52 Places to Go in 2025
Toyama named one of The New York Times' "52 Places to Go in 2025".
Featured as its iconic attraction is Etchu Yatsuo’s "Owara Kaze-no-Bon," a mesmerizing dance tradition spanning more than three centuries.
歴史の息使いに触れる、特別な旅
Etchu Yatsuo’s "Owara Kaze-no-Bon" transcends the typical festival experience. It is a living landscape. Although this quiet, historic town attracts 200,000 visitors over three days with its hauntingly beautiful songs, the festival is never truly over. It remains alive in the local lifestyle, echoing through the streets all year round.
Our guided tour offers an exclusive glimpse into the heart of the tradition—from private practice sessions to the hidden stories of its origins. Experience the living history preserved by the locals and join us on a journey into the “stories of daily life” that make Etchu Yatsuo truly profound.
History Alive: A Journey Like No Other
祭りが日常に息づく街
The brilliance of Owara Kaze-no-Bon is not confined to the festival days. For the people of Yatsuo, this tradition is a way of life, nurtured through daily practice and devotion. Wander the evening streets, and you will hear the delicate notes of the kokyu and shamisen echoing from within the homes—a quiet prelude to the festivities. In Yatsuo, the town itself is a living vessel, cherishing and breathing life into its history every single day.
Where the Festival Lives Every Day
Etchu Yatsuo: Owara Kaze-no-Bon Guided Tour
Experience the rarely seen side of a long-cherished tradition. Join our expert guides to witness exclusive rehearsal scenes and discover the hidden stories of these historic streets.
Immerse yourself in the living atmosphere of the town and savor the true soul of Etchu Yatsuo.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
Etchu Yatsuo: A Town Preserving the Spirit of the Edo Period
Guided Heritage Walk
Stone-paved Streets / Owara Museum / Hikiyama Exhibition Hall / Iconic Stone Walls
The streets of Yatsuo, including the famous Suwa-machi Street—one of the "100 Best Roads in Japan"—have been lovingly preserved by the local community. With no overhead power lines to obstruct the view, the unified traditional architecture offers an enchanting experience, as if you have slipped back in time.
Immerse yourself in the soul of "Owara Kaze-no-Bon" at the Owara Museum. Then, visit the Hikiyama Exhibition Hall to see the magnificent, handcrafted floats of the Yatsuo Hikiyama Festival up close.
Exclusive Access: Owara Practice Sessions
Experience the heartbeat of Yatsuo’s tradition. This rare opportunity allows you not only to witness private rehearsals up close but also to try the art of Owara yourself.
Enjoy a truly special moment, feeling the living spirit of this heritage woven into the town’s daily life.
Etchu Yatsuo: Owara Kaze-no-Bon Guided Tour
Experience the rarely seen side of a long-cherished tradition. Join our expert guides to witness exclusive rehearsal scenes and discover the hidden stories of these historic streets.
Immerse yourself in the living atmosphere of the town and savor the true soul of Etchu Yatsuo.
Recommended Accommodations
Relax in a spacious, "Wa-modern" (Japanese-modern) private house. This exclusive rental perfectly blends traditional design with contemporary comfort.
Otaya Higashi & Nishi
A historic inn preserving the charm of the late Edo period. This legendary retreat was once beloved by Japan’s great literary masters.
Miyata Ryokan
Located in a former geisha district, this inn carries the elegant history of a high-end ryotei (traditional restaurant). Enjoy a quiet, historic atmosphere.
Kitayoshi
Owara Kaze-no-Bon Festival
おわら風の盆
Traditional dance that lives on in everyday life
日常に息づく、伝統の舞
History & Origins Born 300 years ago, "Owara Kaze-no-Bon" began as a prayer for a bountiful harvest and protection from autumn storms. Traditionally, this season was feared for its destructive winds, leading the people to dance in hopes of calming the elements.
The Performance Dancers clad in matching happi coats or yukata and traditional straw hats glide through the town. Their movements are synchronized with the hauntingly beautiful melodies of the shamisen, kokyu (fiddle), and soulful folk songs.
