Nachi Fire Festival Guide
Feel the Heat: Experience the Fiery Spectacle of the Nachi Fire Festival Guide
Witness one of Japan's most spectacular and intense fire festivals, the Nachi Fire Festival (Nachi no Hi Matsuri), held annually on July 14th at the Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine in Kiho, Wakayama Prefecture. This ancient Shinto ritual is a breathtaking display of purification and renewal, involving massive torches carried down the mountainside in a vibrant and energetic procession. It's a truly unforgettable cultural experience. The Nachi Fire Festival has its roots in the ancient worship of the Nachi Waterfall, considered a sacred site and believed to be the dwelling place of the deity of the Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine. The festival is a symbolic reenactment of the deity's journey from the waterfall to the shrine. The large torches, weighing up to 50 kilograms each, represent the purification of the deity and the renewal of the community. During the festival, men dressed in white robes carry the flaming torches down the stone steps of the shrine, chanting and shouting as they go. The air is filled with smoke, sparks, and the intense heat of the flames. Spectators can witness the procession up close, feeling the energy and excitement of the event. The festival also includes traditional music, dance, and other rituals, making it a truly immersive cultural experience. While in the area, be sure to visit the stunning Nachi Waterfall, one of Japan's tallest waterfalls. The area is also known for its delicious Katsuura tuna.
Transportation
The closest train station to Nachi Fire Festival is Kii-Katsuura Station. From there, you can take a bus to Nachi Taisha Shrine. The bus ride takes approximately 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from Kii-Katsuura Station to the shrine. From Osaka, take the JR Limited Express Kuroshio to Kii-Katsuura Station.