A distinctive Ikuji fire festival, rooted in a tale of safe return from the sea and gratitude for the sacred fire
Ikuji Torch Festival
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Season / frequency
- October 26
- Location
- Ikuji district, Kurobe City
- Area
- Toyama Prefecture・Kurobe 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.
- Features
- Highlights and activities
- Wishes behind the festival
- Last updated
- 2026/10/23
Set against a tradition of a fishing boat’s safe return after being guided by a light at sea, this festival in the Ikuji district of Kurobe brings together torches and local beliefs, passed down through generations.
About Ikuji Torch Festival
The Ikuji Torch Festival is an Intangible Folk Cultural Property designated by Kurobe City and passed down in the Ikuji district of Kurobe, Toyama Prefecture.
According to local tradition, in Kyotoku 3 (1454)August 25, a fishing boat caught in a storm made it back to Ikuji Beach by following a single light seen on the sea.
That light was regarded as the sacred fire of Niiharu Shrine, and the festival brings together torches and worship of Ebisu and Daikoku to express gratitude for the fishermen’s safe return.
Source: 市指定文化財［民俗文化財］｜黒部市 / 黒部市の文化財｜黒部市
Festival highlights
As its name suggests, this is a fire festival featuring torches, but fire worship is not its only element.
The festival brings together worship of Ebisu and Daikoku; the distinctive custom of the deities traveling aboard a boat-shaped vessel; worship of sacred ashes; mendara serving as guides and path-clearing attendants for the ; and Ebisu and Daikoku making a circuit of the district.
This is a rare event that combines customs and practices found in the Niikawa area with the distinctive character of Ikuji.
A distinctive Ikuji fire festival, rooted in a tale of safe return from the sea and gratitude for the sacred fire
What to expect
The festival includes a torch-lit fire ritual, held in gratitude for the sacred fire said to have guided a fishing boat in danger of being lost at sea.
The festival’s elements include worship of Ebisu and Daikoku, the custom of the deities traveling aboard a boat-shaped vessel, and worship of sacred ashes.
The tradition also includes mendara serving as guides and path-clearing attendants for the mikoshi, as well as Ebisu and Daikoku making a circuit of the district.
Location and access
- Venue and address
Ikuji district, Kurobe City
- By car
5 minutes by car from Ikuji Station on the Ainokaze Toyama Railway
Address Ikuji district, Kurobe City
Dates and season
- Season
October 26
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 Toyama Prefecture / Kurobe City (the search is not centered on the festival venue)
Nearby attractions
黒部川電気記念館
富山県黒部市にある博物館
写真：江戸村のとくぞう (Edomura no Tokuzo) / CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo source ·
黒部市吉田科学館
富山県の博物館・美術館のスポットです。
Origins and History of Ikuji Torch Festival
According to local tradition, late at night in Kyotoku 3 (1454)August 25, a fishing boat in danger off the coast of Ikuji was guided by a light on the sea and made it back to Ikuji Beach.
That light was regarded as the sacred fire of Niiharu Shrine, and the festival has been held in the Ikuji district for generations to express gratitude for the fishermen’s safe return.
In Heisei 28 (2016)January 26, it was designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property by Kurobe City.
Official information
Kurobe City: “City-Designated Cultural Properties [Folk Cultural Properties]”
Ikuji Torch Festival at a Glance
The Ikuji Torch Festival is an Intangible Folk Cultural Property designated by Kurobe City and passed down in the Ikuji district.
The festival originates in a local tradition that, on a stormy night in 1454, a fishing boat was guided to safety by a light at sea. Gratitude for that sacred fire lies at the heart of the festival.
Centered on the torch festival and worship of Ebisu and Daikoku, the event brings together elements such as the boat-shaped vessel, sacred ashes, mendara, and a circuit through the district, giving it a distinctive Ikuji character.
Japanese Festivals.jp Editorial Team
Celebrating local culture and helping you discover a side of Japan you never knew.
Article updated: 2026/10/23
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