HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Yuya Onsen Hana Festival in Aichi
Dance with “demons” and be blessed by splashing water at this centuries-old festival, under 1 hour and 30 minutes away from Nagoya.
Shinshiro City, Aichi Prefecture
Held annually during the winter at several locations across the Okumikawa area of Aichi Prefecture, the Hana festivals are an ancient tradition dating back over 700 years. The 15 festivals, held in the mountainous town of Toei as well as Toyone village, have been appointed Important National Intangible Cultural Folkloric Heritages.
In nearby Yuya Onsen, you can take part in a variation of the Hana Festival every Saturday during the month of February, which incorporates the highlights of the traditional ceremonies. Besides the intriguing festival rituals and dances, visitors are also treated to taiko drum performances, fire dances, and amazake, a sweet rice drink, to help keep you warm.
This shorter “highlight reel” allows visitors see the main performances of the festival, some normally only performed in the early hours of the morning in other towns. The climax of the festival is when spectators can be blessed by warm water that dancers splash at the festival goers. The Yuya Onsen Hana Festival also offers a unique chance to dance with the performers in the sacred space around the cauldron.
Visitors can stay overnight at one of the ryokan inns in Yuya Onsen, where you can enjoy local specialties and relax in the hot spring baths.
How to get there
From Nagoya Station, take the Shinkansen bullet train to Toyohashi Station (about 30 minutes), then take the Inaji limited express train to Yuya-Onsen Station (45 minutes). The festival grounds are a 10-minute walk from the station.
Notose Kamiyadaira, Shinshiro-shi, Aichi-ken
