Shima Onsen has a really long history
There are few theories about the legendary story of Shima Onsen beginning.
The oldest theory is in 782-806AD.
According to the history book edited in 1977, Sakanoue Tamuramaro who came to conquer the Ezo as ‘the Great General who subdues the barbarians’ stayed this place in 782-806AD at the first time.
If this theory is true, Shima Onsen has more than 1,200 years of history!!
To protect historical tradition we’ve been taken over from generation to generation, there are some festivals held in Shima Onsen annually. Each festivals have meanings and purpose.
Additionally, there are plenty of attractiveness of Shima Onsen in each months, not only festival, but also the seasonal nature scene.
Let’s see what event we can experience in Shima Onsen!
Events in January
Torioi-matsuri (鳥追い祭り), Dondo-yaki (どんど焼き)
January 14
Torioi-matsuri is held on January 14.
This festival started in 1600s. It is held to drive away harmful birds and pests to protect crops with a prayer.
During this festival, locals pull two big drums like this picture, and walk around the onsen town.
Dondo-yaki is held on the same day as Torioi-matsuri.
This festival is a kind of a fire festival, and you can find everywhere in Japan.
It is traditional Japanese festival to burn New Year’s decorations.
The porpose is to get rid of bad luck, for good health, for good harvest, and to see off Shinto Gods.
Please visit the below link for more information!
Shima Onsen Yudate-sai (四万温泉湯立祭)
January 20 (the coldest day of the year)
Yudate-sai is held on January 20 at the coldest day of the year (大寒の日).
This festival is held to be thankful for onsen, and shrine maiden sprinkles hot spring water. People say, if you get wet with this spring water, you will be healthy and safe.
As Omotenashi, they serve onsen manju (sweet bun), pork miso soup and so on.
It’s really cold to go outside in January, but it’s worth it.
Events in February and March
Mayahime-matsuri (Princess Maya Festival)
From mid-February to mid-March
In Japan, there is a traditional festival called “Hina-matsuri” to wish happiness for little girls.
In Shima Onsen, we call it “Mayahime-matsuri,” because of the “Mayahime legend” at Shima Onsen.
During this festival, Ryokan and shops in Shima Onsen are decorated with Tsurushibina (mobile dolls) and Hina dolls like this photo.
If you would like to know more, please visit the below link to read another article!
Events in April, May, June
Cherry blossoms
Around mid-April to early May
There is no particular festival in this season, but this is the best season to see Shima Blue, and fresh greenery!
Must see in April is cherry blossoms.
The contrast of Shima Blue and pink color of cherry blossoms are spectacular!!
You can find the details from the link below.
Fresh greenery and Shima Blue
In April, May, June
In Spring, you can find the most beautiful Shima blue color compared to other seasons.
What is “Shima Blue”?
Shima Blue is amazing blue color that can be seen only here.
We recommend you to just walk around the river or Okushima lake and enjoy shima blue and fresh greenery!
Events in July
Onsen-kyo Craft Theater
Late July
This is workshop event which is held in Shima Onsen once every two years (last one was held in 2024).
For about one week in late July, you can experience multiple workshops!
More that 20 artists gather in Shima Onsen, and you can make one and only art work!
Shima Onsen Summer Festival
For two days at the end of July
Every year, locals and tourists gathered at the central onsen town, and enjoy some food stalls, game stalls, and music.
It is traditional Japanese summer festival!
You can also find a special local sake.
Why don’t you join us and meet locals here?
Events in August
Walking Event with a Japanese Lantern
Every Friday night in August
This event is held every Friday night in August.
Holding a dim light of traditional Japanese lantern, and just marching around the onsen town is atmospheric.
Nakanojo-machi Gion Festival
The first Saturday and Sunday in August
Nakanojo-machi Gion Festival is not held in Shima Onsen, but you can find it near Nakanojo station.
Dashi (floats 山車) parade through the town, and you can enjoy the sound of drums, and food stalls.
It has been held since Edo period, so it is important traditional event.
We wish for our health, and business prosperity.
Events in September, October
Ise-machi Gion Festival
The first Saturday and Sunday in September
As same as Nakanojo-machi Gion Festival, Ise-machi Gion Festival is not held in Shima Onsen.
You can find it near Nakanojo station, too.
Almost all people who gather here are locals, and dashi (floats 山車) parade through the town.
Nakanojo-machi Gion Festival (August), and Ise-machi Gion Festival (September) are both Gion-matsuri, but the meanings of them are different.
Nakanojo-machi Gion Festival is for business prosperity, but Ise-machi Gion Festival is held to give thanks to god for the good harvests.
Nakanojo Biennale (International Contemporary Art Festival)
Around late September to late October
The Nakanojo Biennale is an international contemporary art festival held every two years in Nakanojo Town (last one was held in 2023).
Nakanojo Town offers visitors the unique opportunity to experience beautiful satoyama culture that cannot be found anywhere else.
Artists stay and work in this unique mountain village community and present their creations during the Nakanojo Biennale.
Shima Onsen is not exceptional.
During this period, you can find their creations everywhere in Shima Onsen.
Here is the article written in 2023, just for reference.
Shima Onsen Autumn Festival
October 7, 8
This Autumn festival is held every year to give thanks to god for hot spring.
The blessings of the spring water is not taken for granted.
We need to carry on this tradition not to forget feelings of gratitude.
Events in November
Autumn leaves
From the end of October to mid-November
Mid-November is the best time for autumn leaves, lately.
You can find the spot to enjoy autumn leaves everywhere in Shima Onsen!
One of the best places to enjoy the autumn foliage is Kashiwaya Ryokan.
Both the terrace in our guestrooms and the open-air onsen offer stunning views of the leaves.
Events in December
Kashiwaya S’more
Until December 25
This is Christmas event at Kashiwaya Ryokan!
“Kashiwaya S’more” is annual event, and you can enjoy s’more in your room.
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