Jikoin Fire-Walking Ritual

About this event

Held every year on October 17 at Hakubasan Jikoin Temple in Oyabe City, Toyama Prefecture, the "Jikoin Fire-Walking Ritual" is a traditional sacred rite praying for good health, family safety, and the elimination of sins. Fire from a goma ritual is transferred onto a 3-meter-long, 1.3-meter-wide charcoal carpet. Led by the head priest, participants chant the Fudo Mantra, cut the nine symbolic cuts (kuji), join their hands in prayer, regulate their breathing, and cross barefoot. This fire-walking is also called "Saito Goma," an austere ascetic practice that burns away impurities with fire. Many believers gather from all over the country, and the heroic sight inspires those watching. In addition, during this memorial service, Daigensui Myo'o (a Buddhist deity specialized in prayers for certain victory), which is among the largest richly colored standing wooden statues in Japan, is unveiled to the public only once a year. Anyone can participate in the fire-walking, which is done barefoot. Through this precious experience, it will be an opportunity to purify mind and body and gain renewed vitality.

Venue

Shingon Sect Hakubasan Jikoin Temple

5-6 Nishicho, Oyabe, Toyama 932-0055