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.
Aki, Sakaguranite (Art Exhibition)
From the end of October to early November
Aki, Sakaguranite [秋、酒蔵にて] is a kind of art exhibition which is held every Autumn season at sake brewery.
You can find various genres of art work.There are different themes for every year, and you can even buy some exhibits.
Here is the official account for this event.
aki_sakaguranite
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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