February
Illumination of Subzero Forest
The Subzero Forest is a special winter attraction which has been presented by the isolated mountain inn, “Akigami Onsen Ryokan” since1971. The ”Forest of ice”, which was created by the innkeeper after long years of effort, is lit in blue during the daytime and illuminated at night, showing us a fantastic world.
January 1st - February 28th, 2025
On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, you can take a bus to see the Hyotenka no Mori (Sub-Zero Forest) Illuminations. For details, please refer to the link.
- Date
January 1st - February 28th, 2025
- Website
Winter Illumination of Hida-no-Sato (Hida Folk Village)
The old private houses such as houses with steep rafter roofs are illuminated to create a fantastic landscape.
- Date
January 11, 2025 - February 28, 2025
- Website
Nakao Kamakura Festival
There are many kamakura (snow huts) in various sizes. Even the smallest ones are large enough for adults to enter. Some kamakura have an irori fireplace, and there is also a kamakura with a bar inside. So not only children but adults can enjoy this world of fantasy in a relaxing atmosphere.
Local performing art programs “Nakao Meoto Shishi” (a male and a female lion dance) is held during this event.
The lion dance is a must see. Two lions perform a synchronized acrobatic dance, and it is definitely worth watching!
The lion dance "Nakao Meoto Shishi"・・・February 1, 3 and 10.
※Event schedules may change due to various reasons, such as climate conditions.
- Date
From February 1 to 10, 2024
- Business Hours
8pm to 9pm (Sunday to Friday)
8pm to 9:30pm (Saturday)- Fee
Free
- Address
Shinhotaka Onsen, Nakao Kōgen, Nakao Event Park
351 Naoak, Okuhidaonsengō, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture 506-1422- Contact
Okuhida Onsengō Tourism Association
0578-89-2614- Access
1 hour 30 minute bus ride from JR Takayama Station. Get off at Nakao Kōgen (Ashiyu-Mae) and walk approximately 10 minutes.
- Website
Aodaru Illumination (Fukuji)
Within the mountains of the Fukuji Onsen area stands the “Fukuji Wall” rock face. As water seeps from the rock face it freezes into columns of blue ice, known as Aodaru.
These columns of blue ice are recreated in the hot spring town.
In daytime the columns are a beautiful clear blue, and at night they are lit up to create an even more magical scene.
From early to mid February you can enjoy special events such as the “Ice Path Light-up”, that allows you to walk behind the Aodaru, and demonstrations of the local performing art of the Hembetori lion dance.
- Date
December 23, 2024 - March 20, 2025
- Business Hours
Between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m.
- Fee
Free
- Address
Near the “Fukuji Onsen” bus stop, Fukuji Onsen
- Contact
Okuhida Onsengō Tourism Association
0578-89-2614- Access
1 hour 10 minute bus ride from JR Takayama Station. Get off at Fukuji Onsen.
- Website
Frozen Hirayu Grand Waterfall Festival
From February 15 to 25 every year, the frozen Hirayu Grand Waterfall is illuminated. This 64-meter high and 6-meter wide waterfall shows its majestic shape with massive ice blocks heaped on top of others.
Fireworks (every day during the festival) from around 8:30 p.m.
Location: Near Hirayu Onsen Ski Resort
Fireworks may be canceled or launched earlier or later due to weather and other reasons.
- Date
From February 15 to February 25 2024
- Business Hours
Illumination: 19:00 - 21:00
- Access
A free shuttle bus run between the “Hirayu Bus Terminal ”and the venue every day during the period, around the time of the illumination.
- Website
Illuminaion of Taruma Kanekori in the Oku Hida Silva Zone
Taruma Water’ finds its origin in the legend of the founding of the Shin-Hirayu Hot Springs. The renowned mineral water flowing from between the rocks is frozen to make big icicles. Nighttime illumination creates a fantastic image.
- Date
December 28, 2024 - February 28, 2025
- Website
Hida Great Limestone Cave - Ice Valley
A large ice pillar reaching a height of 30 meters, created by clear water and the midwinter cold.
On Saturdays in February, there are also illuminations, creating a fantastical world.
- Date
January 1st - March 10th, 2025
- Website
Setsubun (Bean-throwing Ceremony)
About 20 members of Setsubun Association who are dressed like Seven Divinities of Good Luck, red ogres and blue ogres start parading from the temple gate and go through the town passing Takayama Station, Honmachi Street and Kokubunji Temple while throwing beans en route.
- Date
Early February each year