A Night of Hikers: Yamatomichi HLC Hiking Festival 2024 – Lake Biwa
Text by: Masaaki Mita
A Night of Hikers: Yamatomichi HLC Hiking Festival 2024 – Lake Biwa
Text by: Masaaki Mita
The Yamatomichi HLC Hiking Festival 2024 – Lake Biwa, Ōmi-Maiko took place on November 16–17, 2024, transforming the serene lakeside into a vibrant autumn celebration. The shimmering waters of Lake Biwa set the perfect stage, offering a refreshing contrast to last year’s early-summer festival at Mt. Ishizuchi. This time, an even larger crowd of hikers gathered, filling the air with excitement and camaraderie.
From the moment the Bon Odori practice began, the energy was infectious. Multiple dancing circles swirled in unison, creating a spectacular sight that felt like the main event itself. By the time Imagine Bon Odori Bu’s live performance kicked off, the atmosphere was electric—leaving first-time attendees dazzled by the unforgettable experience.
The Tent Sauna Party team, calling Ōmi-Maiko their home base, greeted hikers with five sauna tents ready to offer relaxation and warmth. The rhythmic power of Nomura Taiko’s drumming reverberated through the festival grounds, while spontaneous musical performances by Yukari Karato and Takuya Sasa added unexpected delight. Kyoto’s Muraya and other vendors transformed their booths into creative spaces brimming with character, while the Guruguru Flea Market brought a sense of discovery and community spirit to the festivities.
A heartfelt thank you goes to the Minamikomatsu community association, Omatukan, our dedicated volunteers, and every hiker who joined us. Your enthusiasm made the Yamatomichi HLC Hiking Festival 2024 an extraordinary and unforgettable celebration once again.
Photos
Photos captured by photographer Hitoshi Tayasu and Yamatomichi Journal editor-in-chief Masaaki Mita are arranged in near-chronological order. You might just spot yourself in one of them!
Videos
We’ve created stunning videos to capture the festival’s spirit—one by Tent Sauna Party’s filmmaker, Makoto Fujiyama, and another by our staff member JK on our YouTube channel.
Whether you joined us at the festival or couldn’t make it, we invite you to relive the excitement and immerse yourself in the experience. Don’t miss it!
(Currently only available in Japanese)
…So, where will the next Yamatomichi HLC Hiking Festival be held? The truth is—we haven’t decided yet!
The festival travels across different HLC regions, and the remaining locations include Kamakura, North Kanto, Hokkaido, Hokuriku, and Taiwan. But no matter where it takes place, one thing is certain—when hikers gather, it’s bound to be an amazing celebration, as proven by the past three festivals!=
We look forward to seeing you at the next festival for hikers. Until then, happy trails!
Yamatomichi HLC Hiking Festival 2024 – Lake Biwa, Ōmi-Maiko
November 16 (Sat) – 17 (Sun), 2024
Venue
Ōmi-Maiko Nakahama and Minamihama Beach (Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture)
Performers
Nomura Taiko
Imagine Bon Odori Bu
Yukari Karato
Takuya Sasa
●Vendors
Muraya
Funazushi-ya
Ha ra
BARBARA COFFEE
ROKU
Goodwolf Beer
BAKERY dry river
Ōmi-Maiko Strawberry Farm
Naoto Nishimura (Draw Dots Dawn)
Big O project by Naomi Kazama
Tent Sauna Party
●Organizer
Yamatomichi
Details and Reservations for Yamatomichi HLC Hiking Festival 2024