The 11 Districts Eleven unique districts participate, each performing its own "Machinagashi" (procession through the streets). Every district offers its own distinct atmosphere, featuring different costumes and scenic backdrops.
A Living Legacy Owara is not just an event; it is a way of life. The residents practice year-round, cherishing the tradition as a precious heirloom passed down through generations. To the people of Yatsuo, Owara is their heart and soul.
Etchu Yatsuo: Owara Kaze-no-Bon Guided Tour
Experience the rarely seen side of a long-cherished tradition. Join our expert guides to witness exclusive rehearsal scenes and discover the hidden stories of these historic streets.
Immerse yourself in the living atmosphere of the town and savor the true soul of Etchu Yatsuo.
Day 2: Free Exploration
Enjoy the charm of Yatsuo at your own pace. With no fixed schedule, you are free to wander and discover the town’s hidden gems in your own way.
Highlights of Etchu Yatsuo
Wakamiya Hachiman Shrine
Historic Sake Breweries
Timeless Streetscapes
Local Souvenirs
SWEET
お菓子
Owara Tamaten: A fluffy, cube-shaped traditional confection with a gentle sweetness.
TRADITIONAL CRAFTS
伝統工芸品
Etchu Yatsuo thrived on its silk and "washi" paper industries. Discover crafts made from the same durable Yatsuo washi once used for Toyama’s famous medicines, alongside charming goods inspired by the Owara Kaze-no-Bon festival.
地酒
Toyama is renowned for its premium rice and crystal-clear spring water from the Tateyama Mountains.
Enjoy exquisite sake crafted by local breweries with over a century of history.
Etchu Yatsuo: Owara Kaze-no-Bon Guided Tour
Experience the rarely seen side of a long-cherished tradition. Join our expert guides to witness exclusive rehearsal scenes and discover the hidden stories of these historic streets.
Immerse yourself in the living atmosphere of the town and savor the true soul of Etchu Yatsuo.
History of Etchu Yatsuo
The story of Etchu Yatsuo began in 1636, when it was officially established under the Kaga Domain. The town flourished as a wealthy cultural hub through the silk and "washi" paper industries, earning it the title "The Silk Capital."
Today, the well-preserved traditional architecture and the "Owara Kaze-no-Bon" festival stand as living testaments to this rich heritage. The timeless atmosphere of the town continues to captivate visitors from around the world.
Access
Getting to Yatsuo from Central Toyama
From Toyama Sta.
Train: Approx. 25 min via JR Takayama Line
Bus: Approx. 45 min
Car / Taxi: Approx. 35 min
From Toyama Kitokito Airport
Car / Taxi: Approx. 20 min
Getting to Toyama from Major Cities
From Kanazawa
From Kanazawa Sta. to Toyama Sta.
Hokuriku Shinkansen: Approx. 25 min to Toyama Sta.
IR Ishikawa Railway: Approx. 1 hour to Toyama Sta.
By Car: Approx. 1 hour direct to Yatsuo
From Tokyo
From Tokyo Sta. to Toyama Sta.
Hokuriku Shinkansen: Approx. 2 hours 10 min to Toyama Sta.
From Osaka
From Osaka Sta. to Tsuruga Sta.
Limited Express "Thunderbird": Approx. 1 hour 20 min to Tsuruga Sta.
From Tsuruga Sta. to Toyama Sta.
Hokuriku Shinkansen: Approx. 1 hour 20 min from Tsuruga to Toyama Sta.
Etchu Yatsuo: Owara Kaze-no-Bon Guided Tour
Experience the rarely seen side of a long-cherished tradition. Join our expert guides to witness exclusive rehearsal scenes and discover the hidden stories of these historic streets.
Immerse yourself in the living atmosphere of the town and savor the true soul of Etchu Yatsuo.
Etchu-Yao Tourism Association
2898-1 Kamishinmachi, Yaomachi, Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture, 939-2342
TEL:076-454-5138
FAX:076-454-6321
Email: kankou02@cty8.com
©2026 General incorporated Etchu Yatsuo Tourism Association.