Events

Read on for information about festivals where
you can experience Japanese culture, and events
that make you feel the richness of nature.
Note that event schedules are subject to weather conditions.

SPRING

  • Festival

    Norn Minakami Flower Garden
    Daffodil Festival

    Norn Minakami Flower Garden Daffodil Festival
    This flower festival is held each spring. One million daffodil flowers blossom across the ski slopes.
    Schedule
    Mid-April to mid-May
    Venue
    Norn ski resort
  • Season Event

    SL Gunma Minakami

    SL Gunma Minakami
    The rare D51 and D61 steam locomotives puff their way along the Joetsu Line between Takasaki Station and Minakami Station, mainly on the weekends.
    Schedule
    Late March to early December
    Venue
    Takasaki Station to Minakami Station
  • Season Event

    Minakami 3 Dam Inspection
    Discharge

    Minakami 3 Dam Inspection Discharge
    The three large dams (Yagisawa Dam, Naramata Dam, and Fujiwara Dam) in the Okutone area of Minakami Town conduct an annual inspection and controlled discharge. The inspection discharge of these three dams, known as the “Water Reservoir of the Kanto Region”, has become a unique spring spectacle that can only be experienced in Minakami Town.
    Schedule
    May
    Venue
    Okutone area
  • Festival

    Cherry Blossom Season

    Cherry Blossom Season
    The picturesque cherry blossoms add color to the town and present a tapestry of scenic views. Throughout the town, the different elevations create a changing highlight of cherry blossom spots. The view of cherry blossoms against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains is a popular and distinctive landscape of Minakami Town.
    Schedule
    April to May
    Venue
    -
  • Festival

    Tsurushi Bina (Hanging Hina Doll)

    Tsurushi Bina (Hanging Hina Doll)
    With the help of many people, the number of handmade hanging Hina dolls has increased, making the exhibition even more lively than before.
    At the main venue, the Roadside Station Takumi no Sato Experience Hall, the collaboration of the splendid 14-tiered Hina Doll display with hanging dolls and bamboo lanterns is truly magnificent! Along with the Hanging Hina Doll displays in each store throughout Takumi no Sato, please enjoy the surrounding countryside in spring.
    Schedule
    March
    Venue
    Takumi no Sato
  • Festival

    Carp Streamer Display at
    Lake Akaya

    Carp Streamer Display at Lake Akaya
    This event shows the lively swimming of carp streamers on the surface of Lake Akaya, using streamers no longer used at home. The sight of them swimming briskly, as if cheerfully revived by the spring breeze, along with the cherry blossoms blooming around the lake, delights visiting tourists.
    Schedule
    Late April to end of May
    Venue
    Lake Akaya

SUMMER

  • Festival

    Tsukiyono Hotaru no Sato

    Tsukiyono Hotaru no Sato
    In June, visitors to this promenade can enjoy a stroll while watching the wild dance of fireflies that live in the area.
    Schedule
    Mid-June to mid-July
    Venue
    Tsukiyono area
  • Season Event

    Tanigawadake Day

    Tanigawadake Day
    July 2nd is celebrated as “Tanigawadake Day” (recognized by the Japan Anniversary Association). Welcome to the mountain for a great adventure! Every year, various events are held to mark the opening of the mountain season. Early morning ropeway operations and the traditional “Safety Prayer Festival” mark the start of the mountain season.
    Schedule
    July 2nd
    Venue
    Tanigawadake
  • Season Event

    Oide festival

    Oide festival
    Join the Minakami Onsen Oide Festival, where the “Oide Dance” is performed in sync with calls of “Oide,” and portable shrines are paraded. “Oide” in the festival’s name represents not only the bubbling hot springs but also the invitation to visit the Minakami Onsen area.
    Schedule
    early September
    Venue
    the Minakami Onsen area
  • Festival

    Akaya Lake Fireworks Festival

    Akaya Lake Fireworks Festival
    The fireworks launched from the shores of Akaya Lake, surrounded by rich natural scenery, blossom into large flowers in the night sky and reflect on the surface of the lake, creating a breathtaking beauty. The sound of the fireworks echoes through the mountains, adding a powerful resonance to the experience.
    Schedule
    Late August
    Venue
    Akaya Lake

AUTUMN

  • Festival

    Horaku Matsuri
    (in Takumi no Sato)

    Horaku Matsuri (in Takumi no Sato)
    This autumn harvest festival in Takumi no Sato offers prayers for a bountiful harvest. The Ookarasu Tengu Mikoshi (Portable Shrine for the Great Crow Tengu (Goblin)) parades through the venue.
    Schedule
    Late October
    Venue
    Takumi no Sato
  • Season Event

    Straw Art Festival
    (in Takumi no Sato)

    Straw Art Festival (in Takumi no Sato)
    Enjoy the autumn season of art and touring the countryside, along with the spectacular foliage and straw art created by the locals. Why not take pictures with the annual zodiac straw art and share them on social media? You can also enjoy a fun stamp rally on an electric bike around the countryside.
    Schedule
    November to December
    Venue
    Takumi no Sato
  • Season Event

    Shigetsukai

    Shigetsukai
    This moon-viewing event is held at Gakurinji Temple during the harvest moon of mid-autumn.
    Schedule
    Mid-September
    Venue
    Mount Ōmine, Gakurin-ji Temple
  • Season Event

    Autumn Leaves Season

    Autumn Leaves Season
    Please enjoy the beautiful autumn leaves created by the altitude difference of about 1,600 meters in Minakami Town. The fall foliage starting from the summit of Mt. Tanigawadake is a sign of the coming of autumn.
    Schedule
    October to November
    Venue
    -

WINTER

  • Season Event

    Ichinokurasawa Snowshoe Tour

    Ichinokurasawa Snowshoe Tour
    Strap on snowshoes and trek through forests and snowfields. On the tour, experienced guides will accompany you to safely enjoy a walk on the snow and playful snow activities. You might spot tracks of hares or Japanese serows, - and if you’re lucky, you might even see them in person!
    Schedule
    January to March
    Venue
    Ichinokurasawa