A summer tradition in Iwayato, entrusting the community's wishes to 108 flames
Iwayato no Hyakutō
Festival information
EVENT INFORMATION- Season / frequency
- Every year August 15 / Every year
- Location
- The embankment in front of Iwayato Village
- Area
- Shizuoka Prefecture・Nishiizu Town(From Tokyo: approx. 1 h–1 h 30 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
- 2026/11/11
Iwayato no Hyakutō takes place at dusk in Isshiki, Iwayato, Nishiizu Town, every year on August 15. Children light 108 torches one by one, in a wish to ward off epidemics and drive away harmful insects.
About Iwayato no Hyakutō
Iwayato no Hyakutō is a fire event held every year on August 15 in Isshiki, Iwayato, Nishiizu Town.
The children light 108 torches one by one after they are set up on the embankment in front of the village.
This event, held to ward off epidemics and drive away harmful insects, has continued since the Anei era (1772–1781).
Festival highlights
The highlight is the sight of 108 torches lined up on the embankment in front of Iwayato Village as dusk approaches.
The children light the torches in turn, and the fire gradually spreads.
Rather than competing to create a dazzling spectacle, this event offers a glimpse of a community tradition imbued with wishes to ward off epidemics and drive away harmful insects.
A summer tradition in Iwayato, entrusting the community's wishes to 108 flames
What to expect
As dusk approaches on August 15, the event begins with 108 torches being set up on the embankment in front of Iwayato Village.
The children light the torches one after another, sending the fire along the line.
This series of activities is carried out to ward off epidemics and drive away harmful insects.
Location and access
- Venue and address
Isshiki, Iwayato — the embankment in front of Iwayato Village
Address Isshiki, Iwayato, Nishiizu Town, Kamo District, Shizuoka Prefecture
Dates and season
- Season
Every year August 15
- Frequency
Every year
Accommodation and hotels PR
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Origins and History of Iwayato no Hyakutō
Iwayato no Hyakutō is an event said to have been held since the Anei era (1772–1781).
The practice of setting up 108 torches on the embankment in front of Iwayato Village and having children light them is tied to the wish to ward off epidemics and drive away harmful insects.
It is recorded as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Nishiizu Town.
Official information
Nishiizu Town Hall's events calendar lists Iwayato Hyakutō as an event on August 15, 2024, with the venue given as near Iwayato Bridge and the start time as 19:30.
Iwayato no Hyakutō at a Glance
Iwayato no Hyakutō is a fire event held every year on August 15 in Isshiki, Iwayato, Nishiizu Town.
The children light 108 torches one by one after they are set up on the embankment in front of the village.
It has continued since the Anei era (1772–1781) and is an important local event held to ward off epidemics and drive away harmful insects.
Sources and references
Japanese Festivals.jp Editorial Team
Celebrating local culture and helping you discover a side of Japan you never knew.
Article updated: 2026/11/11
