Video introduction of the Mifune Festival at Hotaka Shrine in Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture Source :YouTube screenshot This video, titled "Hotaka Shrine, Ofune Matsuri" (穂高神社御船祭り), was uploaded by "Azumino TV" (あづみ野テレビ). Ofune Matsuri (festival) is held at Hotaka Shrine in Azumino, Nagano, in Japan's Koshin'etsu Region. The video shows how the entire community, from children to adults, work together during Ofune Matsuri. The massive floats crashing into one another is quite the contrast to the cute shrine maidens dancing at the beginning of the video! Be sure to check out the video to see what the festival is like before reading along! Ofune Matsuri, a Historic Festival Dating Back 1,500 Years Source :YouTube screenshot Ofune Matsuri, designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Nagano Prefecture, is a festival held annually from September 26 to September 27 at Hotaka Shrine in Azumino, Nagano. The origin of Ofune Matsuri dates back to the 6th century A.D. The festival celebrates the history of the migration and settlement of the Azumi people, the ancestors of both the seafaring tribes of Kyushu and the people living in present-day Azumino City. It's also said to be an event to mourn the death of Azumi no Hirafu, who is said to have died as a general in the Battle of Baekgang. A total of five floats are used during the festival, including six-meter-tall adult boats and slightly smaller children's boats. The floats are shaped like ships in reference to the migration of the seafaring people, and the floats are decorated with handmade Hotaka dolls depicting various aspects of history. [Video] 0:01 - Hotaka Dolls The floats carrying the Hotaka dolls, which have been passed down by the people of Azumino, are pulled through each town and then converge at Hotaka Shrine. The crowd goes wild as the two "adult" floats, clash violently with each other to the accompaniment of music performed by children from the community, making this one of the highlights of Ofune Matsuri. [Video] 0:37 - A Clash of Floats to the Sound of Music Deities and Other Information For Hotaka Shrine Photo：Hotaka Shrine, Azumino, Nagano The deities enshrined at Hotaka Shrine are Watatsumi no Mikoto, the god of the sea; Hotakami no Mikoto, the ancestor of the Azumi people and son of Watatsumi no Mikoto; and Ninigi no Mikoto, the grandson of Amaterasu no Mikoto. The shrine is dedicated to several dignified deities and is believed to bring good fortune, business prosperity, traffic safety, success in academic studies, and marital bliss, and many good luck charms can be purchased at the shrine. Also, on the grounds of Hotaka Shrine is the largest stainless steel Dosojin (guardian deity of travelers) of health and longevity in Japan, which was constructed in 2013 to commemorate Nagano Prefecture's recognition as the prefecture with the longest life expectancy in Japan and is said to bring blessings of health and longevity and good luck in marriage. Shuin stamps are available at the main shrine of Hotaka Shrine from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. In addition, limited edition shuin stamps are distributed during New Year holidays, the Bokusho Festival, and the annual festival, so if you're collector, consider visiting the shrine during these times. If you visit the Mine-miya (shrine located on a peak), you can also receive a special shuin stamp. Tsukimairi is an occasion to express gratitude for a successful month and pray for blessings in the new month. The tsukimairi shuin stamp with beautiful seasonal designs of Hotaka Shrine changes its design each month. Seeing the different stamp designs will make you want to visit to collect them all! Explore Hotaka Shrine at Myojin Pond – A Power Spot Surrounded by Nature Photo：The inner shrine of Hotaka Shrine, Azumino, Nagano The inner shrine of Hotaka Shrine is located at the foot of Mt. Myojin, an hour's walk from Kappa Bridge (Kappabashi Bridge) at Kamikochi. An inner shrine, "okumiya" in Japanese, is a shrine located at the top or middle of a mountain when a particular shrine has several smaller shrines. Myojin Pond near the shrine is said to be a sacred place where prayers for rain have been held since ancient times. On October 8 each year, a festival