The Nenoue Plateau Dondoyaki Festival is a winter fire ritual held in late January on the grass plaza by Lake Hoko in the Nenoue Highlands. New Year decorations, pine gate ornaments, and old talismans are placed into a tall bamboo structure and burned to pray for good health and safety at home throughout the year. After the flames subside, people grill rice cakes over the remaining embers, which are believed to bring strength and well-being for the coming year.
Around the bonfire, visitors can also enjoy New Year calligraphy burning rituals for health, mochi pounding, winter forest walks, and servings of sweet amazake, creating a simple yet rich New Year atmosphere in the crisp highland air. The event is open to everyone, and bringing old talismans or decorations is encouraged. As temperatures are low and nearby roads can be icy, warm clothing and winter-ready vehicles are essential.
