ANNUAL EVENTS

	Jan. 14-15: Niino Snow Festival. Held at Izu Shrine. Towns-people offer snow to the enshrined god for a good harvest, as snow is believed to be a harvesting predictor. Anan Town, Shimoina.
	Jan. 14: Fire Festival. Villagers build a sanctuary for their guardian deity with wood brought from the nearby mountain. It is then burnt while villagers pray for a good harvest and the health of newborn babies. Nozawa-Onsen (hot spring) Village, Shimotakai.
	April: Onbashira Festival. This is one of Japan's most unique festivals, held at Suwa Grand Shrine every seven years. Immense logs are cut in the mountains and brought to the shrine where they are erected with sacred white paper attached to the top. This festival dates from the 8th century Nara Period.Suwa City. As demonstrated during the Opening Ceremony of the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympic Games.
	May 3 & Third Sunday. of Oct.: Oshika Kabuki. Oshika Kabuki, Classic Kabuki dramas are performed by the villagers themselves. Oshika Village, Shimoina. May 3-5: Shio no Michi Matsuri. (Salt Route Festival), The local people, dressed in traditional costumes, visit historical spots on the route. Omachi City.
	Sunday nearest July 15: Take no Nobori Festival. (Pray for rain Festival), A ritual in which men carrying bamboo poles covered with brocade offer Japanese Sake to the deity enshrined on the top of Mt. Ogamidake and then perform a dance through the town. Bessho Spa. As demonstrated during the Opening Ceremony of the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympic Games. Aug. 14-16: Niino Bon Dance. A combination of memorial service for ancestors and harmony among the residents, Bon dancing is performed by the townspeople continuously for three days and nights. Anan Town, Shimoina.
	Aug. 15: Lake Suwa Festival. From stands built in the lake, the largest and most splendid firework display in all Japan is held. Suwa City. Aug. 17: Tokimata Lantern display on the river. Colorful lanterns are offered on the Tenryu River, with an impressive firework display. Tatsuoka, Iida City.
	Nov. 23: Bunka/Bunsei Fuzoku Emaki Parade. Townspeople, dressed in costumes of the early 17th century Bunka/Bunsei Period, form a parade along the old Nakasendo highway. Tsumago, Kiso.
	First Saturday-Jan. 4: Shimotsuki Festival. An ancient ritual where a holy water boiling ceremony and sacred dances are performed to drive away evil for family happiness. Kami Village, Shimoina.
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