Join Oni-Mikoshi, the fever pitch event in Noboribetsu Jigoku Matsuri!

【OVERVIEW】

　Noboribetsu Jigoku Matsuri is a unique festival in tribute to Hell Valley, the biggest attraction in Noboribetsu. Based on a legend which says, “the cauldron of Hell will open once a year and Enma, the hell master, will come up to Onsen town with red and blue demons in the end of August,” the festival is held on the final Saturday and Sunday of August every year.

Oni-Mikoshi  is one of the main events during two days.

About 100 men shoulder the red Oni (demon) which weighs a ton and parade in the main street!

Women also do another lighter one!

The entire town gets heated with their lively performances and cheers on the sidelines!

Usually only local people are allowed to participate in, and this year the door is open for visitors from overseas. It’s now or never opportunity!

Participation in the event will give you a chance of exceptional experiences and memorable stay.

　Don’t miss the great opportunity to experience the tradition of Noboribetsu Onsen and Japanese culture, including supper, traditional outfits and interaction with local people.

 

【HIGHLIGHTS】

• You will get to know about deep inside of Nobribetsu Onsen through the festival. 

   

• Spending time with local people will bring you more memorable time than only sight-seeing.

   

• You are not required of Japanese proficiency, but only in good shape to bear the performances. 

   

• Language supports and attendants will guide you from the beginning to the end.

   

• Supper will be traditional Japanese home meal favored by Japanese locals.

   

• You are supposed to put on a set of traditional festive uniforms, even many Japanese haven’t had experience(our staff will help to put on those clothes). 

   

• We are going to take some group photos and send you later. Why don’t you show them off to your family and friends who will find you cool!

   

• Please fill up quick questionnaires after the event. You will get some special souvenirs.

 

【SCHEDULE】

[4:30pm] ・Orientation (Please bring your passport and sign the consent form) at Noboribetsu Tourist Information

・Supper（at the festival base tent）

・Changing into a uniform (men: at the base tent, women: tourist information)

 

[7:00pm] Walk to the meeting point for Mikoshi (Hell Valley)

[8:00pm] Mikoshis depart Hell Valley

[9:00pm] Mikoshis come back to Hell Valley, participants dismissed.

                 Walk back to change outfits

[9:20pm] Please fill up questionnaires.

　  After that, you will be given the certificate of participation and some gifts.

　  The end of the program.

 

＊Schedules are subject to change under some circumstances

 

【PROGRAM FEE】

15,000 JPY per participant

 

【THINGS TO NOTE】

• Duration: 4 hours
• Meeting point: Tourist Info in Noboribetsu Int’l Tourism & Convention Association (Address: 60 Noboribetsu Onsen, Noboribetsu, Hokkaido)
• Access: 3 minutes’ walk from Noboribetsu Onsen Bus Terminal
• Pick-up & Drop-off: No services available

　　　NOTE: there will be no public transportation including taxis available after the event, and even in the early morning to the train station. We suggest booking a room in Nobribetsu Onsen area. 

• Minimum number of participants: 1
• Language support: English
• Included in Program fee:

• 　Language support, attendant
• 　Supper
• 　Event uniform rental
• 　Group photos taken
• 　Certificate of participation
• 　Gifts
• 　Insurance (works only during the participation)

• Excluded:

• 　Entire travel (all the transportation and accommodation, etc)

• Items to bring(suggestion)

• 　Personal items such as a towel.

   

   

• 　If you have tattoos on your arms or legs where others can see, they must be totally covered with cover-up tape. Please bring it.

  (Please read the participation requirements below)

   

• 　We don’t suggest holding mobile phones and cameras during the performances due to the possibilities of damages and losses.  The event organizer is not liable for those damages and losses.

   

• 　We don’t suggest leaving your personal items, especially valuables such as your passport, where you change clothes. We can keep your stuff in the office.

 

• Participation requirements

 

• Visitors from overseas, ages 20 and above

   

• Health condition: Mentally and physically healthy enough to shoulder the heavy Mikoshi and parade in the main street　for about 40-50 minutes.

   

• If you have some health problems or are in bad condition on the day, you are not allowed to participate in the program

   

• Tattoo holders are accepted only if they are covered by the uniform or they’re small enough to get totally covered with cover-up tape. Please ask us.

 

• Free wi-fi: N/A

 

• Toilet: Available (western style)

 

【OTHER THINGS TO NOTE】

1. Please refrain from participating if you are in bad condition or feel uncomfortable on the day. Please don’t force yourself to join.

    

2.  If you don’t show up on time without any contacts, or if you are too late, your participation will be cancelled.

    

3. The event won’t be cancelled even under bad weather conditions.

   You won’t get any refund for any personal reasons including 1 and 2 above

   （Cancellation & refund policies are based on the ZAIKO, the web ticket agent）

    

4. The organizer is not liable for any damages and losses during the program. Please keep your personal belongings including valuables or ask us to keep them in the office.

    

5. Please follow the instruction and rules of the organizer for safe and smooth procedures of the event.

    

6. Your participation will be dismissed even during the event in case of those misbehaviors below:

   　　　　・troubles with other participants and obstruction of the events

   　　　　・illegal and antisocial contacts in Japan　

    

7. Supper: Served, but please bring your own food if you have allergies or religious restriction on some food.

    

8. You are allowed to take some photos and movies in the public areas except for the changing areas, but please don’t disturb the privacy. 

    

9. Please co-operate to fill up quick questionnaires after the event.

    

10. Photos and movies taken during the program may be used on our official website or in medias. If you don’t agree with the exposure, please let us know in advance.

     

11. Please remind that  there are inherent risks, such as injuries during the program. Please consider obtaining insurance on your own.

     

【CONSENT FORM】

• Make sure you understand the notes above and submit the consent form signed by yourself.

　　　⇒Consent Form（PDF）

　　　＊We suggest reading before registration and bring it signed on the day.

 

【REGISTER & PAYMEMT】

• Methods of payment: major credit cards, convenience store payment

 

【CANCELLATION POLICIES】

• Equivalent to the policy of Zaiko online ticketing system