover what the festival is all about and everything you need to know to plan your very own trip.
We spent the 24/25 ski season living and working in one of Japan’s most magical onsen villages.Â
Immersing ourselves in the culture and experiencing a unique side of Japan were the biggest deciding factors when choosing where to work the season.Â
It was this crazy festival with its rich history that drew us towards what was probably the best decision we ever made.Â
In a Rush? Here Are Our Favourite Hotels in Nozawa Onsen
A Quick Overview of Dosojin Fire Festival
- Where: Nozawa Onsen, Nagano Prefecture
- When: 13th to 15th January every year, with the pyre burning on the 15th
- Main event: The burning of the shaden (pyre), on the evening of the 15th
- Tickets: Needed for the main event on the 15th. Ask your accommodation in Nozawa
- Best for: Anyone who wants an unfiltered look at Japanese folk culture
- What to wear: Warm clothes you don’t mind getting singed
- Book early: Accommodation fills up fast around the festival
What is the Dosojin Fire Festival?
The Dosojin Fire Festival is probably Japan’s most famous festival that attracts visitors from all over the world. It has grown so much in popularity that in order to attend the festival you have to be staying in a hotel, ryokan or apartment in Nozawa Onsen.Â
The festival honours ‘Dosojin’, protective deities believed to guard villages from harm and bring good fortune, healthy children and happy marriages.Â
The main event of the festival, the burning of the shaden, takes place on the 15th January. But it’s not as simple as just burning a pyre.Â
This is where the fire festival really differentiates itself from a classic bonfire night in the UK.Â
Here, all the local 42-year-old men are gathered atop the pyre while the 25-year-old men defend them from villagers wielding flaming sticks, trying to set the pyre alight.Â
42 and 25 are considered unlucky years for men, hence their participation.Â
This isn’t just ceremonial, the villagers are really going for it! Hair gets singed and skin gets burned, but all the pain is ignored thanks to the copious amounts of sake being drunk.Â
It’s an incredible spectacle to behold and has run for over 160 years. Seeing it in person feels like you’re witnessing an integral part of Japanese folk culture.Â
Where does the Dosojin Fire Festival Take Place?
Japan’s craziest festival takes place in the small ski resort village of Nozawa Onsen in Nagano prefecture.Â
If you’re visiting Nozawa to experience the fire festival then you should also immerse yourself in the incredible onsen and ski culture that the village is rooted in.Â
We’ve written a full ski guide on Nozawa Onsen, covering everything from how to access the mountain and where to stay in Nozawa.
We fell in love with this village for more than just the fire festival, it’s absolutely worth checking out what else it has to offer.Â
When is the Dosojin Fire Festival?
The Dosojin Fire Festival takes place over 13th – 15th January every year in Nozawa Onsen.Â
The festival is more than just the burning of the shaden (pyre), which takes place on the final night. The lead up to the grand finale is worth arriving early for, so if you’re planning a trip to Nozawa for the fire festival make sure you’re there before the 13th January.Â
It was the highlight of our season so keep reading to see what’s in store!
Our Experience at Dosojin Fire Festival
The Dosojin Fire Festival is the craziest and most incredible festival we’ve experienced in all of our travels and we’re so glad we got to experience all the festivities.Â
Our first taste of the festivities occurred on the 13th January, this is when all the 42 and 25 year old participants gather on the Hikage plateau (near the Hikage gondola) to carry beech trees down to the village for building the pyre.Â
It gets competitive! This isn’t just a display of great, yet drunken, teamwork. Each group, 42 and 25, has to work together to carry a large beech tree trunk down the very slopes we were skiing down.Â
The journey to the pyre site is only briefly interrupted with locals donating offerings of sake, treats and money to the festival. Each time an offering is made the participants, locals and visiting crowds give a chant of thanks. And then the drinking and carrying continues.
We couldn’t stick around to see the groups arrive at the festival site because we had to clock in for work. But we were back there two days later to watch the grand finale.Â
Finishing work at 8pm on the 15th January we ran to the festival site with tickets in hand, just in time to see the main event start.Â
Seeing this huge pyre supporting a dozen or so 42-year-old men was a spectacle to begin with. But to then see a mob of villagers trying to set fire to it, well the whole thing seemed insane.Â
We watched on as our boss (42) stood atop the pyre while his friend’s son (25) tried to defend him.Â
Eventually the villagers relent and the 42-year-olds climb down. The pyre is lit, and now it starts to feel like a classic British bonfire night.