is held to pray for the safety of hikers and to express gratitude to the mountains by taking two boats around Myojin Pond. Myojin Pond does not freeze over in the winter due to springs and underground water. It is also called "Kagami-ike" (mirror pond) because of this, and its calm surface reflects the natural beauty of the area throughout the year. There is a 300 yen entrance fee to visit Myojin Pond. A Bamboo Lantern Festival, Wind Chime Festival, and Other Events at Hotaka Shrine Photo：The bamboo lantern festival at Hotaka Shrine, Azumino, Nagano In addition to Ofune Matsuri, Hotaka Shrine also hosts a variety of other seasonal events. Every year on a weekend in December, a lantern festival called "Kamiakari" is held for several weeks at night. Approximately 10,000 bamboo lanterns are lined up, creating a mysterious atmosphere in the shrine grounds. If you come with a candle lighter (utility lighter) by the designated time, you may be able to participate in the lighting ceremony. Azumino, Nagano is known as a summer resort in Japan. Every year in July and August, a wind chime festival is held at Hotaka Shrine. Wind chimes of various shapes and colors are decorated with strips of paper with wishes attached to them, and the cool sounds of the wind chimes are played under the eaves of the Kagura Hall (Shinto music and dancing hall) in front of the main shrine building. This Origin of Festivals in Japan Photo：People carrying a portable shrine at a festival The Japanese word "matsuri" (祭り), meaning "festival," comes from the word "matsuru" (祀る), which means "to give thanks to the gods." Festivals in Japan can be traced back to Japanese creation myths and Shinto gods, such as Amaterasu, the sun goddess. During the Heian Period (794-1185 AD), portable shrines became common in festivals, which allowed the gods to leave from the shrines and go into town where the people were. Today, there are many festivals throughout the year in Japan, including summer festivals full of fireworks and more. Things to Do Near Hotaka Shrine Photo：Matsumoto Castle, Matsumoto, Nagano Hotaka Shrine is located just 30 minutes north of Matsumoto by train. There are a number of things to see and do in Matsumoto, so below we'll list a few. Matsumoto Castle Matsumoto Castle is one of the 12 castles in Japan with an original castle keep. It's one of the most beautiful castles in Japan and has a striking appearance with black walls and roof tiles and is surrounded by a moat filled with koi. The inside of the castle is filled with guns and armor that would have been used by samurai during battles, and visitors can enjoy climbing the steep staircases, while looking out the loopholes for guns and arrows. Upon reaching the top of the castle, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Matsumoto. Hours: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm (last entry 4:30 pm) Closed: Year-end holidays (December 29-31) Admission Fee: Adults: 700 yen, elementary and junior high school students: 300 yen ※Discounts are available for groups of 20 or more. Japan Ukiyo-e Museum The Japan Ukiyo-e Museum in Matsumoto was established to collect, manage, and study ukiyo-e (Japanese woodblock prints). If you're interested in Japanese art, the museum has a fine collection of pieces to explore. Hours: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Closed: Mondays and year-end/New Years holidays ※If Monday is a holiday, the museum will be closed the following Tuesday Admission Fee: Adults: 1,000 yen, junior high/high school/university students: 500 yen, elementary school students and younger: free Kamikochi Kamikochi is a highland valley in Chubu Sangaku National Park that is home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in Japan. The Kamikochi area is surrounded by mountains and through it runs beautiful streams. There's also an abundance of wildlife in the lush forests in the area, and visitors can even see monkeys near the famous Kappa Bridge. The area is great for enjoying some light hiking and fresh air. To get to Kamikochi, it's recommended that you reserve a bus in advance, as it can often be crowded. Summary of Festivals at Hotaka Shrine Photo：Myojin Pond at the inner shrine of Hotaka Shrine, Azumino, Nagano The traditional culture inherited by the people of Azumino has a history and background that's so old that it's hard to imagine that it comes from Nagano Prefecture, which does not face the sea. In the video you can see the floats decorated with Hotaka dolls crashing into one another! if you decide to visit the festival, don't forget to take photos! Hotaka Shrine and Myojin Pond are easily accessible as well, so be sure to stop by when you come to see Ofune Matsuri, or visit the area on a trip. 【Official Website】Hotaka Shrine 【TripAdvisor】

