The Most Dangerous Fire Festival in Japan is WILD, Nozawa Dosojin Matsuri

[@nowhereman1040]

本当にいつ見ても映像が素晴らしいですね　自分の知らない日本に驚かされます　ありがとうございます

[@Busha69]

I used to live in Nozawa and yes, it makes a difference when a place feels like a real village compared to just an artificial ski resort (and so it's good to visit during the summer as well)...and Dosojin festival is amazing. But ultimately I don't really miss it because it was too remote living for my tastes (and that's why I moved to Kyoto). But certainly feels nostalgic. Beautiful footage.

[@RoyandAimee]

Oh my gosh the music with the shots of the fire festival was just amazing! Or dare I say epic? 😅 Loved the edit of snow boarding at the start too! There's nothing better than a fun day on the slopes with friends.

[@CurrentlyHannah]

Thank you! I think I just need to get used to the word epic when describing that part cuz… it kinda is 😅 (if I do say so myself)

[@Denn48]

@@CurrentlyHannah This is so cool, job well done:)) Perchance would you consider to offer an lightly edited/unedited version? 😉🤭🙏

[@鈴木雅俊-s5i]

The ``Nozawa Onsen Dosojin Festival'' is probably an expression of a spiritual culture toward nature that has continued since the ``Jomon period,'' just like the tree-related festivals at Suwa Taisha Shrine's ``Onbashira Festival.''

[@crabsdiary52991]

That festival was one of the most mystical thing I have ever watched🔥🪵🌌. Thank you for sharing👏🏻.

[@FlyPhotographyPNW]

Amazeballs!! Girl... your story telling is wonderfully detailed, thoroughly informative. Your videos are epic like watching a richly filmed high budget movie. So well done love! Props to you, just love what you do

[@ChaoticShelly]

Hannah, your editing of the festival was immaculate! I was getting emotional seeing it! You are such a phenomenal editor!

[@karenhotaru3702]

What an absolute fun to watch this video!! The fire parts where absolutely mesmerising, the music fitted perfectly ❤ 🔥 ❤

[@Jimmy_H]

Once again (and as usual) the video makes me want to visit Japan, such an interesting event and the clips are just BREATHTAKING.

[@Toast0r85]

wow Hannah, I watch you video for 5-7 years now(not sure anymore) and this one is sooo good! The cinematic is great! :D

[@Ren_Brands]

Amazing Video, the Festival looks really cool and of course it is on my Birthday so it's practicly a given that it's great 😉.

[@mittyoz6257]

Just love your videos Hannah this one was epic. Well done on continuing to show unique Japan experiences, getting to witness this was obviously an amazing opportunity for all of you! Stay warm!!!

[@WizardOfOss]

I visited over 70 matsuri during my travels in Japan, haven't been to this one but this surely looks like one of the most intense festivals I know of. Maybe I should consider planning a winter trip again next year.... As for that rule, I think it totally makes sense. Years ago I've been to the Kurama no Hi Matsuri near Kyoto, and that was so far the only festival I truly didn't enjoy (and left early), and I actually discourage people to go there. There were just way more people than the tiny village can handle. So yeah, in such places it makes sense to only allow people that either live or stay there. It's either that or the matsuri at some point will become too busy to keep going and be cancelled as a result.

[@CurrentlyHannah]

Someone else in the comments said the same thing about that matsuri! I agree, crowd control measurements need to be put in place or it’s just not enjoyable in the least, and dangerous at it worst!

[@Poveda_]

As always, amazing editing! The music really made it look like I was watching some kind of last-poetic battle between forces haha.

[@CurrentlyHannah]

Exactly what I was going for! Thank you!

[@MeasuredLight]

Holy heck!!! That looks amazing!!! All of Nozawa looks incredible!!! Beautiful video as well. Love it!!

[@tanyatokyo]

Whooa that festival looks epiiic, really want to see it one day. You captured it so well, I love the slo-mo parts and the choice of music is excellent as well!!

[@masamiyaleco]

These fire festivals are held every year in mid-January in communities throughout Japan. These are called Sagicho or Dondoyaki. People burn New Year's decorations, kadomatsu and school exam papers. In most areas, it's done by local communities in a small scale, but due to the criticism such as air pollution, though it's carbon-neutral, the number of communities hold this event has been decreasing. It's said that eating mochi roasted with the charcoal will keep your good health for the year. And there are several large scale ones, like the one in this video.

[@jooooooo2]

Such a cool festival to learn about! Great work with the dramatic music! 😆 The new rule makes sense.

