Report on Two Major Autumn Festivals in Higashi-Izu: Atagawa "Ishibiki Doban Festival" and Inatori "Dontsukuri Festival
Autumn in Higashi Izu is a special season in which the atmosphere of hot springs and festival music resonate with each other. This year, too, two major festivals were held, drawing many visitors who could feel the full enthusiasm of the local community. In summer, the Ito Hot Springs Fireworks Festival attracted many visitors who said that the 15-minute walk from their lodgings to Nagisa Park allowed them to enjoy the fireworks in comfort without being overcrowded. The unique charm of Higashi-Izu, which combines hot springs, town walking, and festivals, attracts visitors from Japan and abroad.
Ishibiki Doukan Festival (Atugawa Onsen / September 28) The "Ishibiki Doban Festival" held at Atugawa Hot Springs attracted 1,300 visitors, and 250 pullers participated in the festival. The moment when the participants moved the castle stones in unison with their breaths in unison and with the lively shouts of the participants was a spectacular moment, and the venue was filled with a great sense of togetherness. The mayor of Oshima Town also participated in the event and experienced the "oishi-biki" with other town officials. It was a valuable opportunity to experience the history and power of the local community. Before and after the festival, many visitors enjoyed making onsen tamago (hot spring eggs) at Hana-no-yu Park, taking a footbath, and visiting the hot-spring bathhouse Benzaiten, further increasing the satisfaction of the trip with enjoyment unique to a hot spring resort.
Dontsuku Festival (Inatori Onsen/October 4) ! image Inatori Onsen's "Dontsuku Festival," known as "the strangest festival in the world," attracts 2,500 visitors. We welcomed many people from our sister city, Okaya City in Nagano Prefecture, and deepened exchanges with our town officials. The traditional "mikoshi (portable shrine)," the glamorous "geisha dance," and the powerful "dondaiko (drum)" were performed, spreading enthusiasm and smiles in the town of Yunomachi at night. The stage, where ancient customs and the atmosphere of a hot spring resort are fused together, leaves a strong impression on the hearts of first-time visitors.
Popular among inbound visitors and expanding circle of Higashi-Izu fans Both events attract many visitors from overseas. They were able to enjoy the festivals as a uniquely Japanese cultural experience. In fact, many visitors to Higashi Izu, mainly from Shizuoka and Kanagawa, come to the area at least once a year as repeat visitors, as well as couples and married couples, and they use a wide range of transportation methods, including private cars and trains. Sources of travel information are diverse, including travel magazines, TV, web searches, and word of mouth. Many say they are satisfied with the welcoming atmosphere and appreciate the comfortable and enjoyable environment.
Future Initiatives The key to further expanding this momentum is effective promotion overseas. The number of visitors should increase further by communicating the "sound" and "movement" of the festival through videos and SNS, making model courses available in multiple languages in combination with hot springs and city tours, and making access and congestion information more visible. The excitement of the festivals, the relaxation of the hot springs, and the small discoveries in the back alleys - a trip to Higashi Izu will bring you new impressions no matter how many times you visit. We look forward to welcoming you again next season.
