Join us for the 53rd Noboribetsu Jigoku Matsuri this weekend!

This very special festival marks the one time a year when the gates of Jigokudani (Hell Valley) open and Enma, the red and blue ogre god 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 are carried around the town surrounded by dancing ogres. Devil mask wearing dancers perform in honor of Enma’s visit while a colorful fireworks show bids him farewell on the final night. Other local forms of folk entertainment are also performed during this festival.

Take a look at the schedule of events below and head out to explore and enjoy this spectacular two-day event. (Please ask our staff for a map and directions.) It’s out of this world!

The 53rd Noboribetsu Jigoku Matsuri Schedule of Events

Saturday, August 27, Gokuraku Street 12:00 to 22:00

12:00 – 13:55 Opening Ceremony Sengen Park

14:00 – 15:00 Yu Imafuku and Friends Taiko Performance Sengen Park

15:15 – 15:45 Noboribetsu Junior High School Brass Band Sengen Park

16:00 – 16:30 Noboribetsu Junior High School Bear Dance Sengen Park

18:00 – 18:10 Opening declaration Special stage

18:10 – 19:00 Enma Daio Floats and Demon Mikoshi Gokuraku Street Parade Route

19:30 – 20:10 Oni (Demon) Dancing Dance Contest Gokuraku Street Parade Route

20:30 – 21:00 Mikoshi Parade Gokuraku Street Parade Route

August 28 Gokuraku Street 12:00 to 22:15

12:00 – 16:00 Carnival Sengen Park

13:00 – 16:20 Taiko Performance Special Stage

16:30 – 17:00 Contact Nikko demon dance Sengen Park

18:00 – 18:50 Great Enma Float Parade Gokuraku Street Parade Route

19:00 – 20:00 Hell King Mikoshi Parade Gokuraku Street Parade Route

20:00 – 20:40 Demon Dancing Gokuraku Street Parade Route

21:00 – Jigokudani Fireworks Jigokudani promenade (viewing location)