A sacred flame guides this festival of mountain asceticism and grand saitō goma in Kyoto
Agon Star Festival
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Season / frequency
- A Sunday around February 11 each year / Every year
- Area
- Kyoto Prefecture・Kyoto City(From Tokyo: approx. 2 h 10 min–2 h 40 min · bullet train)Prefecture-level estimate to a main station or airport, not the venue. Airport access, check-in and onward travel are extra; remote areas and islands can take much longer.
- Highlights and activities
- Last updated
- 2026/10/19
Held at Agon Shu’s headquarters in Yamashina Ward, Kyoto, this Risshun festival centers on the flames of the saitō goma ritual and yamabushi question-and-answer sessions.
About Agon Star Festival
The Agon Star Festival is a Risshun event organized by Agon Shu and held in the form of the saitō goma ritual of mountain asceticism.
The festival takes place on the grounds of Shakazan Daibodai-ji, the headquarters temple of Agon Shu, in Kitahanayama Omine, Yamashina Ward, Kyoto.
Centered on the grand saitō goma service, it is passed down as a ritual of both the divine and Buddhist realms.
Source: 阿含の星まつり - Wikipedia
Festival highlights
The main highlight is the saitō goma service, when the sacred fire is lit at the main goma altar.
The fire used to light the altar is a sacred flame carrying on the “Goma of Psychic Power” achieved by the founder, Kiriyama Seiyū.
The venue guide also lists events such as yamabushi and children’s yamabushi question-and-answer sessions and a secret blessing ritual, offering a look at a festival centered on goma rituals.
Source: 現地へのアクセスマップ | 炎の祭典 第53回 阿含の星まつり | 先祖供養の総本山 阿含宗
A sacred flame guides this festival of mountain asceticism and grand saitō goma in Kyoto
What to expect
At the festival, the sacred flame is brought to the saitō goma altar, and the grand saitō goma service is performed.
The 2026 venue guide lists a yamabushi question-and-answer session at 10:45 a.m., a children’s yamabushi question-and-answer session at 12:20 p.m., and a special Bhutanese Buddhist-style goma ritual for protection from misfortune at 12:50 p.m.
In addition, the secret kuji ritual of Saishō Kongō Seiyū Daigakuson is scheduled to take place 2 times, at 11:50 a.m. and 1:50 p.m.
Location and access
- Venue and address
The grounds of Agonshu’s head temple, Shakazan Daibodai-ji (Kitahanayama Omine, Yamashina Ward, Kyoto City).
- Train and bus
Shuttle buses run from the Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit (Avanti side) to the venue.
The shuttle buses from the Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit run from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; buses from the venue run from 11 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
- By car
On the day, Higashiyama Driveway is scheduled to be one-way from Gojo toward Sanjo from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Parking
There is no parking at the Hoshi Matsuri venue.
Event venue 京都府京都市 阿含宗本山釈迦山大菩提寺の境内地
This map uses the venue name. Check the official guide for the event area and entrances.
Dates and season
- Season
A Sunday around February 11 each year
- Frequency
Every year
Accommodation and hotels PR
Showing nearby accommodation.
Prices and availability are current at the time of retrieval. For multi-night stays, only the first night’s price is shown. Confirm the final price and directions to the venue with the booking provider. Select your dates again when using the area search link. Search area: within 3 km of Central Kyoto Prefecture / Kyoto City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Tips for your visit
There is no parking at the venue, so if you’re driving, be sure to check the traffic restrictions.
Higashiyama Driveway is scheduled to be one-way on the day, limiting the direction in which you can travel.
If you’re using public transportation, it’s a good idea to check the shuttle bus times from the Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit before setting out.
Nearby attractions
京都タワー
京都府京都市下京区にある塔
京都国立博物館
京都市にある国立博物館
京都国立近代美術館
京都市左京区岡崎にある美術館
京都国際マンガミュージアム
日本の京都府京都市中京区にある日本最大の漫画博物館
京都市美術館
京都市左京区岡崎にある美術館
京都府立植物園
京都市左京区にある植物園
京都鉄道博物館
京都府京都市下京区にある鉄道博物館
Fushimi Inari Taisha
京都市伏見区にある神社
元離宮二条城
京都市にある城郭及び元皇室関連施設
Yasaka Shrine
京都市東山区にある神社
円山公園
京都市にある公園
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
京都市上京区にある神社
Origins and History of Agon Star Festival
The first grand saitō goma service for the Agon Star Festival was held in February 1975.
In 1981, the goma altar became a dual altar with sections for the divine and Buddhist realms, and from 1987, the ceremony has been performed with the True Buddha Relic as its principal object of worship.
Beginning with the 1994 Star Festival, it came to be called the “Grand Saitō Goma Service of the Divine and Buddhist Realms,” developing into the festival as it is held today.
Official information
Agon Shu’s official information lists the 2026 event as the “Festival of Flames: 53rd Agon Star Festival.”
The local access information gives shuttle bus departure and arrival points and times, notes that traffic is one-way on the day, and states that there is no parking at the venue.
Agon Star Festival at a Glance
The Agon Star Festival is a Risshun event centered on the saitō goma ritual, held at Agon Shu’s headquarters in Yamashina Ward, Kyoto.
The festival features the lighting of the sacred fire at the main goma altar, as well as yamabushi question-and-answer sessions and goma rituals.
In 2026, shuttle buses will run from the Hachijo Exit of Kyoto Station, and there is no parking at the venue.
Japanese Festivals.jp Editorial Team
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Article updated: 2026/10/19
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