[@shelleyhelmond]

loved this one so much, actually epic and cinematic. Worth all you had to endure to get the footage 😄

[@kwanglinpark]

Hey Hannah, SO EPIC! The music really fits the video so well. Every video I watch from you just makes my excitement for Japan even greater. 20 more days and I'll be in the Land of the Rising Sun! Can't wait to check out Kamikochi, the Oki islands, and Mt Shirouma during my stay.

[@shibeewk]

Hannah the cinematography of your videos are always my favorite! I really enjoyed the music at the snowboarding part it felt like I was enjoying the rides with you and your friends and the brolls of the festivals, the fire sparkles against the night sky looked incredible 😍 thoughts to the guy who got thwhacked with the fire sitcks hope he's alright haha

[@CurrentlyHannah]

Thank you so much! And yes, he really took it like a champ.

[@maryannkeith4062]

Loved this video, thanks for taking us along!

[@kungfool69]

ahhh that really was FIIIIIRE, so good. Great music selection tooooo

[@じゃが天丼]

Thank you very much for your posting! I'm glad that you have enjoyed Nozawa-Onsen Trip (Nagano Trip)⛄

[@thatjillgirl]

This is the best, goofiest festival, and I'm deeply curious how it became a thing in the first place. Seems like such a random tradition for a little snowy mountain town in Japan. XD

[@mikelesniak]

Great filming and editing. I'm looking forward to my trip to Japan in November.

[@LetsgowithHyro]

GREAT VIDEO, thank you Hannah! Sadly I had to leave Storyblocks because of their price hike last year but I appreciate them sponsoring you to make this beautiful vlog!

[@maikana1391]

I always enjoy your videos a lot and I can’t wait to try out this Ski resort one day. Thanks for taking us along❤

[@jackgill2501]

Hannah, good afternoon from Atlanta, loved it thank you!

[@hanlens_on_hiatus]

Just found your channel as there are a few of us coming to Japan in Jan from Perth and we are researching as you do. It's nice to see the perspective of an Aussie tourist / expat as it is obviously relevant to us. Thanks for the info, great work.

[@GregSingletonFreelance]

Love the skiing and the ski town! The festival is fun and so beautiful! Love how you tell a story ❤

[@aussiefirestorm]

Your films are great Hanna, they make me want to go back to Japan ASAP. That festival is seriously WTF! It looks great!!!

[@Itami95]

Well done Hannah! This was a fabulous video.

[@martin.gerlach]

This looks so amazing! Great shots of the fire Festival. This looks much more pleasant then my experience at Kurama Fire Festival North of Kyoto. I went last year for my first time ever to Japan and don’t looked very much into it for the surprise 😅 After 5h walking in line with no real place to just stand and look around we were back. It was interesting to see but next time I’ll be more careful 😅

[@CurrentlyHannah]

Oh no 🥲 Yeah unfortunately some festivals can be a bit lack lustre unless you have the right tickets to watch. This one was well worth it!

[@itisriley]

Beautiful shots, great editing, love the video!

[@mayumayu9966]

Wow it was intense, the music and the crowd. Absolutely amazing vlog, thank you so much

[@tanpakudahlbeck9525]

I used to live in Nozawa Onsen. This vlog is craziest video❤❤❤ Anyway OMG. I LOVE u guys touch!

[@AKAThatKid]

The festival blew my mind when I was living there! Glad to see that you covered it

[@bambookeistore]

So grateful festival❗❗

[@misusudreams]

So beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing ^^

[@untokyo]

Not gonna lie. You are my favorite Japan vlogger! Such a gorgeous content. Thank you! 🙏

[@leannepickering7008]

Thanks for the video, we have booked to go in 2025. I'm so excited and this is a great explanation of what to expect. I love Nozawa

[@astroboy3507]

Very fitting music loved it!!!! 👌

[@seandesmond5560]

Great video Hannah!!!

[@roccodemaro4305]

Lovely, as always ☺️🫡🔥

[@beckyairey6219]

Possibly your most awesome video ever!!! 😮

[@cda7889]

Loved everything about this video

[@midlifecrisisme6182]

Haha - that festival looked so wild and so much fun. I wanted to be there watching it.

[@LostKnox]

Unbelievable shots Hannah! Especially that slow mo at the beginning of the festival part! we came to Japan last year to visit the fire festival in Nozawa but unfortunately couldn't stay in the town as it was full. We booked to stay in Iiyama and unfortunately didn't get to see it in the end...we came back this year and saw the Omizutori fire festival in Nara. Might try again in a couple of years. Thank you for the epic video.

