REPORT

The “Shionomichi Matsuri” (Salt Road Festival), a free walking event, was held in Hakuba Village for the first time in five years on 5/4 (Sat.). Approximately 1,200 participants walked around 9 km from the Ochikura Nature Park to Hakuba Green Sports Forest under pleasant sunny skies, enjoying views of the Northern Alps, countryside scenery, Hakuba’s history, and the new spring foliage unique to this season.
[Matsukawa Bridge to Hakuba Village Hall]

After registering, participants received a course map, commemorative sticker, and original tenugui hand towel, and were then free to start walking. The starting point featured a performance by the Shionomichi Taiko drummers, a traditional ceremony to open a sake cask, free food and drink handouts, and an appearance by the “Uesugi Omotenashi Bushotai” – a group dressed in the style of famous military commanders. Many people formed a line to visit the Kirikubo Suwa Shrine (pictured), where masks used in a traditional festival are stored.
[Kirikubo Suwa Shrine]

One of the great pleasures of this event is the free handouts of food and drinks that takes place at various spots along the way, chiefly: Kannonbara, the Shinden Community Center, and Hakuba Village Hall. In addition to beverages such as tea, orange juice, sports drinks, and carrot juice, food such as dorayaki, Happo manju (pictured), rice balls made of purple rice, boiled vegetables, and tsukemono (Japanese pickles) were also available. The food was plentiful and tasty, and by the end I had stuffed myself absolutely full.
[Hakuba Village Office]

Mr. Maruyama (pictured), the village mayor, dressed as a military deputy, while Risa Kunimoto (pictured, *Hakuba Village Tourism Ambassador), dressed as a princess, and other locals in old period costumes walked together to the goal, the Green Sports Forest. I spoke with Ms. Kunimoto, who told me, “I have participated in the Salt Road Festival in the past, but this is the first time for me to participate wearing a kimono. I’d love to participate again.”
[Hakuba Green Sports Forest]

*On 5/3 (Fri.), Otari Village held their own “Shionomichi Matsuri,” which was also free to participate, and on 5/5 (Sun.), Omachi City held the “Shionomichi Lakeside Walk & Photo Contest” (*JPY1,000 for junior high school students and older, free for junior high school students and younger).

　
[45th Shiono michi matsuri (Salt Road Festival)]
*Place … Hakuba Village
*Date … 2024/5/4 (Sat)
*Fees … Free
*Parking … Hakuba Green Sports Forest parking lot (*Free, use free shuttle bus to Ochikura Nature Park)
　
　
reported by Snownavi