Kita no Daimonji

About this event

A traditional New Year's Eve-to-New Year's Day event held at Hinode Park in Kamifurano Town. On the slope of a snow-covered hill, an enormous character 'Dai' (meaning 'great') measuring 70 meters high by 50 meters wide blazes into view in flames. The sight of local youths relaying sacred fire brought down from Mount Tokachi to ignite the 'Dai' character drawn on the hill is truly breathtaking. At the exact moment the new year arrives, large fireworks are launched, accompanied by a countdown, performances of Ansei Taiko drumming, and a kagami biraki sake barrel opening ceremony. This event is held to commemorate the victims of the 1926 (Taisho 15) Mount Tokachi eruption and to pray for safety on Mount Tokachi during the snowy season. The five bonfires at the center of the character embody five wishes: the health and happiness of townspeople, safety on Mount Tokachi, abundant agricultural harvests, the development of commerce and industry, and the younger generation uniting to support the town—making it a deeply moving event resonant with local history and prayers.

Venue

Hinode Park

27-go, Higashi 1-sen Kita 27-go, Kamifurano-cho, Sorachi-gun, Hokkaido 071-0521