A traditional fire ritual woven from the purifying flame and the shrine maiden’s measured steps
Fire Dance Festival
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Season / frequency
- Every year February 7 / Every year
- Location
- In front of Yatsukaho Shrine, a subordinate shrine of the Satomiya of Toga Shrine
- Area
- Aichi Prefecture・Toyokawa City(From Tokyo: approx. 1 h 40 min–2 h · 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.
- Features
- Highlights and activities
- Wishes behind the festival
- Last updated
- 2026/11/13
The Fire Dance Festival, passed down at Toga Shrine in Toyokawa City, is a ritual for protection from fire and epidemics, preserving traditional fire-kindling and the shrine maiden’s fire dance.
About Fire Dance Festival
The Fire Dance Festival is a ritual for protection from fire and epidemics, passed down since ancient times at the Satomiya of Toga Shrine in Toyokawa City, Aichi Prefecture.
The Sacred Sword Ritual, Fire-Striking Ritual, and Fire Dance Ritual take place in front of Yatsukaho Shrine, a subordinate shrine.
A distinctive feature is the sequence of kindling a purifying flame according to ancient custom and transferring it to a torch.
The Fire Dance Festival is designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Toyokawa City.
Festival highlights
A highlight is the transfer of the purifying flame, kindled using traditional methods, to a torch.
The torch is called a “flower,” and the shrine maiden carries it as she walks quietly, ringing a bell.
The event follows the sequence of the Sacred Sword Ritual, Fire-Striking Ritual, and Fire Dance Ritual, and also features gagaku performed by court musicians.
It is a solemn ritual where fire, music, and the shrine maiden’s movements come together.
A traditional fire ritual woven from the purifying flame and the shrine maiden’s measured steps
What to expect
The festival begins with the Sacred Sword Ritual, accompanied by gagaku performed by court musicians, and continues with the Fire-Striking Ritual.
Fire is kindled according to ancient custom, and the purifying flame is transferred to a torch called a “flower.” Then, in the Fire Dance Ritual, a shrine maiden carries the torch and walks while ringing a bell.
The series of rituals is said to last 30–40 minutes.
Prayers are also offered for protection from fire.
Location and access
- Venue and address
Satomiya of Toga Shrine, in front of Yatsukaho Shrine, a subordinate shrine / 2 Nishigakiuchi, Ichinomiya-cho, Toyokawa City
Address 2 Nishigakiuchi, Ichinomiya-cho, Toyokawa City
Dates and season
- Season
Every year February 7
- 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 Aichi Prefecture / Toyokawa City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Nearby attractions
御油の松並木資料館
愛知県豊川市の博物館・美術館のスポットです。
砥鹿神社
愛知県豊川市にある神社
豊川市桜ヶ丘ミュージアム
愛知県豊川市にある博物館と美術館の機能を持つ複合文化施設
Origins and History of Fire Dance Festival
The sources do not give details about when the Fire Dance Festival began or its origins, but it is described as a ritual for protection from fire and epidemics, passed down since ancient times at the Satomiya of Toga Shrine.
Current information describes the traditional sequence of the Sacred Sword Ritual, Fire-Striking Ritual, and Fire Dance Ritual.
It is designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Toyokawa City and documented as a ritual passed down in the local community.
Official information
Toga Shrine’s “Festivals and Events” page lists the sequence of rituals, venue, and annual date and time for the Fire Dance Festival.
Fire Dance Festival at a Glance
The Fire Dance Festival is a ritual for protection from fire and epidemics, passed down at the Satomiya of Toga Shrine in Toyokawa City.
After the Sacred Sword Ritual and Fire-Striking Ritual, the purifying flame is transferred to a torch, followed by the Fire Dance Ritual, in which a shrine maiden walks while ringing a bell.
Gagaku performed by court musicians is also part of the event, and the series of rituals is said to last 30–40 minutes.
The festival is described as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Toyokawa City.
Sources and references
Japanese Festivals.jp Editorial Team
Celebrating local culture and helping you discover a side of Japan you never knew.
Article updated: 2026/11/13
