During January in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, the Dondoyaki matsuri (fire festival) is held. A bonfire is made using daruma from the previous year that have fulfilled their owner's wish (both eyes are painted). After the bonfire has burned down to coals, the local children roast mochi (rice cakes) on the coals. Meanwhile, the adults enjoy mikan (mandarins), ringo (apples), fruit juice and Japanese sake.






This dondoyaki was at Yudanaka in Yamanouchi town.

[Bob Harris]

Rob, great shots and interesting. Is this a smaller town that is celebrating or more of a national event celebrated everywhere. I bet the sake helped cut the chill, I like the last one the best, cool shot. thanks Bob

[RobG]

Rob, great shots and interesting. Is this a smaller town that is celebrating or more of a national event celebrated everywhere. I bet the sake helped cut the chill, I like the last one the best, cool shot. thanks Bob

Thanks! The last one is my favourite too. As far as I know, dondoyaki is peculiar to Nagano prefecture. My friend from the Tokyo region hadn't heard of it. While on the train from Kyoto to Nagano I saw people building bonfires about 200 km away on the other side of Nagano prefecture, so it's certainly not peculiar to the one little town. Some matsuri definitely are only connected with one place - such as Saito Sai which I saw in Kashima.