VISIT KANAZAWA, JAPAN - Official Travel Guide

During the "Owara Kaze no Bon" festival, special trains are usually operated from Toyama Station to Etchu Yatsuo. When boarding the train to Etchu Yatsuo during this special period, it is necessary to obtain a numbered ticket (seiri-ken). Since these special trains are expected to be crowded, it is recommended to act early and plan your trip in advance.

The "Owara Kaze no Bon" festival takes place mainly in towns located on the plateau, with some events also held near Etchu Yatsuo Station. These towns feature a unique landscape, with stone walls built along the slopes of the plateau. If you wish to visit these areas, you can take a taxi before the vehicle restrictions begin. During the festival, the area can become crowded, so it is recommended to allow plenty of time for travel.

Yatsuo, once prosperous in the traditional crafts of Yatsuo Washi (traditional Japanese paper) and sericulture, lies along the Hida Road connecting Toyama and Takayama. This charming town, with its beautiful winding hills, gives visitors a sense that time moves more slowly here. As you walk along the slopes, you’ll encounter old shops and picturesque, historic landscapes—one of the joys of exploring this town.

In the scenic town of Yatsuo, there are two local sake breweries. Both breweries are located on high ground, surrounded by the Tateyama Mountain Range, benefiting from the rich natural environment and climate. Additionally, they use pristine spring water flowing from mountains over 3,000 meters high and, with traditional techniques and a commitment to excellence, have been producing high-quality sake since their establishment.

One of these is "Fukutsuru Brewery." Founded in 1848, Fukutsuru Brewery is a long-established sake maker known for its signature sake, "Junmai Sake Kaze no Bon." This sake is made using 100% organically grown Koshihikari rice, certified by the Organic JAS standard, without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers. Along with its rich flavor, the brewery focuses on ensuring both safety and environmental sustainability while maintaining high-quality sake production.

The other brewery, "Tama Asahi Brewery," was founded in 1808 and is one of the oldest and most renowned sake breweries in the region. Tama Asahi Brewery is beloved by customers both in and outside of the prefecture. In addition to its flagship brand, "Tama Asahi," the brewery also offers several sake varieties related to the Owara Kaze no Bon festival, such as "Kaze no Bon Koi Uta," "Owara Musume," and "Owara Matsuri."

Suwa Town is one of the districts in the old town area of Yatsuo, where the "Owara Kaze no Bon" festival is held. The old town is a hillside town, built on a slope with stone walls, featuring narrow winding streets. The cobblestone paths, lattice windows, and whitewashed walls still preserve the traditional charm of the area. As dusk falls, the warm orange glow of the lanterns illuminates the surroundings, enhancing the town's nostalgic atmosphere. Climbing the stone-paved slopes, about 30 meters high, you’ll arrive at Suwa Town Main Street, the main avenue of the Owara Kaze no Bon Festival, where the historic stone-paved path greets you.

During the Owara Kaze no Bon Festival, starting from 5:00 PM(from 7:00 PM on the last day) , the 11 branches of the festival perform in different parts of the town. Some branches set up special stages for performances. Each branch has its own unique style, with variations in the dance movements, the colors and patterns of the yukata (traditional summer kimono), and the lyrics of the songs. It’s recommended to visit and compare performances in several areas to fully enjoy the diversity of the festival.

During the Owara Kaze no Bon festival, each town showcases its unique dances: the "Hounen Odori" (Harvest Dance), the "Men's Dance," and the "Women's Dance." Each dance style is performed with distinct movements, adding to the rich diversity and charm of the festival. Enjoy the different dances as you explore various towns, each offering its own special atmosphere.