Yutoku Inari Shrine Ohitaki Fire Festival

About this event

Held as a nighttime Shinto ritual of the Niinamesai harvest festival at Yutoku Inari Shrine in Kashima City, Saga Prefecture, "Ohitaki" is a traditional festival that has continued for over 300 years. When giant torch-like structures called "Oyama" set up in the shrine grounds are ignited, flames reaching more than ten meters in height rise up with such intensity that they seem to reach the main hall. It is believed that being warmed by this sacred fire cures illnesses, purifies unconsciously committed sins and impurities, and carries prayers for happiness in the coming year. Amazake made from freshly harvested rice planted during the spring "Otane-sai" (rice-planting ritual) and harvested during the autumn "Nukibo-sai" (grain-harvesting ritual) is served to visitors as an offering of gratitude for the harvest and a bestowal of good fortune. On the day of the event, various Niinamesai Shinto rituals take place starting in the morning, leading up to the main "Ohitaki" ritual in the evening. The shopping streets, usually quiet, remain open late into the night with street stalls, allowing visitors to enjoy a festive atmosphere different from usual.

Venue

Yutoku Inari Shrine

1855 Furuedaotsu, Kashima, Saga 849-1321