REPORT

On weekend evenings during the Takenoko Matsuri, traditional local performances are held in front of Tokiwaya Ryokan (pictured). At 7:00 p.m. on 6/13 (Sat.), members of the Kouta Preservation Society performed a lively bon odori dance, with plenty of visitors joining in and adding to the festive atmosphere. (※ Another performance is scheduled for 6/19 (Fri.)). With food and drinks in hand, it was easy to settle in and soak up the mood of the festival.
[Nozawa Onsen Village]

Around 7:40 p.m., the last light of the magic hour faded and the streets grew dark. The evening was pleasantly cool—neither too warm nor too chilly—and nearly every table was filled with festival goers. To coincide with the festival, Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort is also operating the Nagasaka Gondola on a special schedule from 6/13 (Sat.) through 6/21 (Sun.). (* Operating hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
[Nozawa Onsen Village]

I spoke with a group of four visitors from Omachi City and Nozawa Onsen Village (pictured) who told me, “We always read your reports! We come every year for the Bamboo Shoot Festival. Every dish made with nemagari-dake is delicious, but this year our favorite has to be the grilled horumon (offal) and bamboo shoots (the third photo from Vol. 1).” All around me, people lingered until the 8:30 p.m. closing time, making the most of the seasonal flavors and good company.
[Nozawa Onsen Village]

Step just a little way beyond the alley behind Kawarayu, and the lively festival atmosphere gives way to the quiet streets of the hot spring village. The nearby restaurants and cafés remain open, offering yet another chance to enjoy local food and drinks in a more relaxed setting. To round out the evening, I stopped by Haus St. Anton (pictured, left) for a serving of locally made gelato crafted with fresh local milk and an espresso coffee.
[Nozawa Onsen Village]

　　
[Nozawa Onsen Opening Information]
*Period … 6/13 (Sat.) － 6/21 (Sun.), 7/18 (Sat.) － 10/25 (Sun.) *8/25 (Tue.) – 9/17 (Thu.) Closed on Tue., Wed., and Thu.
*Hours … Nagasaka Gondla (9:00 －)
*Fees … Nagasaka Gondla Roundtrip / Adults JPY2,500, Under 15 y/o JPY1,500, preschool children free

*To Visitors Requesting Original Data of Our Photographs

reported by Snownavi