Each winter in Matsumoto, after the New Year holidays quiet down, fires appear in fields, riverbanks, and parks. This is San-ku-ro (三九郎), a local New Year fire festival that marks the end of the season. It is part of the same family of rituals that other regions call dondoyaki: a bonfire where decorations and charms from the New Year are returned to the flames. Discover everything about Matsumoto’s New Year Fire Festival. Meaning and rituals San-ku-ro is usually held in early to mid-January. Communities bring their New Year decorations such as kadomatsu (pine arrangements), and shimenawa (sacred ropes). But also other seasonal items including old charms or daruma dolls. These … Continue reading Matsumoto’s New Year Fire Festival: San-ku-ro