The Shinshu Ueda Fireworks Festival of Ueda, Nagano: Video Introduction This video, titled "[4K] An Up-Close & Powerful Display! Sparks Rain From Above! The Shinshu Ueda Fireworks Festival 2018 Highlights" ([4K] 激近大迫力！- 火の粉が上から降ってくる - 信州上田大花火大会 2018 ハイライト - Shinshu Ueda Fireworks 2018 Highlights -), was uploaded by "AQUA Geo Graphic." When is the Shinshu Ueda Grand Fireworks Festival 2024? Photo：Ueda from the Arato Castle Ruins Ueda, Nagano, located in Japan's Koshin'etsu region, is known as the birthplace of the three generations of Sanada, one of the most influential clans in Japanese history, and is a popular tourist destination with its historical and cultural heritage, magnificent nature, and hot springs that can be enjoyed in Japan's four seasons. The historical atmosphere of the city has led to it being used as a filming location for movies and TV dramas. Since it was the setting for the animated movie Summer Wars, some fans go on a tour of the places that served as models in the movie itself. The Shinshu Ueda Grand Fireworks Festival is held every year on August 5 on the banks of the Chikuma River (downstream from Tsuneda Shinbashi Bridge) in Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture, and usually attracts over 100,000 spectators. About 8,000 fireworks, including starmines, are launched into the air. The dates and times of the 37th Shinshu Ueda Grand Fireworks Festival in 2024 are as follows. Date and time: Monday, August 5, 2024 from 19:00 Street stalls and other vendors are scheduled to open in 2024. Fire sparks falling? What are the attractions and highlights of the "Shinshu Ueda Grand Fireworks Festival"? Photo：Shinshu Ueda Fireworks Festival 2018 The Shinshu Ueda Fireworks Festival consists of a competition among three local fireworks companies. ・Beniya Aoki Fireworks (紅屋青木煙火店) ・Shinohara Fireworks (篠原煙火店) ・Musha Fireworks (武舎煙火工業) The Shinshu Ueda Fireworks Festival, which has become a summer tradition in Ueda, Nagano, is made possible by the advanced technology of three local firework companies. Normally, 3,000 stars are packed into a firework shell. If even a few of them are out of alignment, the resulting explosion will be lackluster. It is no exaggeration to say that the Shinshu Ueda Fireworks Festival is a success due to the incredibly skilled pyrotechnicians. The Shinshu Ueda Fireworks Festival – Up Close and Personal The Shinshu Ueda Fireworks Festival is a popular fireworks display in Nagano Prefecture because of its diverse program. The night sky is completely lit up as approximately 10,000 fireworks of various sizes are launched, centering on the gorgeous starmine and musical fireworks. In addition, the finale, a series of launches, is a spectacle that captivates the audience. The powerful music and the continuous launching of fireworks herald the arrival of summer in Ueda. One of the reasons why the Shinshu Ueda Fireworks Festival is said to be so powerful is that the spectator seats are close to where the fireworks are launched. Because of the proximity, the spectators are sometimes sprayed with sparks from the fireworks. Popular Tourist Spots in Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture Here are two popular tourist attractions. Ueda Castle and Ueda Castle Ruins Park In addition to the East Toraguchi Yaguromon gate, North Yagura, and South Yagura, the stone wall with the "Sanada-ishi" stone, which is 2.5 meters high and 3 meters wide, is a popular photo spot. The "Ueda Castle Thousand Cherry Blossoms Festival" is held in spring and attracts many visitors. Rice terraces in Inakura This is a spot where you can enjoy the cityscape of Ueda City and the scenery of terraced rice paddies at the same time. The best time to view the terraced rice paddies is from