Reproducing the witches' spring festival. "Walpurgis Night" in Sakuhō Town on May 9th.
In Sakuhō Town, Nagano Prefecture, an event themed around a German spring festival, "Walpurgisnacht in Shinshu," will be held on Saturday, May 9th, at Chiiroba no Mori. This unique event combines a lecture by Yuko Nishimura, a German literature scholar and author who has published works such as "The Witch's Herbal Box," "Journey on the Witch's Road," and "The Witch's Botanical Garden: 37 Plants Cherished by Witches" from Yama-Kei Publishers Co.,Ltd., with a festival centered on witches, allowing attendees to experience foreign customs within the local natural environment.
This event recreates the "Walpurgis Night" tradition from Northern Germany. Legend states that on the night of April 30th, witches gather on mountains to celebrate the arrival of spring. At the venue, a forest at an altitude of approximately 1000 meters, a diverse program will be offered, including lectures, music, dance, street performances, and a cosplay contest. A market featuring food, drinks, and crafts, as well as wild plant observation sessions, workshops, and book sales will also be held. Visitors are welcome to attend in costumes of witches and demons, promising a day of celebrating spring in an extraordinary atmosphere.
In the lecture, Nishimura, who is knowledgeable about German witch culture and literature, will explain the history and culture related to Walpurgis Night and witches. Through the explanations by this researcher, who is also known for her books, participants will have an opportunity to engage with European folklore.
Walpurgis Night in Shinshu Overview
Date and Time: Saturday, May 9, 2026, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
venue: Chiiroba no Mori (2893 Hagori, Sakuhō Town, Minamisaku District, Nagano Prefecture)
Contents: Lecture, Witch Festival, Market, Various Performances and Experience Programs
Entry fee: Lecture + Festival: Adults ¥3,500, University/High School Students ¥2,500 / Festival Only: ¥500 (Elementary school students and younger are free)
Organizer: Walpurgis Night in Shinshu Executive Committee
contact information
Walpurgis Night in Shinshu Executive Committee
MAIL：walpurgis@gmail.com
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