Build It Up Only To Burn It Down!

The Nozawa Fire Festival (野沢の火祭り のざわのひまつり) or Dōsojin Fire Festival (道祖神祭り　どうそじんひまつり) in Nagano Prefecture is considered one of three great fire festivals in Japan. It is actually a three day event when a shrine is built by 41, 42 and 43 year old men from Nozawa. However, the main event of setting fire to the shrine doesn’t occur until January 15th. This is an extremely popular event so be sure to reserve your lodging one year in advance!

References

In English

https://nozawa-onsen.com/nozawa-fire-festival/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dōsojin

In Japanese

http://www.jtco.or.jp/japanese-culture/?act=detail&id=82&p=0&c=20

https://nozawakanko.jp/record/dosojin/

Photo thanks to Nozawa-Onsen.com

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