[@CurrentlyHannah]

Oh that’s such a bummer! Yeah I couldn’t believe how early the accommodation booked out. We just got crazy lucky that we could find a place!

[@GCD8]

Fantastic!!

[@anastassiakud2273]

I love your Videos!!!

[@swjan6831]

好美的畫面，謝謝妳❤❤

[@andgainingspeed]

Tip of the cap for capturing that gripping action in low light, the cold whipping wind and crowd. If you a 42 year old guy from the village, hopefully you haven't made a lot of enemies or have a lot of 25 year-olds who love you. 😅

[@CurrentlyHannah]

Thanks 😅 The Sony A7Siii made (surprisingly) easy work of it! Can’t believe I got such clear slow motion footage, at night time 🤯

[@Nynke_K]

I did think 'epic' before you said it 😅. Loved it!

[@nellyowings7222]

I look forward to your videos so much thank you 😊

[@romerort]

Craaazy stuff ❤🎉

[@martinsoppa]

Dear Hannah! I love watching every of your videos especially this one! You made it! Very emotional and cinematic :D and hope that you will also make a second part of the rest of the video material. How about to film your videos in 4K HDR? Best greetings and congrats!!!! Very well done :D

[@dyhppyx]

You're the best, Hannah

[@benridesbikes6975]

The festival shots are truly stunning, what an experience that must be.

[@daryabaloo]

Love your content! Also you’re so pretty and sincere in videos, it makes me believe humanity is not done yet and we have hope as long as such people exist 🥺

[@KillerTacos54]

Amazing

[@DarrenWhitewhitelightimage]

That was crazy good. Would you consider doing a longer just "b roll" . Just asking for a friend 🙏🏼

[@mystorymedias5094]

That was epic.

[@petetuber8581]

Seen it twice while skiing there. Great place 😊

[@ashe1317]

omg that festival looks like-- as you aptly put it-- the most epic thing ever 😱 so much fire! and so few fucks given hahaha i love how the 25s have to defend the 42s, all the while the bonfire is just rolling closer and closer until it's inevitable, that's so insane 🔥 also those apple buns looked like the greatest thing in the universe, what a genius idea

[@CurrentlyHannah]

Oh my gosh, SO few fucks given 😅 I kept thinking about how there’s no way this festival could’ve been done in Australia 😂 Workplace health and safety would have a field day.

[@kashresurrected]

Wow Hannah...Piece of work, i saw this vlog in 4K , man i was blown away. Great Camera work and music. Last but not the least, LONG LIVE JAPAN!!! Infact i was in Japan for 3 weeks last december and went till Wakkanai.

[@jorgesaki7849]

Happy 500K susbs!!!

[@ilearnjapanese]

Lesser known? Nozawa Onsen is one most the popular areas for skiing

[@ww3k]

Epic!

[@user-pm6hb2ql9z]

Thank you for introducing Japanese festivals with surprisingly beautiful visuals. There are many festivals of Shinto rituals called ``Kisai Matsuri'' all over Japan. Please share the rich history of festivals from all over Japan with the world.

[@GuillaumeTANNEUX]

Epic.

[@cheriestl]

Congratulations on a stellar video! How does no one get hurt?

[@CurrentlyHannah]

People definitely do!

[@stevecooper3510]

Not a fan of big crowds. This video is perfect. I know what happens. Now I can visit when the town is quiet :)

[@lschantz64]

Very cool video, how do the men on top of the shrine get done if the people sit it on fire and/or when the bonfire catches it?

[@CurrentlyHannah]

I did see but I’m pretty sure there was just a ladder or two at the back and they climb down once the bonfire gets close enough!

[@lschantz64]

@@CurrentlyHannah it was a very cool video, I enjoy your work a lot.

[@くまくま-u8k]

凄い祭りだ。日本人の俺も知らなかった…

[@cindym5302]

I’ve said that I can never go back to Alaska because I visited during Covid times and LOVED it, but I feel like all the cruise ships and tourists would ruin it for me 😢

[@bernardkersting1270]

Epic Hannah,…oops sorry…but seriously wonderful presentation….please keep going❤

[@dwarfagp]

Were already booked for 2025 fire festival :) we booked 12 months in advance to ensure we could get in.

