Every year, the Noboribetsu Hot Spring Festival is held for two days. Young men ceremoniously show gratitude for the plentiful hot spring water among the bitter, cold winter by throwing the hot spring water over each other — it is said that these ceremonies also ward off bad spirits and demons. This article will be about the one and only Noboribetsu Onsenyu Festival!
Article Index
When is it?
The Noboribetsu Onsen Hot Spring Festival will be held on the following dates and times.
| Festival Date | Time |
|---|---|
|
February 3rd, 2023 TBA |
13:00～22:30 |
|
February 4th, 2023 TBA |
18:00〜21:30 |
What is the Noboribetsu Onsen Hot Spring Festival?
The Noboribetsu Onsen Hot Spring Festival is held every year as a symbol of gratitude and appreciation for the plentitul water of the hot springs. It is also a thanksgiving for the various agricultural benefits that springtime brings to humanity. During the festival, prayers are issued in hopes that harvests and spring water are eternally plentiful — there is also a Demon Warding Dance and a hot spring water fight.
Fun Things to do and See
①Hot Spring Water Fight
The water fight is one of the main attractions of the Festival. Young men donned only in loincloths spray hot spring water onto eachother, and the entire area becomes shrouded in steam.
②Kodakara Mochi Dance
The Kodakara Mochi Dance is a ceremony held in prayer for happy marriages, children, safe childbirths, and the safety of families. It’s a dance and music ritual involving drums and flutes, and is very enchanting in person.
After the dance, a sweet red bean soup is traditionally fed to participants and guests alike — perfect to counter a snowy, winter night. The mochi runs out quick so get it while you can!
Things to Know Before Going
①Event Dates/Times
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
|
February 3rd 13:00-15:00 |
Karurusu Hot Spring Hot Spring Steam Cure and Demon Warding Ritual |
Karurusu Hot Spring |
|
February 3rd 18:00- |
Yumatsuri opening ceremony |
Sengen Park |
|
February 3rd 19:00-21:00 |
Demon Warding Ritual |
Noboribetsu Onsen Town Hotel・Ryokan |
|
February 3rd 21:00-21:30 |
Yukijin Kagura, Kodakara Mochi Dance, Sweet Sake and Mochi Serving |
Sengen Park |
|
February 3rd 21:30-22:30 |
Demon Warding Dance |
Noboribetsu Onsen Town |
|
February 4th 18:00-20:10 |
Demon Warding Ritual |
Hotel・Ryokan |
|
February 4th 20:30-21:00 |
Yukijin Kagura, Kodakara Mochi Dance, Sweet Sake and Mochi Serving |
Sengen Park |
|
February 4th 21:10-21:30 |
Hot Spring Water Fight |
Sengen Park |
②Dress for Winter Conditions
③Fees
General dmission is free, so anyone may come and enjoy the soup and mochi.
④Official Website
The official website for the 2023 event has not been released yet.
How to Get There
The event will be held in Noboribetsu Onsen town, Sengen Park. From JR Noboribetsu Station, take the Donan Bus bound for Noboribetsu Onsen for about 15 minutes, get off at Noboribetsu Onsen Bus Terminal, and walk 5 minutes to Sengen Park.
Thanks for Reading!
Thanks for stopping by! If you want to see a very traditional and local ceremony without the hustle and bustle of tourists everywhere, the Noboritbetsu Onsen Hot Spring Festival is perfect for you.
If you want to learn about more exciting and fun adventures to be had in Hokkaido, check out our Top 10 Hokkaido list here!