We’ve released a video on our YouTube channel showing our time at the Nozawa Onsen fire festival during our ski season. Be sure to check it out!Â
How to Get Tickets for the Dosojin Fire Festival
In order to attend the main part of the fire festival on the 15th January, you need to have a ticket. To get a ticket you must be staying in the village.
Only certain accommodations within the village are authorised to provide tickets so check in advance if yours is covered.Â
Tickets are free of charge through your accommodation in Nozawa Onsen.
If you’re working a ski season in Nozawa Onsen you can usually arrange tickets through your employer. That’s what we did and it worked great!
Where to Stay in Nozawa for the Fire Festival
Now that you know you’ll have to stay in the village you should check out some of our recommendations on where to stay in Nozawa Onsen:
We’ve also written a guide on where to stay in Nozawa Onsen so you can choose the right location for your trip!
Our Travel Tips for Dosojin Fire Festival
After spending 4 months living and working in Nozawa Onsen we feel we’ve got it pretty dialled in. Here’s some quick tips and things to know before you visit for the fire festival.Â
Getting to Nozawa Onsen is going to be easier with a Suica card. You can use it on the train and the Nozawa Liner, so it’s worth setting one up before you travel. We’ve written a full guide on setting up a Suica card, including how to link your Shinkansen ticket to your card.Â
Book your accommodation in the village and book it in advance! The only way to get tickets to the fire festival is to stay in accommodation in the village. Due to the popularity of the festival places can get booked up quickly, so book early!Â
Wear clothing you don’t care about. Bring some old but warm clothing that you don’t mind getting a little singed. While you don’t have to get close to the fire to appreciate the festival, there are embers floating around everywhere! We found a box of old clothes in our basement to wear for the event.Â
Experience an onsen. When in Japan, do as the Japanese do. Let go of any hang-ups you have and embrace the culture of bathing in a natural hot spring with other people. Nozawa is home to 13 free public onsens used by locals and tourists alike.Â
Getting an eSIM is also a good idea, as reliable data makes using Google Maps and Google Translate so much easier. Even after 10 months in Japan, we still relied on them daily. Check out our guide to the best eSIM options in Japan.
Final Thoughts About Dosojin Fire Festival
The Dosojin fire festival in Nozawa Onsen is a unique experience and one that has stood out from all our travels around Japan. It was one of those moments where we thought ‘yeah, we made the right decision’ of choosing Nozawa for our ski season.
If you’re thinking of working a ski season in Japan, Nozawa should be on your list.Â
Check out our full budget breakdown to see just how much the season cost us and our guide on how to apply for a Working Holiday Visa for your best route to a Japan ski season.Â
FAQs About Dosojin Fire Festival
When is the Dosojin Fire Festival?
It takes place every year from 13th to 15th January in Nozawa Onsen, with the main pyre burning on the night of the 15th.
Where is the Dosojin Fire Festival held?
It's held in Nozawa Onsen, a small onsen and ski village in Nagano Prefecture.
Do you need a ticket for the Dosojin Fire Festival?
You need a ticket for the main event on the 15th, and to get one you have to be staying in the village. Message your hotel, ryokan or apartment host well in advance to ask about tickets.
What happens at the Dosojin Fire Festival?
Local 42-year-old men sit on top of a wooden pyre while 25-year-old men defend it from villagers with flaming sticks, until the villagers relent and the pyre is lit.
Why are the men aged 42 and 25?
Those ages are considered unlucky for men in Japan, so taking part is thought to help ward off bad luck.
Is the Dosojin Fire Festival dangerous?
It's rough for the people taking part, and singed hair and burns are common. Spectators can watch from a distance, but embers float around everywhere, so wear clothes you don't mind getting damaged.
How do you get to Nozawa Onsen for the fire festival?
Take the Shinkansen to Iiyama station, then the Nozawa Liner bus up to the village. A Suica card works on both the train and the bus.
Can you go to the fire festival if you don’t ski?
Yes, you don't need to ski at all. Nozawa has 13 free public onsens and plenty to do off the slopes.
What should you wear to the Dosojin Fire Festival?
Wear warm clothes you don't mind getting singed, plus a hat and gloves, as it's properly cold in mid-January.
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Hi! We’re Mark & Sarah.
We’ve been travelling the world together for the past 4 years. Exploring destinations such as Europe, South America, South East Asia, Japan and Australia. Now we’re sharing everything we’ve learned on our travels, to help you get out there and have your own adventures!
