Kotohira Shrine Festival Mikoshi Procession

Festival highlights

The main highlight is hiwatari, held toward the end of the procession.

Sarutahiko, who leads the procession, enters the pillar of fire, followed by the sacred sakaki branch, lion dancers, and mikoshi, who proceed through the flames.

The pillars of fire are said to exceed 3 meters in height. As sparks fly, the procession returns to the shrine—an esoteric rite unique to the Kotohira Shrine Festival.

Source: 琴平神社 - 北海道神社庁のホームページ

A festival of purification, where mikoshi wind through Furubira and tengu meet flames

What to expect

During the grand festival, a procession centered on the mikoshi, joined by Sarutahiko, the sacred sakaki branch, and lion dancers, makes its way through the town.

The sound of large drums and flutes echoes along the route, and at the end of the procession, the sacred fire is taken from the bonfire.

Sarutahiko, the sacred sakaki branch, lion dancers, and mikoshi enter the fire in that order, cleansing the procession of sin and impurity before returning to the shrine.

Source: 天狗の火渡り 神社祭り｜観光・イベント｜新着情報｜北海道古平町オフィシャルホームページ

How to take part

Visitors can watch the event.

Location and access

Venue and address

Kotohira Shrine (86 Shinchicho, Furubira, Furubira-cho, Hokkaido)

Train and bus

Take the Chuo Bus bound for Shakotan from JR Yoichi Station, get off at Furubira Shinchicho, then walk for 5 minutes.

Address 86 Shinchicho, Furubira, Furubira-cho, Hokkaido

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Dates and season

In 2026, July 10 (Friday) was scheduled as the eve festival, and July 11 (Saturday) and the 12th (Sunday) as the main festival.

The schedule indicated that the tengu fire-walking would take place on July 11 and the 12th, over 2 days.

Accommodation and hotels PR

Tips for your visit

During hiwatari, Sarutahiko, the sacred sakaki branch, lion dancers, and mikoshi pass through the bonfire. Watch out for sparks and smoke, and observe from a spot that does not obstruct the procession or the rite.

Hiwatari takes place at night.

For peace of mind, check with the Kotohira Shrine Festival Committee about parking and the day's schedule before visiting.

Origins and History of Kotohira Shrine Festival Mikoshi Procession

This procession is a rite of Kotohira Shrine, passed down in Furubira Town.

Hiwatari (fire-walking) is said to reflect the feelings of local people who worked in dangerous fisheries: they used fire to cleanse themselves of sin and impurity and prayed for safe fishing operations.

The community has worked to preserve and pass on the festival, including forming a preservation society and having the festival designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property by the town.

Source: 古平町の「琴平神社祭典神輿渡御行列」を道指定無形民俗文化財に指定しました✨（2025/6/18）｜北海道教育委員会公式note

Official information

The 2026 eve festival at Kotohira Shrine was scheduled for July 10, and the main festival for July 11 and the 12th.

The Kotohira Shrine Festival Committee handles inquiries about festival details, the day's schedule, and parking. Contact: 0135-42-2249.

Kotohira Shrine Festival Mikoshi Procession at a Glance

The Kotohira Jinja Festival Mikoshi Togyō Procession is a festival in which a mikoshi and Sarutahiko and others make their way through the streets of Furubira Town, with the procession purified by a fire-walking ritual at the end.

Following the procession as it advances to the sounds of taiko and flutes, Sarutahiko, a large sakaki branch, shishimai, and the mikoshi pass through the bonfires.

Passed down as a local custom expressing prayers for fishing safety, it is also designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Hokkaido.