Every year in the month of August the streets of Shibu Onsen are closed to traffic and open to all sorts of game stalls and activities. The entire town is one festival site. Walking along the narrow streets, you discover various festival traditions.

The dance of Bon-odori is danced, a karaoke competition is sung, an open-air tea ceremony is held, and lanterns line the long street. There are small stalls with all sorts of games to be played.

The Shibu Onsen Summer Festival is small-scale, but has all the elements of the Japanese festivals of old. If you’re looking to experience a traditional summer festival, a visit to the onsen town in August is just the thing to put on your things to see while in Nagano.