About this event
This festival is held to reenact the heroic deeds of Goryo Hamaguchi, who saved villagers through the story of 'Inamura no Hi' (The Fire of Rice Sheaves), to pass his legacy down to future generations, and to raise disaster prevention awareness. In the aftermath of the tsunami caused by the 1854 Ansei Great Earthquake, the lifesaving actions and subsequent recovery efforts led by local hero Goryo Hamaguchi remain recognized today as a model for regional disaster prevention and community development, as seen in the historical tale 'Inamura no Hi' and the historic site 'Hiromura Embankment.' During the festival, participants hold torches in a mystical torchlight procession while remembering his deeds. The procession advances carrying torches along the Omichi Kaido from the Inamura-no-Hi Plaza in front of Hirogawa Town Hall to Hiro Hachiman Shrine, with rice straw ignited along the way. At Hiro Hachiman Shrine, torch dedication and Heian dance performances take place. Starting in fiscal 2026, the event date has been changed to the 4th Saturday.
Source website (Japanese) ↗Venue
Hiro Hachiman Shrine (Hiro Hachimangu)
206 Kaminakano, Hirogawa, Arida District, Wakayama 643-0064
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