{"id":134,"date":"2025-06-27T17:28:46","date_gmt":"2025-06-27T08:28:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/travel.stove-gurashi.com\/en\/?p=134"},"modified":"2025-06-27T17:28:46","modified_gmt":"2025-06-27T08:28:46","slug":"noboribetsu-oni-fire-festival-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/travel.stove-gurashi.com\/en\/noboribetsu-oni-fire-festival-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"2025 Noboribetsu Oni Fire Festival Complete Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

1. Introduction: What Is the Noboribetsu Oni Fire Festival?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Oni Fier Festival
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The Noboribetsu Oni Fire Festival<\/strong> is a unique summer event held in Hokkaido\u2019s famous hot spring resort town, Noboribetsu Onsen. Known in Japanese as Noboribetsu Jigokudani Oni Hanabi<\/em>, this festival features powerful tezutsu fireworks<\/strong>, traditional handheld bamboo tube fireworks, combined with spectacular performances by actors dressed as \u201cOni,\u201d or demons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udd25 Why is this festival special?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unlike regular fireworks displays, this event offers an unforgettable combination of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  • Enormous fire pillars reaching up to\u00a08 meters<\/strong>\u00a0into the night sky<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Demons carrying and firing the fireworks by hand<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • The dramatic backdrop of Noboribetsu\u2019s\u00a0Hell Valley (Jigokudani)<\/strong>, a volcanic crater filled with steam vents and sulfurous hot springs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    This extraordinary atmosphere makes the Oni Fire Festival one of the most photogenic and culturally rich festivals in Hokkaido<\/strong>, perfect for travelers seeking something beyond typical summer fireworks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    1-1. History and Cultural Significance of Oni and Tezutsu Fireworks \ud83c\udf87<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Oni<\/strong> are mythical demons or ogres in Japanese folklore. They are believed to ward off evil spirits and protect the area from misfortune. During the festival, performers wear striking Oni masks and costumes, symbolizing strength and purification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Tezutsu fireworks<\/strong> have been part of Japanese tradition for centuries. Unlike aerial fireworks, these handheld fireworks create a powerful vertical flame that requires skill and courage to control. They are often used in ritual events to honor deities and celebrate seasonal milestones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This blend of folklore, ritual, and artistry makes the Noboribetsu Oni Fire Festival a truly authentic Japanese experience<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    1-2. Why It\u2019s a Must-See Event in Hokkaido \u2728<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    If you\u2019re traveling in Hokkaido during June, July, or September, this festival should be high on your list. Here\u2019s why:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u2705 Exclusive Experience:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You won\u2019t find anything similar in other regions. This is a local tradition unique to Noboribetsu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u2705 Perfect for Photography and Social Media:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    With the combination of fire, costumes, and the dramatic volcanic landscape, your photos will be unforgettable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u2705 Family-Friendly:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The show lasts about 20 minutes and is safe for children to watch (though it can be loud).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u2705 Convenient Access:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Located just 1.5 hours from Sapporo and accessible by public transportation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Whether you\u2019re a culture lover, photographer, or traveling family, the Oni Fire Festival offers a memorable summer night in Japan<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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    \ud83d\udcdd Key Takeaway:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Noboribetsu Oni Fire Festival combines powerful visuals, deep cultural meaning, and a welcoming atmosphere<\/strong>that attracts visitors from around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    2. 2025 Event Schedule and Highlights<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    In 2025, the Noboribetsu Oni Fire Festival will be held on multiple dates across the summer, offering plenty of chances to witness this spectacular performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    2-1. Dates and Times \ud83d\udcc5<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The festival dates are as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u2705 Opening Ceremony:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    • June 1 (Sunday), 2025<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      \u2705 June:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      • Every Monday and Thursday<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        \u2705 July:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        • Every Thursday<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          \u2705 September:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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          • Every Thursday<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

            \ud83d\udd52 Time:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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            • Venue Opens:\u00a07:00 PM<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Fireworks Show Starts:\u00a08:00 PM<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Duration: Approximately\u00a020 minutes<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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              Note:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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              There are no events scheduled in August<\/strong>, as other summer events take place in the area during that time.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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              2-2. Special Performances and What to Expect \ud83c\udfad\ud83d\udd25<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              The show includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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              • Oni Performers:<\/strong>Actors dressed as demons walk through the venue carrying massive handheld fireworks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Tezutsu Fireworks:<\/strong>8-meter flames erupt dramatically from bamboo tubes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Traditional Rituals:<\/strong>Before the fireworks, performers enact purification rituals to ward off evil spirits.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Lighting and Effects:<\/strong>Smoke and fire illuminate Hell Valley, creating a surreal and unforgettable atmosphere.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                Visitors often describe the experience as both thrilling and beautiful<\/strong>, blending traditional Japanese culture with the raw power of volcanic nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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                \ud83d\udcdd Key Tip:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Plan to arrive early, especially on the opening day and weekends, as these are the most crowded times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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                3. How to Get There: Transportation Guide for Foreign Visitors<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                Noboribetsu Onsen is one of Hokkaido\u2019s most famous hot spring towns, and reaching the Oni Fire Festival is straightforward if you plan ahead. This section will explain how to access the venue from major transportation hubs<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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                3-1. From Sapporo and New Chitose Airport \u2708\ufe0f\ud83d\ude89<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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                Sapporo Station to Noboribetsu\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                \u2705 From Sapporo Station:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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                • By Train:<\/strong>\n
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                  • Take the JR Limited Express \u201cHokuto\u201d bound for Hakodate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Travel time: Approximately\u00a070 minutes<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Get off at\u00a0Noboribetsu Station<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • From Noboribetsu Station to Noboribetsu Onsen:<\/strong>\n
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                    • Take a local bus (Donan Bus) from the station to the Onsen area.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Travel time:\u00a015 minutes<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                      \u2705 From New Chitose Airport:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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                      • By Train:<\/strong>\n
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                        • Take the JR Rapid Airport Express to Minami-Chitose Station.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        • Transfer to the JR Limited Express Hokuto.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        • Total travel time:\u00a070\u201380 minutes<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        • By Direct Bus:<\/strong>\n
                            \n
                          • Airport shuttle buses are available (reservation recommended).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          • Travel time:\u00a060\u201390 minutes<\/strong>\u00a0depending on traffic.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n