Latest Events in Nagano Prefecture(November Updated)

The November fireworks display held in Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture, is a rare sight even in Japan. Established in 1899 (Meiji 32), the display celebrates the history and traditions of Nagano, once the temple town of Zenko-ji Temple. Because only experienced pyrotechnicians can participate, it's known as the "Successful Fireworks Display." Today, it remains one of Japan's leading fireworks displays, renowned for its exceptional quality. Gorgeous and extravagant fireworks illuminate the clear, late autumn night sky. Enjoy spectacular displays by Japan's finest pyrotechnicians, including the annually popular "Musical Starry Sky," a fusion of music and fireworks, and the "Super Wide Starry Sky."

During the Lunar New Year, dating back at least to the Heian period, various regions of Japan have held an event called "Dondoyaki," which involves burning New Year decorations. The Dodo Sojin Festival in Nozawa Onsen is one such event, renowned for its grand scale and listed as one of Japan's three major fire festivals, designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan. Fire festivals are rare overseas, making this festival very popular with foreigners.

Taste of BBQ Festival is a family friendly event that takes place in Suwanee annually Taste of BBQ Festival is a family friendly event that takes place in Suwanee annually. The Taste of BBQ Festival is a community family festival featuring Local Vendors, an Artist Market, Live Music, Food, a Family Fun Zone with activities for children of all ages and everyone’s favorite - Taste of BBQ! Taste of BBQ sample tickets will be sold onsite – and samples will cost between 1 to 5 tickets each. Additionally full plates will be available for purchase directly from all BBQ vendors.The Taste of BBQ Festival is a fundraiser for Project Green, a local kids non-profit and is free to attend for all. Information Source: Alive Expo | expotobi

The Iiyama Snow Festival has been running for four decades and was originally born out of an idea to try to revitalize this rather rural area of ​​Nagano. Rather than viewing the area's heavy snowfall as a burden, it is viewed as a resource, transformed into incredible snow sculptures for visitors to enjoy. Impressive, large-scale snow sculptures fill the main event venue (Municipal Johoku field), with other, smaller works filling the streets of the city center. The hope behind the festival is that it can become a jumping-off point for excursions out of the city, so be sure to take some time to explore the other attractions while you're in the area.

Toshio Suzuki, producer of Studio Ghibli, has worked with directors Isao Takahata and Hayao Miyazaki to bring numerous animated films to the world. This exhibition will focus on the films and books Suzuki encountered as he continued to move through the ages, and will unravel the secrets of Ghibli works.