Ashio Government Office Multipurpose Plaza

Flow of the course

About this spot

An annual summer event held at the multipurpose plaza in front of the Ashio Government Office, in the center of Ashio, Nikko City. In 2026, it runs from 15:00 to 21:00 on August 13. The mountain plaza, still bright during the day, gradually lights up with lanterns as time passes, and the Bon Odori dance circle grows to the beat of drums. It's one of the busiest nights of the year for the people living in Ashio, once a thriving copper mining town, and the charm of this festival lies in locals and visitors forming the dance circle together. Enjoy a leisurely close to summer, cooled by the mountain night breeze unique to this place.

Festival details

Tips

Parking is available around the plaza, but spaces are limited, so it's reassuring to arrive early. Temperatures tend to drop after sunset in the mountains, so bring something to layer on. Whether food stalls are set up varies by year, so it's reassuring to bring your own light snacks and drinks just in case.

Best time to visit

From the 15:00 start. After 18:00, once the lanterns are lit, the atmosphere feels most festival-like

Access & map

栃木県 日光市足尾町・足尾庁舎前多目的広場