Tochigi
Local Guide
[2026 Edition] Summary of Summer Festivals and Events in Nikko and Kinugawa Hot Spring

The Nikko and Kinugawa hot spring area is a popular summer resort in the Kanto region. In addition to visiting tourist spots, it is also recommended to plan your trip according to festivals and events. In addition to festivals and fireworks displays, traditional events in Nikko and Kinugawa hot springs in summer are also noteworthy. By researching information in advance, you can participate in these events at the right time and avoid the crowds. The following is an introduction to some of the traditional events that are held every year.

The Mount Nantai Pilgrimage Grand Festival is held annually for one week, from July 31 to August 7. This traditional festival, which has been held since the Nara period, involves paying homage at the Okumiya—the inner shrine enshrined at the summit of Mount Nantai (2,486 m), the sacred object of the Nikko Futarasan Shrine.During the festival, there are designated days for nighttime ascents. This year, the trailhead will open around midnight on only two days: August 1 and 2. At the summit, visitors can witness the sunrise, and at the Okumiya, they will be presented with amulets, a “Certificate of Ascent” verifying their climb, and sacred water.

Mt. Nantai Ascent Grand Festival
  • Address Niarasan Shrine Nakamiya Shrine, Nikko MAP
  • Business Hours July 31 (Fri) – August 7 (Fri), 2026 *Held on the same dates every year, regardless of the day of the week
  • TEL 0288-55-0017（Nikko Futaarasan Shrine Chugu Shrine)
  • Parking Free of charge

The Funazento (boat tour), which originated with Shodo Shonin, the founder of Nikko, who prayed for ascetic practices by boat to the sacred sites along the shore of Lake Chuzenji, is a precious event that has been handed down for more than 1,200 years, and the participants visit the sites while enjoying the cool breeze across Lake Chuzenji, which is 1,269 meters above sea level.
Anyone is welcome to participate, but reservations are required because of the limited capacity of the offering boat.

Funazenjo
  • Address Chuzenji Temple (Tachiki-kannon) in Mt. Nikko MAP
  • Business Hours Tue, August 4, 2026, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. (tentative) *Held on the same date every year, regardless of the day of the week
  • Admission Fee Adults 4,000 yen, children 3,000 yen (including the temple ticket, boarding fee, and box lunch)
  • TEL 0288-55-0013（Nikko Chuzenji Temple)
  • Notes Advance registration required. Registration opens around July 1 (tentative)

The annual Gomadaki (burning of a large firewood fire) is held on August 8, the anniversary of the Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha), the principal deity of Onsen-ji Temple in the mountains of Nikko. The Nikko mountain range is a sacred mountain for mountain asceticism, and Onsen-ji Temple is one of the few temples in Japan where visitors can bathe in hot springs. Why not pray for good health and family safety by the cool waters of Lake Yunoko (1,475m)?

▼Onsen-ji Temple: Yakushi-do Dharma Service—Open-Air Grand Goma Ritual
URL: http://www.nikko-kankou.org/event/964/

Onsen-ji Temple: Yakushi Hall Buddhist Service and Candlelight Grand Goma Ritual
  • Address Nikko-zan Hot Spring Temple / On the Shores of Lake Yuno MAP
  • Business Hours Sat, August 8, 2026, 11:00 a.m. –
    *Held on the same date every year, regardless of the day of the week
  • TEL 0288-55-0013（Nikko Chuzenji Temple)

The “Ryūō Festival” is the major summer event in the Kinugawa and Kawaji Hot Spring areas. Celebrating its 58th anniversary in 2026, it is a Shinto ritual held at Goryūō Shrine to pray for safe travel and the prosperity of the region.
The festival is held separately in both Kinugawa Hot Spring and Kawaji Hot Spring. In Kinugawa Hot Spring, mikoshi (portable shrines), including the Mantō Mikoshi, liven up the festivities.Also drawing attention is the “Onna-taru Mikoshi” (Women’s Barrel Mikoshi), carried exclusively by women, which adds a spectacular finale to the festivities in the Kinugawa area.

Ryuoh Festival
  • Address Gowatari Kinugawa/Kawaji Tourist Information Center, Kinugawa Onsen Station, Participating Lodging Properties
    Shinto ritual Ryuohkyo Torii gate
    Main Festival Kinugawa Onsen, around Kurogane Bridge MAP
  • Business Hours Procession: Wed, July 1, 2026 – Fri, July 31, 2026
    Shinto Ritual: Fri, July 24, 2026, 11:00 AM – 11:50 AM
    Main Festival: July 24 (Fri) and 25 (Sat), 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
  • TEL 0288-22-1525 （Nikko Tourist Association

MAP

Hoshino Resorts facilities nearby
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The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.