Hirose Sengen Shrine Fire Festival

About this event

The "Hirose Sengen Shrine Fire Festival," held every year on August 21 at Hirose Sengen Shrine in Sayama City, Saitama Prefecture, is a traditional festival passed down in the region. Members of the Fire Festival Preservation Society, centered on Fuji-ko devotees, gather to prepare for the festival at the Fujizuka mound that serves as the venue. Of particular note are the gomagi (wooden prayer sticks) known as "Otakiage," made by binding mulberry wood. Two are prepared—one large and one small—with the larger one reaching a height of about 2.5 to 3 meters. In the evening, stalls line the approach leading to Sengen Shrine, creating a festive atmosphere reminiscent of a shrine fair. Locals refer to this festival as "Suikamachi" (Watermelon Gathering), which originates from the many stalls that used to sell watermelons in the past. At night, following a purification ritual (oharai), the smaller gomagi is lit first, and after it has completely burned, the larger gomagi is ignited. The sight of the two gomagi blazing vigorously is magnificent. This festival has traditionally been held to pray for three blessings: a bountiful sericulture harvest, safe childbirth, and fire prevention. Visitors may take home the candle stubs placed at the top of the Fujizuka, which are believed to bring blessings for safe childbirth, or the remaining charcoal embers from the gomagi, said to ward off fire disasters. In addition, the Hirose Hayashi Preservation Society performs traditional Hirose Hayashi musical accompaniment, and women from the Mizutomi district perform folk dances, attracting many visitors as a summer evening tradition.

Venue

Hirose Sengen Shrine (Fuji Sengen-gu)

983-2 Kamihirose, Sayama, Saitama 350-1321