REPORT

The “Takenoko Matsuri 2025” is underway in Nozawa Onsen from 6/20 (Fri.) to 6/29 (Sun.)! The main venue is tucked away behind Kawahara-yu, in one of the most nostalgic corners of Nozawa Onsen village. At 7:00 p.m. on 6/21 (Sat.), a lively traditional Bon dance performance by the Ko-uta Preservation Society took place in front of Tokiwaya Ryokan (pictured), gradually drawing in tourists who joined the fun. (*Both the Dōsojin Taiko drumming performance and traditional Bon dance are held on Fridays and Saturdays during the festival period.)
[Nozawa Onsen Village]

The star of the festival—the nemagaridake bamboo shoot—is known for its mild flavor, subtle sweetness, and pleasantly crisp texture. At the 15 food stalls lining the street, visitors could enjoy a wide variety of bamboo shoot–inspired dishes including udon, fritters, salads, tacos, yakisoba, pizza, and more. I had the charcoal-grilled nemagaridake and asparagus skewers (pictured, available at the Nozawa View Hotel Shimadaya for ¥600), and it was so delicious that I couldn’t resist going back for seconds.
[Nozawa Onsen Village]

In addition to cash, payment at the food stalls can also be made using a set of 11 vouchers (worth ¥200 each) on sale at the discount price of ¥2,000. You can savor your food at outdoor tables with a beer in hand, or stroll through the nostalgic streets of the hot spring town while enjoying your snacks. With the cool evening air and the cheerful atmosphere created by the smiling festival goers, the time passed all too quickly with everyone in a wonderfully relaxed mood.
[Nozawa Onsen Village]

I spoke with two visitors from Azumino City and Yamanouchi Town (pictured), who told me, “We always follow your reports! We’ve been curious about the Takenoko Festival for a while, and we decided to come for the first time because a friend of ours was running one of the stalls.” By the way, from May to October, the Nozawa Onsen Morning Market is held every Sunday and on 5/5, 8/14, and 8/15 along the Oyu Street from 6:00 to 7:30 a.m., offering local specialties such as nozawana pickled greens, as well as vegetables, wild edible plants, and fruit.
[Nozawa Onsen Village]

　
[Nozawa Onsen Opening Information]
*Period … 6/21 (Sat.) － 6/29 (Sun.), 7/19 (Sat.) － 9/23 (Tue.), 9/26 (Fri.) － 11/3 (Mon.)
*Hours … Nagasaka Gondla (9:00 －)
*Fees … Nagasaka Gondla Roundtrip / Adults JPY2,500, Junior high school students and under JPY1,500, preschool children free

[Summer Slopes]
*Period … 7/19 (Sat.) － 11/3 (Mon.)
*Hours … 9:00 － 16:00
*Fee … Adults JPY4,000, Junior high school students and under JPY2,500, Seniors JPY3,600
　　
*To Visitors Requesting Original Data of Our Photographs

reported by Snownavi