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Kirihara "Waragoma" (Mar. 8)
(at Kirihara Maki Shirine):
There is a lottery for "Waragoma", divine straw horses that have been
dedicated to the shrine deity. Winners are believed to enjoy business prosperity
and improved family fortunes.
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Nagano Marathon (mid-Apr.)
A full marathon (42.195km) event with participants ranging from local residents
to lead runners from Japan and abroad.
Spring Festival at Restored Matsushiro Castle (Apr. 17~)
 The
Matsushiro district comes alive in spring with a number of events, including the
cherry-blossom-viewing Spring Festival and the Battle of Kawanakajima Exhibition,
among others.
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Nagano Flower Festa (Apr. 25~May 5)
(at Chuo-dori and other locations):
Blossom-filled corridors are created by local residents who decorate the main
approach to Zenkoji Temple as well as narrow streets and plazas with flowers in
hanging baskets and planters.
Buddhist Capital Flower Festival (May 5)
(at Zenkoji Temple):
This is a Buddhist festival celebrating the birth of Buddha. A procession of young
children decked out in costume parades through the streets.
Nagano Sports Festival (mid-June)
(at Nagano Sports Park and other locations):
Various Sports events take place in various parts of the city with the participation
of all Nagano residents.
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Nagano Tanabata Festival (Late July~early Aug.)
(at Gondo Arcade Str.):
 Elaborately
created Tanabata decorations enliven Gondo Arcade Street.
Shinonoi Battle Festival (Late July)
(at JR Shinonoi Station Str.):
One of Nagano residents' festivals, it is celebrated by the reproduction of an
ancient battle.
Wakaho Fureai Festival (Late July)
(at City Office Wakaho Branch area):
Children carry their portable shrines made of barrels during the daytime, while
the lively Fureai-odori (Binzuru) dance is enjoyed till late at night.
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Nagano Binzuru Festival (1st Sat. of Aug.)
(Nagano Sta.~Zenkoji Temple area):
This is the largest of Nagano's local festivals. Many groups of dancers take to
the streets to dance and gyrate with rice scoops in their hands.
Iizuna Fire Festival (Aug. 10)
(at Iizuna Heights):
This festival features a gorgeous fireworks display on the highland lake, creating
an impressive fantasy of sound, light and water.
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Historic Battlefield Festival (1st Sat. of Sept.)
(at Hachimanpara Historical Park in Kawanakajima):
This festival is held at the Historic Kawanakajima Battlefield. Over 2,000 fireworks
brilliantly enliven the night sky.
Nagano Street Performance Festival (4th Sat. of Sept.)
(at Chuo-dori Str.):
Zenkoji Temple's main approach turns into a pedestrians' paradise where street
performers, both professional and amateur, stage their performances on the street.
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The Spectacle of Shinshu Specialties (3rd Sat. &
Sun. of Sept.)
(at "Big Hat"):
This is an annual festival-like gathering featuring an abundance of local specialties
-- from arts and crafts to gastronomic delights brought together from all over
Shinshu (Nagano Prefecture).
Sanada Festival (the day before Sports Day in Oct.)
(in Matsushiro-machi):
This festival is marvelously reminiscent of Matsushiro, a once-thriving castle
town. The Sanada Clan Jumangoku Period Procession and various other events take
place involving all the local neighborhoods.
Misuzukaru NAGANO Film Festival
This film festival will showcase a selection of now and old, domestic and interanational
films.
Eminent speakers will give Talks and there will be a special film-related exhibition.
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 Ebisuko
Fireworks Display (Nov. 23)
(on the banks of the Sai River):
In this late autumn event, leading fireworks artisans from all over Japan vie
with each other, displaying the unique essence of their craftsmanship. A contest
of newly designed fireworks is also featured.
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Opening of Iizuna-kogen Ski Area (Dec.)
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New Year Events at Zenkoji Temple
Temple Visit for Year-end and/or New Year Worship
"Obinzuru Mawashi" (Jan. 6)
Worshippers walk around the revered Buddhist image of "Obinzuru-sama"
praying for good health in the coming year.
"Goinmon Chodai" (Jan. 7~15)
"Goinmon" is the seal impression of Amitabha, Zenkoji Temple's principal
image. By applying this seal impression onto the forehead, it is believed that
devotees are promised of going to paradise after death.
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Nagano "Setsubun-e" (Feb. 3)
(at Zenkoji Temple and Gondo Akiba Shrine):
Taking place in two locations in the city, this ritual features good-luck bean-scattering
by lucky men and women of the year as well as by invited celebrities.
Nagano "Tomyo" Festival (early Feb.)
(at Zenkoji Temple and vicinity):
 This
event is held in commemoration of the 1998 Nagano Olympic Winter Games. During
the day, live performances are held in the Zenkoji precincts. In the evening,
the temple is lite up in an awe-inspiring way against the winter sky. |
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