late May to late October. There are several yokoana burial mounds dating back to the 700s along the rice paddies, providing an original Japanese landscape. Summary of "Shinshu Ueda Grand Fireworks Festival" in Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture The Shinshu Ueda Grand Fireworks Festival is a summer tradition. It is conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from Ueda Station, where the Shinkansen bullet train stops, and is also close enough to take a day trip from Tokyo. If you would like to experience not only the beauty of the fireworks seen in this video of the Shinshu Ueda Fireworks Festival, but also the power sounds and vibrations, considering seeing the fireworks in person. ◆The 37th Shinshu Ueda Grand Fireworks Festival in 2024 Date: Monday, August 5, 2024 from 19:00 Place: Chikuma River riverbed (downstream of Tsuneda Shinbashi Bridge) Access：Public transportation: JR Ueda Station, Shinano Railway Ueda Station, Ueda Electric Railway Ueda Station→5 min. walk Car: 6 km 15 min. from Ueda Sugadaira IC of Joshinetsu Expressway via Route 144 Parking: No parking (please use pay parking lots around the venue)

COOL JAPAN VIDEOS is always holding photo contests. This time, we have selected winter-related works from among the many photos submitted to past COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contests. From spectacular landscapes created by natural phenomena like snow and ice, to twinkling light art created by human hands, we hope you enjoy the wide variety of works introduced here. COOL JAPAN VIDEOS is a social, video curation site that introduces the charms of Japan to people around the world who are interested in Japan. Our photo contests allow you to participate and even win with photos taken via your smartphone! Stick around to learn more! ■Table of Contents - Winter in Past Photo Contests  Daikanyama Observatory  Ainokura Gassho-zukuri Village  Kamakura Igloo Village  Kurokawa Onsen's 'Yu Akari' Illumination  Nakamise Shopping Street in Asakusa  Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse  Lake Onneto, Hokkaido  Jigokudani Monkey Park  The JR Johana Line  A Snow-covered Gujo Hachiman Castle - Features of COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contests - Current Photo Contest - Summary of Winter in COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contests Winter in Past Photo Contests We have selected wonderful photos of winter in Japan from among the many wonderful entries that convey the charms of Japan. We'll also introduce some popular photo spots as well! COOLJAPANVIDEOS Photographer: 01ktk15 Location: Daikanyama Observatory (Ashigarashimo, Shinagawa) Highlights of Daikanyama, a Popular Tourist Attraction Daikanyama was named after the artist Yokoyama Taikan, who was fond of painting Mt. Fuji. It's located at the end of the Hakone Turnpike, and is an automobile-only road. The summit of the 1,011-meter-high mountain is perfect for photographing Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashi. If the weather is nice, you can also see Hatsushima and Oshima, the Miura Peninsula, and the Boso Peninsula. A Video Article About Narusawa Village, Yamanashi at the foot of Mt. Fuji Video article 2:40 Introducing “Narusawa, Yamanashi,” Home to the Tallest Mountain in Japan. Behold the Jaw Droppingly Beautiful Scenery of Mt. Fuji YouTube COOLJAPANVIDEOS Photographer: DAIGO Location: Ainokura Gassho-zukuri Village (Toyama Prefecture) Highlights of Gokayama, a Popular Tourist Attraction Gokayama in Nanto, Toyama, is registered as a World Heritage Site. To raise awareness of fire prevention for Cultural Properties, Gokayama also hosts an illumiantion event. Suganuma Gassho-zukuri Village will be open from sunset to 8:00 pm on Friday, January 26, 2024. The original Japanese landscape "Ainokura Gassho-zukuri Village" floating on a snowy field will be on view from sunset to 9:00 pm on February 23rd (Friday) and 24th (Saturday), 2024. Enjoy the spectacular view of the World Heritage Site under the falling snow. A Video Article About the World Heritage Sites Shirakawa-go and Gokayama in Gifu and Toyama Prefectures Video article 9:24 Shirakawa-Go in Gifu Prefecture and Gokayama in Toyama Prefecture: 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites