About this event
The 'Mitokusan Festival of Fire' held in Misasa Town, Tottori Prefecture, is a traditional autumn event to offer gratitude to nature and pray for abundance. Amid the resounding echoes of conch shells (horagai), numerous yamabushi mountain ascetic practitioners chant sutras as they parade along the shrine approach, performing the 'Saito Goma Grand Ritual' by tossing prayer sticks (gomagi) inscribed with people's wishes into roaring flames. The flames are believed to deliver worshippers' prayers to the heavens. Marking the climax of the festival is the 'Fire Walking Ritual' (Hiwatari Shinji), considered a secret art of Shugendo, where walking barefoot over hot sand retaining the residual heat of the flames is said to grant blessings such as good physical health, recovery from illness, and fulfillment of great wishes. Members of the general public can also participate on the day. Every year, various concurrent events are held, such as complimentary offerings of bamboo sake and practitioners' rice porridge (gyoja kayu), sales of agricultural produce and sweets, dedicated musical performances, and karate demonstrations, enveloping the entire Mount Mitoku in prayer and vitality. Visitors can experience a solemn autumn moment woven from blazing flames and voices of prayer.
Official website (Japanese) ↗Venue
Mitokusan Sanbutsuji Temple
1010 Mitoku, Misasa-cho, Tohaku-gun, Tottori 682-0132
Open in Google Maps ↗