Every December, winter sports fans and nature lovers head to Kurumayama Shrine in Nagano Prefecture for the National Snow Mountain Thanksgiving Festival. Sitting at 1925 meters above sea level, the "shrine in the sky" offers stunning views of the Japan Alps and even Mount Fuji on clear days. The festival is a way to honor Japan's long history of mountain worship while giving thanks for the snowy peaks and all that they provide.
The shrine has been a site of worship for centuries, with traditions rooted in the Jomon period. Historically, it has been a place where people offer prayers for safety on the mountains, particularly during winter sports activities. These prayers reflect the inherent risks that come with activities like skiing, snowboarding, and climbing, while emphasizing the importance of respect for the natural environment.
The festival begins with a purification ceremony at 8:30 am near the Kurumayama Kogen Sky Park Ski Resort Lift Station, and this is followed by the main Thanksgiving event at 11 am at the shrine itself. Festivalgoers will receive a free "Tenku Mairi Sticker" as a keepsake to symbolize the shrine’s blessings.
The Kurumayama Highlands (where the shrine is located) has a number of great additional reasons to visit, including the picturesque Lake Shirakaba and local hot springs. If you are planning to attend the festival, scheduling some extra time to enjoy the area to the fullest would be recommended!
For more details, check the official Kurumayama Shrine website.
Getting there
Bus services are available from JR Chino Station (Chūō Main Line) to Kurumayama Shrine, with the travel time taking approximately one hour.
For those who opt to drive, take National Route 152 from Suwa Minami IC on the Chuo Expressway and follow the scenic Venus Line for approximately 50 minutes.
Kim Bergström @kim.b
Almost 12 years living in Asia. Passionate about Japan's off-the-beaten-path spots, family-friendly travel, flower events (all of them!) and the amazing tea culture here. 🍵🌼🌸
