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<\/p>\nStarting on Friday, August 24, Noboribetsu Onsen\u2019s biggest event, Jigoku Matsuri (Hell Festival), will begin. This year marks the 55th anniversary of this spectacular festival that includes traditional dance performances by students from local elementary and junior high schools. Popular singers will also take the stage!<\/p>\n
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The festival, which marks the time of year when the gates of Jigokudani (Hell Valley) open, and Enma, the King of Hell, emerges to walk the streets of the city. Six-meter tall Enma-shaped floats and elaborate one ton mikoshi (portable shrines) dedicated to the Hell King will be carried around the town surrounded by dancing ogres. Devil mask wearing dancers perform in honor of his visit, while a colorful fireworks show bids him a fond farewell on the final night.<\/p>\n
This year, the festival will last for three days and two nights. On Sunday, August 26, the Oni Odori Daigunbu (Demon Group Dance) will be performed. Every year, guests staying at the hotel can rent red yukata (summer kimono) for the day and join in the fun of the dance. There is always lots of laughter and hilarity. (Even our staff comes out to dance!)<\/p>\n
We look forward to seeing Enma walk the streets once again and hope you will be here with us to enjoy it, too!<\/p>\n
Event Schedule<\/strong><\/p>\n Friday, August 24 through Sunday, August 26<\/strong><\/p>\n Friday, August 24<\/strong> Saturday, August 25<\/strong> Sunday, August 26<\/strong> **Gorgeous prizes will be awarded!! Please wear your favorite costume and enjoy the Great Demon Dance! (Free)<\/p>\n Please Be Advised<\/strong> We look forward to seeing you at the Hell Festival from Friday, August 24 through Sunday, August 26!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Starting on Friday, August 24, Noboribetsu Onsen\u2019s biggest event, Jigoku Matsuri (Hell Festival), will begin. This year marks the 55th anniversary of this spectacular festival that includes traditional dance performances by students from local elementary and junior high schools. Popular singers will also take the stage! The festival, which marks the time of year when the gates of Jigokudani (Hell<\/p>\n
\n18:00 \u2013 21:30 Gokuraku Beer Garden
\n19:00 \u2013 19:45 Opening Ceremony on Eve of the Festival
\n20:00 \u2013 21:00 Hitoshi Sakuraba Live Performance<\/p>\n
\n12:15 \u2013 13:00 Noboribetsu Elementary School Onikko Marching Band
\n14:00 \u2013 15:00 Noboribetsu Junior High School Brass Band Club
\n15:30 \u2013 16:00 Noboribetsu Junior High School Bear Dance
\n18:15 \u2013 19:00 Preliminary Taiko Group Performance
\n19:10 \u2013 20:00 Enma the Hell King Arrival Celebration with the Noboribetsu Junior High School Oni Mikoshi
\n20:00 \u2013 21:00 Oni Mikoshi Parade and Yukake (Onsen Water Battle)<\/p>\n
\n11:00 \u2013 15:00 Onikko Plaza Spa Slider
\n15:30 \u2013 16:00 Children\u2019s Demon Dance
\n18:30 \u2013 19:30 King of Hell Festival
\n20:00 \u2013 20:30 Great Demon Dance and Masquerade Dance Contest**
\n20:40 \u2013 21:00 Demon Dance Contest Awards
\n21:15 \u2013 21:45 Jigokudani Fireworks<\/p>\n
\nWhenever possible, we ask everyone to use public transportation as the streets will be very full of demons and people having fun.
\nWe do not offer alcohol to those who are underage and drivers.
\nEvents and times of events may change depending on the weather or other circumstances.<\/p>\n