Daizenji Tamataregu Shrine Oni-yo Fire Festival

About this event

Daizenji Tamataregu Oni-yo is one of Japan's three major fire festivals with a tradition of over 1,600 years, and is designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. Held on the final day of the 'Onie' ceremony that takes place from New Year's Eve until January 7th, this vigorous, spirited New Year festival features six gigantic torches—said to be the largest in Japan, measuring 13 meters long, 1 meter in diameter, and weighing about 1.2 tons—burning in crimson flames. Hundreds of parishioners' young men clad only in loincloths support them using tools called 'karimata' while moving around the shrine grounds. It is said that being bathed in the sparks and light of these giant torches brings blessings of good health, family safety, disaster prevention, and good fortune, attracting many visitors. The sight of the burning giant torches being led around is nothing short of breathtaking.

Venue

Tamataregu Shrine

1463-1 Daizenjimachi Miyamoto, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-0073