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Seasonal Events
SPRING
Spring is the season for Cherry Blossoms and Katsuyama has its own share of this Japanese beauty. Lining the Benten Riverbank, Katsuyama's sakuras have become a popular night spot with people gathering underneath the flowers to enjoy some sake and beer.
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SUMMER
Though the summer is an "unbearably hot" time of year the city has a large array of things to offer to keep one busy. Ski Jam while offering such pleasures as paragliding has also held national level Mountain Bike Races. A popular spot in town during this hot time of the year is Heisenji Shrine, which offers a cool little break from the heat. Hiking is another popular sport as the hillsides of Katsuyama, on a good day, are rumored to offer views all the way to the Sea of Japan.
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FALL
The mountains offer a beautiful landscape
and with the turning of the foliage it becomes
a playground of colors. A drive into the
mountains provides you with some time away
from the daily routines of life. Bring along
a little lunch and one is sure to have a
relaxing and soothing day.
Katsuyama is also known for its famous matsutake
mushrooms in the fall, adding to the array
of flavors that cover the tabletops of Fukui.
The rivers in the region also become a playground
for fisherman who catch ayu, a small river
fish that is a popular dish in the region.
On weekends when driving to Fukui the rivers
from afar are dotted with black dots; fathers
enjoying a relaxing day away from the family.
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WINTER
Though for most of the winter the city is
covered in snow the city has plenty to offer.
The first is Ski Jam of course, which in
one winter can draw over 300,000 visitors
to the city. The city also boasts the first
ever cross country ski grounds in the prefecture,
located in Nagaoyama Park. It's no wonder
Katsuyama is one of the most popular ski
destinations in the region.
The cold season is also the season for Echizen
Crabs, a Fukui specialty, which in taste
ranks among the best nationwide. One taste
of this sweet crab meat and you are sure
to be back for more.
Two major events mark Katsuyama's winter
the first of which is Toshinoichi (Year opening
market) and the second of which is Sagicho
Festival. Toshinoichi is a traditional market
held on the fourth Sunday of January where
people from surrounding areas buy and sell
handmade goods. Examples of handmade items
for sale include: decorations for Shinto
altars, cooking utensils (ie. mortars, mallets,
bamboo strainers and baskets), traditional
daily necessities (ie. straw hats, long boots,
straw raincoats), and foods (dried persimmons,
vegetables, and fish), and the like. On the
appointed day downtown Katsuyama is usually
crowded with people eagerly negotiating prices
for their wares.
Sagicho Festival which holds a 300 year tradition
is the most famous festival of its kind in
the area. During this "spring welcoming"
festival people pray for a good harvest and
safety from fire throughout the coming year.
Drums herald the start of the festival on
the last Saturday in Febuary. The festival
continues until midnight on the following
day. Magnificaent wooden stages called yagura
are placed at various street corners around
town. Men dressed up as women play drums
and dance to the accompaniment of the shamisen,
flute and gongs on stage. The festival ends
with the lighting of several huge bonfires
on the shores of the Kuzuryu River. Tradition
says that the beautiful bonfire reflecting
against the winter sky will appease and delight
the gods as they return to their home.
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