A Dengaku ritual in Anan Town, where the flames of a giant torch and masked dances continue until dawn
Yuki Matsuri
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Season / frequency
- Every year, January 14–15 / Every year
- Location
- Izu Shrine
- Area
- Nagano Prefecture・Anan Town(From Tokyo: approx. 1 h 20 min–1 h 50 min · bullet train)Prefecture-level estimate to a main station or airport, not the venue. Airport access, check-in and onward travel are extra; remote areas and islands can take much longer.
- Wishes behind the festival
- Participation / viewing
- Open to public participation / spectators welcome
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
Yuki Matsuri is held at Izu Shrine in Niino, Anan Town, Nagano Prefecture, where dances by masked gods and rice-field dances are passed down through the night. A Nationally Designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, it preserves ancient performing arts beneath the flames of a giant torch.
About Yuki Matsuri
Yuki Matsuri is a winter ritual performance held at Izu Shrine in Niino, Anan Town, Nagano Prefecture.
Traditionally known by names such as “Oshinji” and “ Festival,” the one-night festival preserves elements of dengaku, , , sarugaku, and rice-field dances.
The belief that snow offered before the gods is a sign of an abundant harvest is linked to the festival’s name and traditions.
It was designated a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property in 1977.
Source: 雪祭 | 長野県 | 日本の文化遺産を探す｜国宝・重要文化財データベース / 国指定文化財等データベース
Festival highlights
Highlights include the giant torch erected in the and the masked gods’ dances, which continue beneath its flames until dawn.
Kōhō, Motoki, Keiba, Oushi, Okina, and Matsukage appear wearing masks and costumes and performing gestures passed down through generations.
At dawn, ears of rice, grain seeds, and rice cakes are arranged on a drum, and rice-field dances are performed to pray for a bountiful harvest.
Another key feature is the continuous presentation of various elements of ancient performing arts.
A Dengaku ritual in Anan Town, where the flames of a giant torch and masked dances continue until dawn
What to expect
The festival begins in the afternoon of the 14th at Izu Shrine, with the Kagura Hall ritual, the Garan-sama festival, and the main hall ritual.
After dances such as “Binzasara-mai,” “Ron-mai,” and “Manzairaku” are performed, a giant torch is erected in the courtyard, followed by the Omifune-watashi and garden Noh performances.
Performances by masked gods continue throughout the night, and at dawn, rice-field dances are performed to pray for a bountiful harvest the following year.
How to take part
Members of the public may also worship and watch.
However, as the Yuki Matsuri is held as a religious ritual rather than a tourist event, please follow the instructions of the local preservation association and guides regarding photography, access, and moving between viewing areas.
It is important to respect this as a festival site preserved by the local community and to watch quietly.
Those who wish to watch may worship and view the ritual held at Izu .
Please follow the instructions of the local preservation association and guides regarding photography, access, and movement.
Location and access
- Venue and address
Izu Shrine (2608-4 Niino, Anan Town, Shimoina District, Nagano Prefecture).
Address 2608-4 Niino, Anan Town, Shimoina District, Nagano Prefecture
Dates and season
It is held annually from January 14 through the 15th.
The ritual begins in the afternoon of the 14th and continues through the night until the morning of the 15th.
The “Oniwa no Gi,” held beneath a large pine torch, takes place after midnight, while the ta-asobi is performed around dawn.
Accommodation and hotels PR
Showing nearby accommodation.
Prices and availability are current at the time of retrieval. For multi-night stays, only the first night’s price is shown. Confirm the final price and directions to the venue with the booking provider. Select your dates again when using the area search link. Search area: within 3 km of Central Nagano Prefecture / Anan Town (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Tips for your visit
As you will be spending the night outdoors in midwinter in a mountainous area, bring a heavy coat, gloves, a wool hat, waterproof, non-slip shoes, and disposable body warmers.
It is also a good idea to bring a hot drink.
At the ritual site, follow the preservation society’s or guides’ instructions regarding photography, access, and movement, and observe respectfully as a visitor.
Nearby attractions
Nearby places suggested for resting before or after the festival include Kajika no Yu, Nangu Onsen, and the Shinshu Niino Sengokudaira roadside station.
All are listed as facilities near the Yuki Matsuri venue and may be options for a stop before or after a long visit to the shrine.
Check each facility’s information before your visit for opening hours and conditions of use.
安倍神像神社
長野県下伊那郡阿南町にある神社
Origins and History of Yuki Matsuri
Yuki Matsuri is a festival at Izu Shrine, traditionally known as “Oshinji” and “Dengaku Festival.”
There are several theories about its origins, including one linking it to takigi Noh introduced during the Kamakura period and another suggesting that a ritual for sending off the deity of the rice fields was introduced during the Muromachi period.
During the Taisho era, folklorist Shinobu Orikuchi visited Niino and introduced the custom of offering snow before the gods as a sign of an abundant harvest, making the name “Yuki Matsuri” widely known.
It was designated a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property in 1977.
Official information
As a Nationally Designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property, it is protected by the Izu Shrine Yuki Matsuri Preservation Society.
For inquiries, contact the Commerce and Tourism Section of the Anan Town Promotion Division at 0260-22-4055.
For information on viewing the festival and guidance on the day, please follow the instructions of the preservation society or guides.
Yuki Matsuri at a Glance
Yuki Matsuri is an all-night Dengaku ritual passed down at Izu Shrine in Niino, Anan Town.
Masked gods dance beneath the flames of a giant torch, and rice-field dances at dawn pray for a bountiful harvest.
Designated a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property for preserving elements of ancient performing arts, the festival is held annually from January 14 to the 15th.
When attending, adequate protection from the cold and consideration for the sacred rites are essential.
Japanese Festivals.jp Editorial Team
Celebrating local culture and helping you discover a side of Japan you never knew.
Article updated: 2026/10/19
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