[@SaroDogTraining]

Epic video! Thank you for filming and editing it. I just wanted to share my thoughts about being vegan. I think you should consider the fact that humans have eaten meat ever since we ate so we should continue eating it without feeling guilty or negative about it. It is natural to eat meat and unhealthy to not eat meat. I just wish you would change your mind and hopefully start eating meat and not run out of breath just for talking. Love and joy to you and happy Easter.

[@CurrentlyHannah]

Hahaha the running out of breath while talking wasn’t because I’m not healthy. I just ran a marathon last month. I’m fine, thank you ☺️

[@BudCowmen]

Food doesn't slap. Food smacks. Music slaps.

[@KPZivot]

This feels like dussehra

[@fy1105]

Wow! I Japanese did not know this local festival. This is a barbaric act which has no caring against burnt or injuries, of which participants are proud of their injuries and wildness. Such violent and intense festival had existed all over Japan but after some personal injury or fatal accidents these festival were usually cancelled or became more gentle acts, inappropriate for nowadays.

[@tangsoykow6649]

Barbaric mindsets/behaviour need to kept in mind in order to sustain gentle vibe of society. Reality is super cruel, not only among people but also among nature/natural disasters

[@kurtcraig3421]

i stil kind of expect there to be a squarespace ad

[@Accolonian]

Did the guys get off the bonfire? When? How?

[@SmallBlogV8]

Given how bonkers the rest of the festival is there's probably an unseen slide at the back that's also on fire or something.

[@CurrentlyHannah]

I didn’t see but I’m pretty sure there was a ladder at the back and they got off when the bonfire was close to the shaden. But I also like @smallblogV8’s suggestion 😂

[@foodlover195_]

Nearly 500k :O When did that happen?!

[@IanTheOutdoorGuy]

Cool video

[@Wabi-sabiME]

They were hitting each other with fire, how come they don't get burned? 😅 indeed, the music worked well for those smaking with fire scenes 👍🏻 It was so crowded, I get claustrophobic in such crowds 😅 , overall, beautiful video, oh, you get out of breath cause you're probably talking more than you're having air in your lungs 😊

[@CurrentlyHannah]

They DO get burned! That’s the crazy part. There were holes in Pat’s jacket from embers falling on the crowds so the guys up front definitely lost some eyebrows.

[@nazinzam]

‘It feels healthy’ 😂

[@CurrentlyHannah]

So I can keep drinking, right?

[@dc-wh7ww]

Mesmerising. Love to see matsuri content and Nozawa has been on my list for years.

[@SacTimonWild]

Epicccccc

[@Kotatsu-b5z]

日本人なので日本語訳があって助かります！

[@racingmaniacgt1]

....and in the bad years where the 25 years old failed, a bunch of 42 years old die.... Hopefully not? Amazing video as always, thank you!

[@frasermackie19]

Protect the 42 yr olds! Haha! Crazy stuff. Gotta love Japan and their traditions, all the preparation. Another great upload, you guys are a credit to Japan.

[@amankumar-zx1eo]

Bobby altoff😅😂😂❤❤

[@salade99]

Hey why didn't you come to Hakuba?

[@CurrentlyHannah]

I did! I just didn’t make a video about it haha

[@sandieM27]

you get out of breath because you talk fast and forget to breathe properly :) Loved the fire festival , great shots there both of you :)

[@plexotisch466]

HANNAH!! HOW DO YOU DO IT?!?! I never expected this many videos this month 😂

[@joansbeef4035]

May i know which month this was filmed at? I'm guessing not Feb 2024, but I might be wrong

[@neuron517]

毎年1月にやってるみたいです

[@kurofune.uragabay]

I can believe that it took long to edit, the result is darn good, start to finish. Festivals not really my thing but between the two of you managed to capture that unique and unusual event pretty well. Spectacular (lucky/smart location choice?...I wouldn't be surprised if one day somebody decides that it's too risky and it gets cancelled like Iwate's Somin-sai) Thanks H&C 🙏 (@2:16 couldn't disagree more. The eye of the beholder etc 🙇‍♂. Maybe one day you'll be "Hannah, the youtubah that came up with _resortified_ ") 😄

[@stephen129]

This seems dangerous... Amazing footage though

[@CurrentlyHannah]

Incredibly dangerous! I believe someone has actually died at this festival one year 😞

[@stephen129]

​@@CurrentlyHannahAre they protected in any way or are people just getting burned? I don't get it...

[@CurrentlyHannah]

@@stephen129 it looked like they had fire resistant jumpsuits on but aside from that, not really? I’m sure there were a lot of fire extinguishers out of sight also.