Niino Snow Festival

Festival highlights

The highlight is the “Niwa no Gi,” in which masked incarnations of the deities dance through the night.

A variety of roles appear, including Kōhō, Motoki, Keiba, Oushi, and Tengu. Each has distinctive costumes and movements, with horse and ox tack, bows and arrows, axes, and mallets.

When the torches are lit, flames and smoke fill the shrine grounds as the traditional dances and sacred rites continue.

Source: 新野の雪祭り | 南信州民俗芸能ナビ

A dengaku festival where snow is seen as a sign of a good harvest and masked deities dance through the night

What to expect

The festival begins with a procession carrying the masks between Izu Shrine and Suwa Shrine.

After the preliminary rites, misogi, the grand festival, and the dance offerings, the proceedings move to the Kagura Hall rites and the main sanctuary rites on the night of the 14th.

Around midnight, the Niwa no Gi begins; shouts of “ranjō” and the lighting of the torches signal the start of the Niwa-no performance, which continues until morning.

Location and access

Venue and address

The festival is held mainly at Izu Shrine and Suwa Shrine.

Train and bus

Information indicates that a local bus runs from JR Iida Line’s Ondagawa Station on weekdays only.

Source: 新野の雪祭り｜NPO 日本の祭りネットワーク

Event venue 長野県阿南町 伊豆神社および諏訪神社

This map uses the venue name. Check the official guide for the event area and entrances.

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Dates and season

It is usually held from January 13 until the morning of the 15th.

On the 13th, the masks are carried in the “O-kudari” procession, followed by a preliminary performance. On the 14th, there is the “O-agari” procession, ceremonies at the kagura hall, and a ceremony at the main sanctuary. The garden ritual begins around midnight on the 15th.

The central dances are dedicated throughout the night, from the evening of the 14th until the morning of the 15th.

Accommodation and hotels PR

Tips for your visit

As the sacred rites continue through the night, warm clothing is essential to protect against the winter cold.

When you are near the torches and smoke, be mindful of their possible effects on your clothing and belongings.

Sacred rites and dances continue at the venue, so if you take photos, please avoid using flash and take care not to disturb other visitors or the offerings.

Nearby attractions

Temples and shrinesAnan Town

安倍神像神社

長野県下伊那郡阿南町にある神社

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写真：へぼ飯 / CC0

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Facility data source

Attractions in the same municipality. Check each attraction’s official website for travel distances from the venue and current opening information.

Origins and History of Niino Snow Festival

The festival’s origins are unclear, but it is said to have been established in the late Kamakura period.

In the past, it was called “New Year’s Sacred Rites,” “Dengaku Festival,” and “Sasara,” among other names.

In Taisho 15, folklorist Shinobu Orikuchi visited the festival, and the name “Snow Festival,” one of its informal names, is said to have become widely known.

It was designated a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property in Showa 52.

Official information

Information about the Niino Snow Festival is available on Anan Town’s official website.

Source: 南信州で楽しむ民俗芸能｜長野の観光でふれる地域文化 | Go! NAGANO 長野県公式観光サイト

Niino Snow Festival at a Glance

The Niino Snow Festival is a traditional festival in the Niino district of Anan Town, where snow is seen as a sign of a good harvest.

At Izu Shrine and Suwa Shrine, masked incarnations of the deities perform a variety of dances as offerings.

A distinctive feature is the Niwa-no performance, which continues through the night from the evening of the 14th to the morning of the 15th, accompanied by torch flames.