Featuring Superb Views of Gassho-Zukuri Farmhouses. These Fantastic Snowy Landscapes are Some of Japan's Most Insta-Worthy Spots! YouTube COOLJAPANVIDEOS Photographer: mihyaru Location: Kamakura Igloo Village (Iiyama, Nagano) Highlights of Kamakura Igloo Village, a Popular Tourist Attraction in Nagano Prefecture Iiyama, Nagano, is home to more than 20 large Igloos on a field of pure white snow. Snow covers the area for roughly four months of the year, and photographers from all over Japan gather here eagerly in the cold winter air awaiting their chance to capture the snowy scenery of one of the heaviest snowfall areas in Japan. Every year on a weekend in early February, fireworks are set off, illuminating the fields of white snow and igloos, creating a fantastical atmosphere. A Video Article About the Yokote Snow Festival in Yokote, Akita Video article 5:52 Enjoy the Pure White Snowy Landscape at the Traditional "Yokote Snow Festival" in Yokote, Akita Prefecture! Experience Warm Rice Cakes in a Giant Igloo and a Fantastical Silver World! YouTube COOLJAPANVIDEOS Photographer: 野崎 晴美 Location: Kurokawa Onsen's 'Yu Akari' Illumination (Aso, Kumamoto) Highlights of Kurokawa Onsen, a Popular Tourist Attraction in Aso, Kumamoto Kurokawa Onsen's midwinter event, Yu Akari, lights up the hot spring resort. Approximately 300 spherical lanterns called "Mari-toro," as well as 2-meter-tall "Tsutsu-toro" lanterns are arranged to blend in with the natural townscape and are lit from sunset until 10 p.m. The lanterns are truly enchanting. Be sure to bring a camera, as this magical scene is something you'll want to treasure forever! A Video Article About the Yu Akari Illumination at Kurokawa Onsen Video article 3:01 Yu Akari – Experience the Stunning Winter Illumination at Kurokawa Onsen via Video! Discover the Fantastical Atmosphere That Warmly Embraces Visitors, and the Passion of the People of Kurokawa! YouTube COOLJAPANVIDEOS Photographer: Lily0321 Location: Nakamise Shopping Street in Asakusa (Taito, Tokyo) The Charms of Nakamise Shopping Street, a Popular Tourist Attraction Nakamise Shopping Street is located on the main approach to Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo. The street is approximately 250 meters long, stretching from Kaminarimon Gate to Hozomon Gate, and both sides of the shopping street are lined with approximately a variety of shops selling all sorts of traditional Japanese goods and trinkets. Being one of the oldest shopping streets in Japan, it's popular for its delicious eateries and souvenir shops selling traditional Japanese goods. Nakamise Shopping Street is always lively, especially during the year-end and New Year's holidays. It is a place where you'll encounter many smiling faces, whether they're from people expressing gratitude for the past year or excitedly looking forward to the next one. A Video Article About Sanja Matsuri in Asakusa, Tokyo Video article 17:46 Sanja Matsuri in Asakusa, Tokyo - One of the Three Main Festivals in Japan! Don’t Miss One of the Best Japanese Festivals With More Than 100 Portable Shrines and 1.5 Million Visitors in Tokyo! YouTube COOLJAPANVIDEOS Photographer: Abhi Sen Location: Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse (Yokohama, Kanagawa) Highlights of the Illumination Event at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, which has been used as a warehouse for approximately 80 years since the early 1900s, is a tourist attraction that was re-purposed as a commercial facility in 2002. The building is illuminated at night, and the clever use of shading to preserve the color and texture of the bricks makes it a great place for taking photos. The building itself is of course beautiful, but the view of the Yokohama Bay Bridge and Osanbashi Bridge from Akarenga Park (赤レンガパーク) in the back of the building is also worth seeing. Various events are held at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, with the Christmas Market held in winter being especially popular. The 10-meter-tall Christmas tree, beautiful illuminations, tasty food, and exciting shopping opportunities, make this an enjoyable experience. A Video Article About Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse's Christmas Market Video article 8:35